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What is the Role of a Project Engineer in Construction?

As a project engineer on the SHYFT construction team, Jerica Ruballo works closely with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and owners to ensure everyone is aligned on the timeline and project goals. Here Jerica shares what a workday might look like:

 

I play a role in planning, execution, and completion of our construction projects. Each day is different – one of the reasons I love what I do! Some days I am on a jobsite all day, where others I am in the office working on pre-construction for an upcoming project.

 

On Site:

When I am on a project site, I help to make sure contractors are completing work per the plans and making sure the site meets safety standards. I am the main point of contact for the subcontractors. While on site, I do quality control checks to ensure that work meets quality standards and project specifications. 

 

I also work with contractors to ensure that we stay on schedule. This means leading weekly subcontractor meetings and being available to answer any questions or issues that may come up. I regularly communicate with subcontractors to ensure they are lined up and ready to go once we get to their scope of work in the project.

 

I handle Requests for Information (RFIs) that arise while on site and get the RFIs to the architect or engineer. I work to ensure that all necessary permits are obtained, and inspections are scheduled and passed. I provide regular updates on project status, progress, and any issues to the project team and owners. I also help with any subcontractor change orders that arise during a project – these can occur when there is an owner change order or scope increase that would require the subcontractor’s contract to increase. Lastly, I work with the project manager to monitor the project budget.

 

Off Site:

When I am off site, I assist with preparing upcoming projects to be sent out to bid. This means helping with the invitation to bid, the bidders list, preparing the bid tab, etc. I help to establish the initial budget and eventually help to establish the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).

 

Once projects are sent out to bid, I set up site walks with subcontractors to walk them through the scope of work. While in the pre-construction phase, I coordinate with subcontractors and prepare any pre-bid RFIs that need to get routed to the design team for further clarification. When we receive bids, I help to qualify those bids and begin writing scopes of work to prepare each subcontractor’s contract.

 

Once we have contractors in contract to complete their scope of work, I begin requesting submittals. Submittals get put together and sent to the architect or designer. Submittals allow us to ensure we and the subcontractors are building the project per the plans. I also help to prepare agendas for OAC (owner, architect, contractor) meetings, and attend any owner meetings.

 

Being a project engineer in construction is a dynamic and rewarding job that requires a blend of technical knowledge, managerial skills, and problem-solving abilities!

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