Insights What does a planning engineer do: job description

What is a planning engineer job? 

A Planning Engineer is a professional responsible for creating, developing, and maintaining schedules and plans for construction and engineering projects. 

This role involves coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize project timelines, identify potential issues, and propose solutions to keep projects on track.

At AtkinsRealis, we are seeking versatile and experienced Planning Engineers in the Middle East to support us in delivering mega-projects across the region. 

Learn about: 

• Planning engineer job description and responsibilities 
• Planning engineer skills 
• Why planning engineers are in demand in the Middle East

Planning engineer job description and responsibilities 

The responsibilities of Planning Engineers can vary significantly based on the specific business, location, and the nature of the construction projects they are involved in, leading to a diverse range of duties and tasks within their role. 

Here are some responsibilities of planning engineers working in AtkinsRealis Saudi Arabia:

• Collaborate in the development and preparation of design and planning programmes, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
• Oversee and track project progress, implementing effective monitoring systems to ensure adherence to schedules and milestones.
• Prepare and present detailed reports and analyses on project advancements, highlighting achievements, obstacles, and potential solutions.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Quantity Surveyor to assist in contract preparation and support various tasks integral to project management and execution.
• Liaise effectively with multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaborative relationships, and ensuring alignment between planning, execution, and project objectives.

Planning engineer skills

Here are 5 essential skills for planning engineers: 

• Project management: proficiency in managing and overseeing projects, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and monitoring project progress to ensure timely and successful completion.
• Analytical skills: strong analytical abilities to assess complex project data, identify trends, anticipate potential issues, and propose effective solutions to maintain project timelines.
• Communication skills: excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, stakeholders, and clients, ensuring clear understanding and alignment on project objectives and timelines.
• Technical proficiency: sound knowledge and expertise in project management software, such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or other planning tools, to efficiently create, manage, and update project schedules.
• Attention to detail: a keen eye for detail to meticulously monitor project plans, identify discrepancies, and ensure accuracy in scheduling, resource allocation, and reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

At AtkinsRealis, our values of collaboration, innovation, safety, and integrity, resonate in how we encourage the development of key skills among our Planning Engineers. 

By fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, we empower our team to hone these skills. 

These skills not only align with our commitment to delivering high-quality projects but also reflect our dedication to fostering a talented workforce capable of driving innovation and achieving exceptional outcomes for our clients.

Why are planning engineers in demand in the Middle East? 

Saudi Arabia’s construction market, valued at $133.1 bn in 2022, is expected to achieve an annual aggregate growth rate of more than four per cent from 2024 to 2027. 

With the growth of the construction industry in this region, the demand for engineering services has only increased. Unlock an opportunity to contribute to transformative mega projects, expand your professional horizons, and make a substantial impact on the future of infrastructure development in the region. 

Join our team and explore planning engineer jobs in Saudi Arabia today with AtkinsRéalis or sign up for job alerts.