What is the role of a planning engineer?

Planning engineers are critical to several industries because practically every organization and company needs expert planners. Their primary focus is on developing comprehensive project plans and schedules, ensuring the timely and efficient execution of projects while meeting all quality and safety standards. Planning engineers coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including project managers, contractors, and other engineering teams, to facilitate seamless project delivery.

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Automation Engineer

Location: Greater Toronto Area

Branche: Pharmaceuticals

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 2 years

Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automated systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, and other control systems. Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and software-related issues to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency. Perform regular calibration of sensors, instruments, and automated equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards. Modify/optimize control programs to enhance process performance and production quality. Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, calibrations, and software changes. Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA, and other regulatory requirements by adhering to established protocols and guidelines for pharmaceutical industry standards. Identify opportunities to improve automation processes, enhance system reliability, and reduce operational costs. Collaborate with engineering teams to implement upgrades and modifications to systems. Work closely with production, quality assurance, and engineering teams to support manufacturing objectives. Provide training and guidance to operators and junior technicians on the proper use of automated systems. Strong knowledge of PLC programming and industrial automation systems. Experience with control system architecture, including SCADA, HMI interfaces, and networks Proficient in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical, electrical, and software components Familiarity with sensors, actuators, motors, VFDs, and servo systems. Ability to interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, and electrical schematics. Strong analytical and diagnostic skills to identify and resolve system inefficiencies. Proactive mindset with the ability to prioritize and manage tasks in a high-pressure situations

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Location: Calgary, AB or Vancouver, BC

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 5 years

We have a current opportunity for a Lead Mechanical Engineer on a temporary basis. The position will be based in Vancouver. For further information about this position please apply.

Quality Manager (Engineering)

Location: Greater Toronto Area

Branche: Pharmaceuticals

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 2 years

Provide quality oversight for manufacturing process equipment, CIP, SIP, Thermal, Utilities, HVAC qualification and computerized system validation activities pertaining to B100 licensure, start-up and lifecycle management. Review/approve validation deliverables (i.e. URS, specification documents, risk assessment, test strategies, protocols, executed raw data packages, reports, validation plans, SOPs, Equipment registration in SAP) in accordance with internal and regulatory policies. Review, assess and approve change controls, deviations and corrective plans, resulting from validation/qualification studies. As required, represent Quality Operations on project team and/or sub-teams and/or project working groups to provide direction on validation issues with respect to compliance. Responsible for maintaining validation awareness by screening and reporting on significant validation trends and changes through literature reviews, meetings, and peer discussions within the industry.

Project Manger (Engineering)

Location: Greater Toronto Area

Branche: Pharmaceuticals

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 2 years

Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, resource plans, KPIs, and progress reporting. Support governance meetings by preparing materials, capturing action items, and ensuring follow-through Drive alignment across program teams and ensure adherence to the Manufacturing 4.0 roadmap Act as a liaison between cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, IT, and business process owners. Foster collaboration across various communities of practice, such as MES, Kinaxis, and M&S Plan-to-Manufacture teams. Facilitate stakeholder engagement through effective communication strategies and updates Oversee the deployment of digital tools, such as MES systems, Kinaxis, and iShift. Identify areas for continuous improvement and align solutions with operational excellence goals. Implement change management strategies for smooth adoption of new processes Lead training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions to support cultural and operational shifts Ensure all project activities comply with regulatory requirements and company standards. Maintain documentation to support audits and inspections.

Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Montréal

Branche: Food Production

Expertise: Research & Development

Experience: 2 years

Responsibilities Design and implement firmware for power conversion products. Develop low-level code (C/C++) for microcontrollers, program RTOS, and manage interfaces (e.g., communication, external data logging). Generate real-time data curves and enhance software efficiency for legacy products. Create and execute test cases for software verification and validation. Collaborate closely with hardware and power electronics engineers. Prepare and maintain design and test documentation.

Project Manager

Location: Bécancour

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 4 years

Be a leader in HSE requirements, ensuring zero harm or incidents across all project phases, including engineering. Ensure Quality Assurance practices are followed throughout the project lifecycle. Hold project and construction management teams accountable for adhering to HSE requirements, scope, budget, and schedule, and enforce contractor accountability for cost and quality. Lead project teams to meet business requirements, including selecting contracting strategies and resource allocation. Coordinate resources to achieve project plans effectively. Provide input into baseline schedules and ensure discipline leads contribute to their relevant schedules and estimates. Regularly review project histograms and challenge discrepancies where necessary. Ensure data accuracy within the Global Capital Management System (GCMS). Engage with asset owners/customers, maintaining transparency and proactive communication. Conduct monthly reviews of the Project Risk Register with relevant disciplines. Control and report project status to stakeholders. Prepare and deliver project presentations. Manage project changes, notifying and addressing them early.

Electrical Project Manager

Location: Montreal

Branche: Food Production

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 2 years

Monitor and provide guidance to electricians when needed - including contractors. Monitors the respect by contractors of the scope and quality criteria defined in the contract, creates non-conformities when applicable and ensures the application of agreed action plans Create schedules, delegate work and train new employees. Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, or industrial purposes. Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational, safety, or environmental standards Prepare technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to BMS standards and customer requirements Plan layout of electric power generating plants or distribution lines or stations Conduct field surveys or study maps, graphs, diagrams, or other data to identify and correct power system problems Design electrical systems or components that minimize electric energy requirements Ensure the proper maintenance of equipment, compliance with electrical codes and adherence to safety regulations, NEC and NFPA Standards Contribute to improving designs, electrical estimations and manufacturing processes Keep records of electrical operations and timesheets Ensure adequate inventory, plan budgets, prioritize purchases, prepare cost estimates and document their purchases Assist and ensure the correct connections in control panels, I/O check and power supply Studies the technical documentation put together by the Project Team (i.e., Equipment Lists, Electrical Drawings, Electrical Specifications, etc.) and develops commissioning protocols and forms for the Start Up, IQ and OQ of process equipment and installations Perform commissioning on site, instrument installation, electrical installation and maintenance in compliance with electrical standard

Project Planner

Location: Oakville

Branche: Life Sciences

Expertise: Planning & Testing

Experience: 4 years

Responsibilities Promote a safe work culture. Aid the Project Managers on Complex Projects Drive effective resource utilization and coordinate workload across team. Prioritize and assign work. Act as a connection between the PM team and other internal teams as needed. Assist in the development of preliminary planning(s) at bid phase, to be included in our offers to Customers. Drive continuous improvement of Planning activity, learning from experience, and sharing best practices. Travel to customer sites and Veolia offices as needed for project and team support including but not limited to Veolia team training and customer meetings.

Project Manager II

Location: Montreal

Branche: Food Production

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 3 years

Plan and execute the project according to Boccard Project Management System and internal best practices in place Accountable for delivering the project On Time, On Spec, and On Budget Track Project performance and meet budgetary objectives until project closure. Manage project budgets and report estimated versus actual costs, against physical progress. Analyze and explain technical and budgetary variances Carry out project closeout, prepare project postmortem and report final project KPIs Play an active role in maintaining the good relationship between the company and the client Liaison with all project stakeholders throughout project lifecycle and main point of contact for customer on project related communication Prepare quotations, draft proposals, and support technical alignments Execute and follow requests for modification to orders in compliance with contractual agreement and per internal rules Prepare and manage staffing plans - Identify the need for internal and external resources Manage the project team, organize and lead internal meetings. Organize and conduct project meetings (Kick Off Meeting, Weekly, Fortnightly, etc.) throughout lifecycle of project Apply standard Engineering practices to complete and/or review calculations, spreadsheets, drawings, piping layouts, and functional descriptions. Plan and coordinate with various departments the completion of tasks / milestones: to be delivered on time and on spec: design review, P&ID, 3D, highlighted P&IDs Manage and validate the technical calculations, specifications Work closely with the Supply Chain department: Plan the Supply Chain Kick Off meeting and comply with internal purchase order rules of engagements Write and validate reception protocols and approve installations Coordinate shop fabrication and onsite installation on assigned projects (may oversee equipment installation as necessary) Organize and facilitate acceptance tests (Simulations, FAT, SAT, Qualifications) Schedule and supervise the start-up Document project handover and execute Provisional and Final Acceptance certificates Prepare and provide project status reports to upper management / direct supervisor

Project Lead

Location: Lachine

Branche: Food Production

Expertise: Research & Development

Experience: 3 years

Direct, manage and support other resources assigned to all tasks related to the product development or continuous improvement projects Plan, maintain and communicate project timelines and changes Contribute to technical design, development and improvements to all products within the Organization Review and approve mechanical drawings and electrical schematics related to the project Perform and document testing activities to support product development and continuous improvement projects Participate in assembling prototype and/or installing parts on existing equipment (mechanic, electric and/or electronic) Maintain current understanding of the product and provide technical support to all internal departments Manage engineering changes to assigned products Participate in Quality and Continuous Improvement Reviews, support initiatives and actions as required.

What do planning engineers do? 

Planning engineers are responsible for several key tasks throughout the project lifecycle. They meticulously analyze project requirements and objectives to create detailed plans, encompassing timelines, resource allocation, and budget estimates. These professionals collaborate with project managers to set achievable milestones and deadlines, allowing for efficient project monitoring and progress tracking.
 

Moreover, planning engineers continuously assess project risks and implement risk mitigation strategies to minimize potential delays and disruptions. They monitor the project's progress, identify any deviations from the original plan, and propose corrective actions to ensure the project remains on schedule.
 

Planning engineers utilize various project management tools and software to create and manage Gantt charts, critical path analysis, and resource utilization charts. These tools aid in effective project planning and resource allocation, allowing for the optimization of manpower and equipment utilization.

What are the required skills for a planning engineer? 

To excel as a planning engineer, individuals must possess a diverse skill set. Exceptional organizational skills are essential for managing complex project plans and multiple timelines effectively. Planning engineers should be adept at problem-solving, as they often encounter unforeseen challenges that require quick and efficient resolution to keep the project on track.

 

Communication skills are crucial for successful collaboration with project stakeholders and team members. Planning engineers need to convey complex technical information and project updates clearly and concisely. Additionally, they should have a strong understanding of project management methodologies and techniques to develop efficient and realistic project schedules.

Where do planning engineers work? 

Planning engineers find employment opportunities in a variety of industries, especially in construction, infrastructure development, manufacturing, and large-scale project management. They may work for construction companies, engineering firms, government agencies, or any organization involved in project planning and execution.

Common planning engineer responsibilities 

  • Develop comprehensive project plans and schedules, considering project requirements, objectives, and available resources;

  • Collaborate with project managers and other stakeholders to set realistic milestones and deadlines for project completion;

  • Continuously monitor project progress, identify potential delays, and implement corrective measures to keep the project on track;

  • Conduct risk assessments and develop risk mitigation strategies to minimize project disruptions;

  • Utilize project management tools and software to create Gantt charts, critical path analysis, and resource utilization charts;

  • Coordinate with engineering teams, contractors, and suppliers to ensure timely and efficient project execution;

  • Optimize resource allocation and manpower utilization to maximize project efficiency;

  • Provide regular project updates to stakeholders, keeping them informed of project status and any changes to the plan;

  • Comply with safety regulations and quality standards throughout the project;

  • Maintain detailed project documentation, including plans, schedules, and progress reports.

Qualifications for planning engineers 

To become a planning engineer, candidates should possess at least a Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Additional certifications in project management or relevant software proficiency can be advantageous.

 

Other essential qualifications include:

  • 2-4+ years of experience in project planning and scheduling;
  • Proficiency in project management tools and software;
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities;
  • Extensive experience with project management methodologies;
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized;
  • Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams;
  • Dedicated to completing projects on time and within the budget.