Construction project managers control the time, cost and quality of
construction projects, from residential, commercial and industrial buildings to roads, bridges and schools. They plan and coordinate all aspects of the construction process, including hiring contractors and working with engineers, architects and vendors. A single manager might oversee an entire construction project, or multiple managers might oversee specific aspects of a larger project. Managers can be self-employed or be employees of construction management companies, developers or property owners. Construction Project Manager Duties Managers might begin their jobs by determining the scheduling of different phases of a project based on established deadlines. They often negotiate contracts with architects, vendors, contractors and other workers. The securing of building permits and licenses and delivery of materials and equipment to construction sites also might be issues that must be addressed initially. As a project continues, construction managers typically confer with supervisors or other managers to monitor construction progress, including worker productivity and compliance with building and safety codes. Because they must ensure that a project is completed according to schedule, managers must resolve problems that arise due to inclement weather, emergencies or other issues that may cause delays. Construction Project Manager Requirements Increasingly, construction project managers are expected to have a bachelor's degree in a construction-related field, such as building science, construction management or civil engineering, as opposed to just having industry experience. However, years of construction experience still is needed for entry into this profession and can be gained through working as an intern, craft worker or supervisor on a construction job. Project Engineer Job Responsibilities: Completes engineering projects by organizing and controlling project elements. Project Engineer Job Duties: Develops project objectives by reviewing project proposals and plans; conferring with management. Determines project responsibilities by
identifying project phases and elements; assigning personnel to phases and
elements; reviewing bids from contractors. Determines project specifications by studying product design, customer requirements, and performance standards; completing technical studies; preparing cost estimates. Confirms product performance by designing and conducting tests. Determines project schedule by studying project plan and specifications; calculating time requirements; sequencing project elements. Maintains project schedule by monitoring project progress; coordinating activities; resolving problems. Controls project plan by reviewing design, specifications, and plan and schedule changes; recommending actions. Controls project costs by approving expenditures; administering contractor contracts. Prepares project status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends; recommending actions. Maintains safe and clean working environment by enforcing procedures, rules, and regulations. Maintains project data base by writing computer programs; entering and backing up data. Maintains product and company reputation by complying with federal and state regulations. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Project Engineer Skills and Qualifications: Requirements Analysis, Design Skills, Project Management, Manufacturing Methods and Procedures, Process Improvement, Technical Understanding, Documentation Skills, Safety Management, Supervision, CAD, CAD/CAM Circuit Design Quality Control Engineers Quality engineers monitor and audit the quality of all manufactured goods in a variety of industries, including the automobile, textile, clothing, food, and electronics industries. They work to not only find defects, but also to find the cause of the defect and develop a solution. Relevant education is available at the associate through master's degree levels, and industry certifications can boost career options. Quality Control Engineers Job Description and Duties: Across all types of industry, quality engineers are at work monitoring, testing and inspecting products to make sure they meet specified standards. Quality engineers test products to determine how long they will last, what part may break down first and how to improve product durability. They inspect product materials, mechanics and electrical systems. Materials quality engineers verify product dimensions, color, texture and strength and locate imperfections. Mechanical quality engineers check levels of liquids and gasses, verify that parts move correctly and test the proper fit
of components. Electrical quality engineers check the flow of electricity and
ensure the proper operation of equipment and machinery. Quality engineers may work in laboratory settings running tests and duplicating real-world conditions. They use tools such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, volt meters, ammeters, and ohmmeters, as well as electronic inspection equipment like coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), to aid them in their work. The quality engineer also designs systems by which production quality can be checked in an ongoing process. In addition, quality engineers typically work with the production team to implement any new testing criteria or assembly methods they may have developed. Quality Control Engineers Education Requirements: An associate's degree in quality engineering is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions in this field. A bachelor's degree in quality, mechanical or industrial engineering is required for higher-level positions. A master's degree in engineering or a Master of Science in Quality Assurance is desired for management positions. Safety Engineers Plan, implement, and coordinate safety programs, requiring application of engineering principles and technology, to prevent or correct unsafe environmental working conditions. Safety Engineers Job Description and Duties:
Maintain and apply knowledge of current policies,
regulations, and industrial processes. Recommend process and product safety features that will reduce employees' exposure to chemical, physical, and biological work hazards. Inspect facilities, machinery, and safety equipment to identify and correct potential hazards, and to ensure safety regulation compliance. Install safety devices on machinery, or direct device installation. Investigate industrial accidents, injuries, or occupational diseases to determine causes and preventive measures.
Review plans and specifications for construction of new
machinery or equipment to determine whether all safety requirements have been met. Report or review findings from accident investigations, facilities inspections, or environmental testing. Interview employers and employees to obtain information about work environments and workplace incidents. Evaluate adequacy of actions taken to correct health inspection violations. Review employee safety programs to determine their adequacy. Conduct or direct testing of air quality, noise, temperature, or radiation levels to verify compliance with health and safety regulations. Conduct or coordinate worker training in areas such as safety laws and regulations, hazardous condition monitoring, and use of safety equipment. Provide technical advice and guidance to organizations on how to handle health-related problems and make needed changes. Interpret safety regulations for others interested in industrial safety such as safety engineers, labor representatives, and safety inspectors. Maintain liaisons with outside organizations such as fire departments, mutual aid societies, and rescue teams, so that emergency responses can be facilitated. Write and revise safety regulations and codes. Design and build safety equipment. Confer with medical professionals to assess health risks and to develop ways to manage health issues and concerns. Compile, analyze, and interpret statistical data related to occupational illnesses and accidents.