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.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply now for a job as a Planning engineer
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Location: Vancouver
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Quality Management
Experience: 2 years
This contract position will work on-site in Vancouver, Canada. Prefer local candidate, however, will provide accommodation with a 4-week on-site/1-week off rotational schedule. Travel accommodation, housing, transportation, and a monthly stipend will be included. Schedule: 4 weeks working at site, 1 week off at home. If the project workload supports working from home during the "off" week, it must be with manager approval. About the Role Provide technical advice and guidance for all phases of assigned large/complex mechanical engineering projects and programs, ensuring the successful conclusion of all phases within an appropriate time and at appropriate cost. Apply working knowledge of engineering principles to assigned engineering projects, using sound engineering, data measurement & collection, calculations, analysis, interpretation and problem solving. Review, interpret, comment and approve mechanical engineering deliverables. Review reports for mechanical design projects and provide recommendations to site team and to project consultants. Lead the mechanical efforts on large/complex engineering projects, which may include the development of new or modification to existing systems and processes, including the responsibility of approving work from other engineering disciplines. Manage projects and serve as a mechanical subject matter expert (SME) on large/complex projects. Managing the mechanical department of an engineering company, construction planning and construction supervision. Provide guidance and counsel to the site management team on applicable processes, practices, and existing/proposed local, state and federal regulations Contribute to site strategic planning and budgeting efforts for designated engineering areas Develop and/or review scopes of work, evaluate proposals, draft formalized internal requests for funding. May evaluate and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment as approved and required. Evaluates and administers contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment. Job Scope Nature of work: Works on complex issues and implements solutions mostly through the determination of strategy and delegation to others in a group or functional area. Level of interaction: Often collaborates with managers and/or functional or site leaders and interacts with external colleagues. Autonomy/decision making: Works under moderate supervision and has some latitude to set objectives, priorities and timelines that may impact department or individual work group Budgetary responsibility: Has no budgetary responsibility Managerial responsibility: Manages a specific program or project and may supervise people.
Engineering Portfolio Team Lead
Location: Peterborough
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 3 years
Lead conceptual design and detailed cost estimating for mechanical system upgrades. Develop business cases and prepare comprehensive client reports. Lead the creation, maintenance, and updates of engineering resource plans and project schedules. Develop and implement standardized project planning practices (WBS, schedule updates, nomenclature, etc.). Collaborate with Engineering Team Leads weekly to enhance scheduling and work planning. Monitor and report SPI and CPI metrics across projects using earned value methodologies. Maintain P6 resource dictionary and support overall engineering resource allocation. Drive process improvements to enhance schedule accuracy and minimize unassigned work. Coordinate cost/schedule commitments and contribute to budget control efforts. Provide direction and oversight to the unionized Registry (document control) team. Lead team meetings, approve timecards, and support recruitment and onboarding efforts. Ensure compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement when managing unionized staff. Participate in cross-functional meetings including operations and monthly reviews. Inquiry to Order (ITO) Phase: Collaborate with teams to develop initial schedules and refine them throughout the bidding process. Order to Remittance (OTR) Phase: Develop and update fully resourced Level 3 schedules, monitor performance indicators, and support Project Managers in identifying risks and schedule recovery strategies. Ensure ERP and Primavera P6 schedule data consistency and accuracy.
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Location: Burnaby
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 4 years
Lead conceptual design and detailed cost estimating for mechanical system upgrades. Develop business cases and prepare comprehensive client reports. Conduct schematic and detailed design of HVAC, plumbing, and fire suppression systems. Prepare technical specifications, drawings, and tender documentation for procurement and construction. Oversee construction administration, including field reviews and ensuring design compliance. Manage all phases of project delivery, including resource planning, budgeting, scope and schedule management, and risk mitigation. Supervise and mentor junior team members, providing technical and project guidance. Prepare technical responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Promote engineering services to current and prospective clients. Potentially lead or contribute to the development of specialized service areas.
Senior Power Electronics Engineer
Location: Montréal
Branche: Life Sciences
Expertise: Research & Development
Experience: 4 years
Design power electronic circuits (e.g., AC/DC, DC/AC converters) from scratch, not off-the-shelf solutions. Develop and simulate analog/digital circuits, including control algorithms for power systems. Collaborate closely with software engineers to translate control logic into C code. Oversee the full development cycle - from concept, prototyping, PCB design, to guiding mass production. Assist PCB layout engineers (artworkers) by defining: Proper component placement Thermal management considerations EMI, current, and frequency constraints Routing guidance (especially for high-power systems)
Lead Planner/Scheduler
Location: Vancouver
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 5 years
Lead conceptual design and detailed cost estimating for mechanical system upgrades. Develop business cases and prepare comprehensive client reports. Lead the resolution of complex project planning and scheduling issues using strong analytical skills. Develop and manage integrated project schedules and participate in regular project meetings. Monitor design and scope changes, schedule delays, and identify potential impacts and mitigations. Ensure proper communication and coordination among engineering, procurement, contracts, and construction teams. Maintain and manage schedule baselines and forecast updates in accordance with corporate standards. Analyze critical path and project constraints to recommend schedule mitigations and recovery plans. Participate in project risk management, tracking potential impacts and planning contingencies. Mentor and lead the project planning/scheduling team, manage staffing needs, and conduct performance reviews. Prepare and present reports, forecasts, and recommendations to project stakeholders and leadership. Enforce version control, documentation standards, and schedule change management procedures.
Package Lead, Non-Process Infrastructure
Location: Montréal
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 5 years
Package Lead, Non-Process Infrastructure Montreal, Quebec Introduction Brunel is currently seeking a Package Lead - Non-Process Infrastructure to support our mining client on a large-scale, greenfield mining development in northern Québec. Reporting to the Non-Process Infrastructure Area Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing key infrastructure components-such as buildings, roads, and an airport-across all phases of the project. This includes strategy development, planning, engineering oversight, execution, and delivery, as the project advances from pre-construction through to full implementation. Responsibilities Lead planning and execution of non-process infrastructure components, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, and budget. Oversee the engineering lifecycle from concept through construction, ensuring compliance with design standards and operational requirements. Manage infrastructure work packages including cost tracking, forecasting, risk identification, and mitigation planning. Prepare and deliver technical reports, progress updates, and performance analyses to project leadership. Coordinate cross-functional teams and contractors to drive execution and resolve technical or logistical challenges. Contribute to the development of capital expenditure (CAPEX) estimates and financial models for study phases and execution planning. Ensure effective stakeholder communication, highlighting key risks, progress, and decisions impacting the infrastructure scope. Requirements Bachelor's degree in civil, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering. 10+ years of experience in multidisciplinary project environments, with a strong focus on infrastructure delivery in industrial or remote settings. Proven expertise in the design and construction of civil and structural systems such as roads, foundations, steel/concrete buildings, ponds, and airstrips. Deep knowledge of Canadian and international engineering standards, including seismic, freeze/thaw, and safety regulations. Licensed engineer and active member in good standing with the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ). Strong analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to interpret technical data and deliver actionable insights. Demonstrated ability to lead and influence within complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Skilled in managing technical teams, external consultants, and contractors. High level of attention to detail and proactive problem-solving mindset. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Fluency in French is required; functional proficiency in English is essential
P6 Scheduler-Technology Commissioning & Systems Transition
Location: Saskatoon
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 4 years
Develop and maintain detailed project schedules in Primavera P6, integrating key milestones, dependencies, and resource allocation. Work closely with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to ensure accurate forecasting and scheduling of technology commissioning and system transition activities. Identify potential schedule risks, constraints, and conflicts, providing proactive mitigation strategies. Track project progress, update schedules, and generate reports to support decision-making and project tracking. Coordinate with various teams to align schedules with BHP's broader project portfolio and operational goals. Ensure compliance with BHP's scheduling standards, procedures, and governance requirements. Support scheduling-related reporting and presentations for internal and external stakeholders. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in project scheduling and controls.
Planner/Scheduler
Location: Vancouver
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 4 years
This contract position will work on-site in Vancouver for 2 years then on-site in Safford, Arizona for 3 years. Client will provide accommodation with a 4-week on-site/1-week off rotational schedule for both locations. Travel accommodation, housing, transportation, and a monthly stipend will be included. Schedule: 4 weeks working at site, 1 week off at home. If the project workload supports working from home during the "off" week, it must be with manager approval. Description Manages and oversees scheduling functions within project controls functional area for moderate to high-risk capital engineering and construction projects. Responsible for project planning and scheduling, monitoring, progress measurement, risk management and reporting. Manages planning team members reporting to the Project Controls Manager. Participates in establishing operating policies to mitigate risk. Provides guidance and consultation for project team members. Familiar with a variety of field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Essential Functions: · Guide and direct resolution of project difficulties and complex project control issues. Strong analytical skills required to review all project controls information and ensure accuracy as well as identify issues, concerns and potential mitigations · Interact with the Project Management and Corporate teams in the development of the project schedule and participate in regular project meetings. Gather information, conduct analyses and prepare reports and presentations of information to communicate potential issues and concerns as needed on the project. Integrate multiple schedules into a master project schedule. · Identify, determine and communicate design changes, scope changes, schedule slippages and potential impacts and participate in the identification of mitigations. Ensure trends of cost and schedule are identified, well documented and ensure the change management process is followed and communicate and suggest corrective actions · Coordinate with cross functional team in project setting, ensure project controls team members are interfacing with engineering, procurement, contracts and construction on concepts and relationships to the scope of work. · Manage project baseline process for schedule and participate in progress measurement as well as forecasting of final schedule throughout the project. Ensure all planning is conducted in accordance with company standards and procedures and that schedule version control processes, policies, and procedures are followed. · Analyze critical path and constraints to determine effect of changes to schedule and recommend mitigations and potential workarounds · Participate in risk management; this includes identification, documentation, mitigation and tracking of potential risks on the project. In addition, determine potential schedule/progress impacts of potential risks as they are identified · Mentor and lead other project planner/scheduling members, ensure project planning team is staffed appropriately, conduct regular staff performance reviews, and manage any staffing issues that may arise · Conduct analysis to determine alternative courses of action or recovery on slippages identified in schedule Job Scope: · Nature of work: Works on complex issues and is responsible to implement solutions. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. · Level of interaction: Leads the department or work group with interaction with external piers in various departments to ensure cross coordination between groups. · Autonomy/decision making: Works under very limited to no supervision and has latitude to set objectives, priorities and timelines impacting the project controls team. · Budgetary responsibility: Has moderate budgetary responsibility · Managerial responsibility: Leads planning work group and at times provides support in management of the project controls team.
Project Controls Specialist
Location: Vancouver
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Purchase
Experience: 0 years
Develop and maintain integrated project control systems for cost, schedule, and risk management. Lead or support the planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement processes. Monitor project progress and performance against baselines; identify and report on variances. Manage the change management process, including tracking changes, maintaining logs, and updating forecasts. Coordinate with project managers and technical leads to align schedule and cost data for cohesive reporting. Prepare detailed progress reports, executive dashboards, and data presentations. Facilitate monthly progress reporting cycles and ensure timely updates to stakeholders. Ensure that all project controls activities comply with internal standards and meet client expectations.
Senior Discovery Scientist
Location: Toronto
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Research & Development
Experience: 3 years
Responsibilities Develop and perform biochemical and/or cell-based assays to characterize the activity of early-stage ligands, such as ELISAs, cytotoxicity assays, or fluorogenic reporter assays. Passage and prepare mammalian cells to be used in assays. Develop methods to assess compound affinity, retention, and internalization of compounds. Support the generation of in vitro assay data for established projects. Interface with external vendors to support early discovery activities. Critically assess data and methods, adapting and adjusting procedures as necessary. In conjunction with managers, establish priorities and meet timelines for key experiments. Provide clear communication of scientific data to co-workers through internal presentations and written methods. Support preclinical and late-stage assets as necessary.
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.
