Project Engineers use their technical knowledge and skills to lead on offshore projects. They plan and manage all aspects, including procurement of materials and equipment, ensuring health and safety is followed, collaborating with different teams involved and providing support during project implementation.

The Work

You could be: 

• defining the technical requirements for a project 
• using project management software to prepare and monitor project plans 
• contributing to project reviews to ensure that objectives and client needs are being met 
• participating in risk assessments and ensuring that health and safety aspects relating to the project are covered 
• preparing and monitoring procurement plans and timescales for equipment and materials required 
• preparing operations procedures and equipment provision for underwater work  
• providing technical guidance at relevant operational sites, such as offshore installations or supplier premises 
• compiling project documentation, such as technical drawings, health and safety certificates, calculation reports, daily progress reports and project debrief reports. 

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on: 

• where you work 
• the size of the company or organisation you work for 
• the demand for the job. 

The starting salary for project engineers at graduate entry is usually around £25,000 to £30,000 a year. Senior project engineers can earn between £35,000 and £45,000 and lead project engineers can earn £65,000 or more a year.

Conditions

• You can work in an office onshore, but when executing a project you’ll be on a rig or platform offshore.  
• Onshore hours in an office are mostly regular, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm, but you might occasionally work evenings and weekends.  
• Offshore working hours are normally 12-hour shifts, including nights, and you can spend one or two weeks there at a time.  
• When offshore you would wear protective clothing and safety equipment such as gloves, boots and a hard hat.  
• You have to fly by helicopter between the rig or platform and onshore.  
• When offshore, you would live in shared accommodation and meals are provided.

Useful Subjects

• Design and Manufacture
• Engineering (SCQF Level 6)
• Engineering Science
• Mathematics
• Physics
• SfW Energy
• SfW Engineering Skills

Getting In

• A degree in an engineering discipline (SCQF Level 9-11) is usually preferred, but you may be able to get in with an HNC (SCQF Level 7) or HND (SCQF Level 8) in a similar subject. 
• For entry to an HNC or HND course you normally need 1-2 Highers plus some subjects at National 5. For a degree course you need 4-5 Highers including Maths and Physics or a technological subject. 
• Studying for a relevant Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) while in fifth and sixth year at school could count towards entry to an HND or degree in a relevant engineering discipline. Entry requirements vary between colleges, but you usually require 3 subjects at National 5 including English and Maths.  
• You could do an engineering related Modern Apprenticeship, start as a technician and work your way up to a project engineer role. 

Project engineers in the offshore industry work for companies involved in oil and gas companies, renewable energy, energy technology development and decommissioning. 

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2025

2603

2 %

RISE

2030

2655

  United Kingdom

2025

31131

3.1 %

RISE

2030

32107

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You need to have: 

• excellent maths, science and technology skills 
• technical and practical ability 
• critical thinking and problem solving skills 
• good IT skills 
• excellent communication skills 
• willingness to learn and adapt. 

You need to be able to: 

• plan and organise projects 
• work under pressure 
• meet deadlines and keep within budget 
• work in a team and motivate others 
• work on your own initiative 
• collaborate with a wide range of professionals. 

Training

• To work offshore, you must pass an offshore survival course such as the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training Certificate (BOSIET). 
• You must keep up to date with new developments throughout your career. 

Getting On

• After gaining your HNC, HND or degree and some practical experience with an employer, you can go on to register with the Engineering Council as a professional engineer – either Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). 
• For IEng you need to have either a recognised Bachelor’s degree or a recognised HNC or HND plus further study to Bachelor’s degree level. 
• For CEng you need to have a recognised Bachelor’s degree with Honours (SCQF Level 10) plus a recognised Masters degree (SCQF Level 11) (or equivalent), or a recognised integrated Master of Engineering (MEng) degree (SCQF Level 11). 
• If you do not have any of the above qualifications, you may still be able to achieve IEng or CEng by other approved routes. You can check these alternative routes with the Engineering Council or with the appropriate professional engineering institution. 
• You may go into teaching and academic research in colleges and universities. 
• You might become a consultant offering specialist engineering services. 
• There can be good opportunities to work abroad. 

More Information

The Engineering Council sets and maintains the standards of the engineering profession in the UK. It does so through 50 professional engineering institutions which are Licensed Members of the Engineering Council. 

The Tomorrow’s Engineers website has more information on careers in engineering. 

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.