A resident engineer is responsible for the design and construction of structures for public use. They inspect, supervise and control performance on specific projects and maintain accurate records and reports related to the project. What does a resident engineer do?
Role of a Resident Engineer
Resident engineers, also sometimes known as civil engineers, are in charge of overseeing construction processes and relevant staff for various projects. This can include buildings, roads, bridges, etc.
Engineers working under this title work with other professionals, like architects and city planners, to optimise cities and provide adequate infrastructure.
The primary job duties in this role consist of the following:
- Assisting with project design
- Reviewing regulations
- Developing efficient plans
Resident Engineer Duties and Responsibilities
A resident engineer manages and plans project timelines, budgets and staffing and provides supervision on construction projects while also providing quality assurance. They make sure that any completed work is in compliance with proper plans and specifications and ensure optimal working of all construction personnel.
Resident engineers coordinate directly with the general contractor and negotiate change orders, calculate project costs and create budgets for construction, and study environmental effects of projects and installations. They also assess a project’s progress and inform the Project Manager in case of delay.
These engineers also oversee field site activities and provide technical advice on construction and design project proposals and record incidents or errors.
What are the responsibilities of a resident engineer?
- Manage and plan project timelines, budgets and staff
- Provide supervision on construction projects
- Check the quality of materials and equipment used during construction
- Ensure that any completed work is in compliance with plans
- Ensure optimal working of all construction personnel
- Evaluate all improvement operations and ensure availability of all resources
- Improve accessibility and efficiency in cities and structures
- Coordinate directly with the general contractor
- Negotiate change orders
- Calculate project costs
- Create budgets for construction
- Study environmental effects of projects and installations
- Assess a project’s progress and inform project managers in case of dely
- Oversee field site activities
- Provide technical advice on construction
- Design project proposals
- Record incidents or errors
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Skills of a Resident Engineer
A resident engineer has extensive knowledge of various types of software including AutoCAD and Site Manager. They are also proficient when it comes to other computer applications such as Microsoft Office.
Knowledge of engineering fundamentals including mathematics, physics and functionality is also important to have as a resident engineer. This helps professionals in this field approach problems and develop designs that can help solve them.
Resident engineers are also able to read documents and maps as well as interpret various plans and blueprints.
In terms of soft skills, resident engineers have strong leadership and communication skills and are able to think critically. They also possess excellent organisation skills.
What are the skills of a resident engineer?
- Extensive knowledge of various types of software including AutoCAD and Site Manager
- Proficiency with computer applications such as Microsoft Office
- Knowledge of engineering fundamentals including mathematics, physics and functionality
- Ability to read documents and maps
- Ability to interpret various plans and blueprints
- Strong leadership skills
- Good communication skills
- Ability to think critically
- Excellent organisation skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to work on multiple projects/deadlines
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Education and Background
Working as a resident engineer requires you to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related field. You could also, however, choose to train with an experienced professional for a few years before taking and passing licensure exams.
Certifications are also a good option to consider if you want to enhance your knowledge and skills as an engineer. Check out options for these down below:
- Autodesk Certified Professional: Revit for Structural Design Exam Prep
- Construction Management Specialization
- Fundamentals of Structural Analysis
Salary of a Resident Engineer
Resident engineers earn an average of $104,000 per year. Professionals who are just starting out can expect a salary of around $68,000 per year whereas those with years of experience and skills can expect a salary of around $163,000 per year.
In Germany, resident engineers can earn between €58,000-€101,000 per year whereas in the UK, they can earn between £43,000-£77,000 per year.
How much do resident engineers make?
| US | $68,000 – $104,000 |
| Germany | €58,000-€101,000 |
| UK | £43,000-£77,000 |
How much do freelance resident engineers make?
Resident Engineers on freelancermap charge on average:
Rates in the Resident Industry range between $40 and $96/hour for most freelancers.
The daily rate for Resident Engineers (8 working hours) would be around:
