Project Engineer vs. Mechanical Engineer: What Are the Differences?

A career in engineering can be both challenging and rewarding. There are many different types of engineering, each with its own set of responsibilities. Two common engineering roles are that of a project engineer and a mechanical engineer. In this article, we compare and contrast these two positions, discussing the similarities and differences between them. We also provide an overview of what each engineer does and the skills they need to succeed.

What is a Project Engineer?

A Project Engineer is a professional who is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction of a specific project. They are involved in the project from start to finish, ensuring that it is completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications. A Project Engineer typically has a degree in engineering, architecture, or construction management. They must be able to effectively communicate with all members of the project team, including the client, architects, contractors, and other engineers. A Project Engineer must be able to solve problems quickly and efficiently to keep the project on track.

What is a Mechanical Engineer?

Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They work on power-producing machines such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. They also work on power-using machines, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, machine tools, material handling systems, elevators and escalators, industrial production equipment, and robots used in manufacturing.

Project Engineer vs. Mechanical Engineer

Here are the main differences between a project engineer and a mechanical engineer.

Job Duties

Although project engineers and mechanical engineers both work on engineering projects, their duties are different. A project engineer oversees the entire project, from beginning to end. They determine the specifications for each component of the project and ensure that all team members adhere to those standards. Mechanical engineers focus more specifically on the design and creation of a particular component or piece of equipment. They use the specifications provided to them by the project engineer and create a blueprint for the product that meets those requirements.

Another difference between the two roles is that project engineers typically manage multiple projects at once. Because they oversee the entire project, they can move employees from one project to another as needed. Mechanical engineers usually work only on one project at a time. In some cases, they may work on several components of the same product before completing it.

Job Requirements

Project engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Common majors for project engineers include mechanical engineering, civil engineering and electrical engineering. Many project engineers also pursue licensure through professional organizations like the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). To become licensed, engineers must pass two exams, one focused on their engineering knowledge and another on ethics.

Mechanical engineers also need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. However, many mechanical engineers choose to earn a master’s degree as well so they can pursue more advanced positions. Like project engineers, mechanical engineers often major in mechanical engineering, although some may study other engineering disciplines like aerospace engineering or civil engineering. Many mechanical engineers are also licensed through professional organizations like the NSPE.

Work Environment

Mechanical engineers typically work in an office environment, but they may also travel to construction sites and manufacturing facilities. They often spend time at these locations working with clients and colleagues to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.

Project engineers usually work in an office environment, but they may also visit construction sites or manufacturing facilities to monitor projects. These professionals may also travel to attend conferences or meet with clients.

Skills

Both project engineers and mechanical engineers need to have excellent problem-solving skills. This is because they are often tasked with finding ways to improve existing products or systems or developing new ones. They also both need to be able to understand and use advanced mathematics, as well as physics concepts.

While project engineers may not need to be as technically skilled as mechanical engineers, they still need to have a strong understanding of engineering principles. This is because they are often responsible for managing teams of engineers and ensuring that projects stay on schedule and within budget. They also need to be able to communicate effectively, as they will be working with a variety of stakeholders, including clients, managers and other engineers.

Mechanical engineers need to be highly skilled in areas like CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing). This is because they often create designs for products using these software programs. They also need to be able to use analysis tools to test the strength and durability of their designs.

Salary

Mechanical engineers earn an average salary of $91,492 per year, while project engineers earn an average salary of $81,905 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.