What Is Construction Engineering

What Is Construction Engineering?
By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated February 23, 2021
Published February 26, 2020
Construction engineering is one of many different types of engineering

careers you can pursue. Specifically, it deals with the creation of
infrastructure and buildings. If you are interested in the way things like
roads, bridges and structures work, you might enjoy a career in this
industry.
In this article, we will explore construction engineering, the job duties of

professionals in the field and the steps you can take to begin your
journey.
See how your salary compares

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What is construction engineering?

Construction engineering is an engineering subset that involves the
design, development and supervision of a city or region's buildings, roads
and power supplies. It deals with any type of infrastructure, including
roads, railroads, bridges, tunnels, facilities, airports, ports, dams and
other utilities. Construction engineering is similar to civil engineering,
which also focuses on infrastructure design and development, but with
more emphasis on managing the construction process on project sites.
For this reason, professionals often consider it to be a combination of
construction management and the design aspects of civil engineering.
Construction engineering is an important field because it ensures

structures are safe, well-made and dependable. It also makes sure
construction projects get finished by a set date and according to strict
plans and building codes.
Related: Guide: How to Choose a Career
What do construction engineers do?

Construction engineers are involved in nearly every step of a construction
project, from its design to its implementation. They manage building
projects and maintenance, often being present to oversee workers and
activities on-site. Projects and infrastructure that construction engineers
might work on include:
 Roads and highways

 Bridges
 Tunnels
 Railroads
 Housing projects
 Airports
 Energy sources like dams
 Facilities such as wastewater treatment plants
 Utilities
 Drainage and sewage systems
 Public buildings such as hospitals and sports stadiums
Job duties
Because of the wide range of projects that require construction

engineers' expertise, these professionals often specialize in a certain type
of construction, such as electrical systems, mechanical systems,
highways, heavy construction, commercial housing or business. While job
responsibilities vary by project type, the typical duties of a construction
engineer include:
 Calculating the cost of inspections, testing, materials, equipment

and labor to create a budget for each project
 Managing funds appropriately to stay within budget
 Using computer software and simulations to create project designs
and 3D models
 Performing risk analysis
 Surveying potential construction sites and planning their layouts
 Preparing bids from contractors and managing the contracting
firms they hire
 Choosing and acquiring materials and equipment
 Hiring and overseeing workers and setting their schedules
 Making sure projects follow environmental laws, government
regulations and building codes
 Designing and overseeing the construction of temporary structures
needed on-site
 Using engineering and business skills to solve any problems that
might occur during construction
 Staying up-to-date on the latest technology, building laws and
construction processes
Skills
Construction engineers have certain skills that allow them to both create
and manage projects effectively. They are typically good at solving
problems in creative ways, and they have strong analytical skills. They
rely on their math and business skills to create and oversee budgets and
manage costs. They also need to be skilled with computers and know
how to use construction-specific design and modeling software.
Because they are leaders on a construction team, construction engineers

should have good management and delegation skills. They should also
have a strong sense of time management to ensure that projects meet
deadlines. They have excellent attention to detail, as worker and public
safety are often at stake.
Construction engineers assemble and work with large teams of people.

For this reason, they should be good communicators with strong
interpersonal skills. They often collaborate with contractors,
subcontractors, construction companies, government agencies, lawyers,
business owners and environmental associations.
Related: Problem-Solving Skills: Definitions and Examples
Work environment
Construction engineers work both in offices and on construction sites.

They spend the planning, design and budgeting stages of a project in the
office and at a computer. They travel to meetings and to assess project
sites. During construction, they spend time on-site to oversee the work
being done and solve problems as needed.
They typically work 40-hour weeks, working overtime when trying to

finish a project. Their goal is to complete a high-quality project on time,
within budget and while following building codes and safety and
environmental regulations.
Construction engineers are in high demand due to the construction

industry's growth and need for new or improved infrastructure.
How to become a construction engineer

Construction engineers need to have a minimum amount of education
and experience to work in this field. After receiving the appropriate
education, training and licensing, construction engineers can find work in
a variety of industries, including oil and gas, aviation, consulting and
design, mechanical, electrical, renewable energy, general contracting,
government and more. Some might even eventually run their own
construction companies.
If you are interested in working in one of those industries, you can follow
these steps to become a construction engineer:
1. Develop applied science skills

2. Get a bachelor's degree
3. Find an entry-level job
4. Pursue a master's degree
5. Get licensed
1. Develop applied science skills
To become a successful construction engineer, it is important to have

strong math and science skills. You may have had these starting at an
early age, but you can also develop them as you work toward your career
goals. Take relevant classes in high school and college that can help
improve your skills. You can also do research in your free time and get
involved with extracurricular activities in science and math, such as
joining honors societies or clubs.
Related: Technical Skills: Definitions and Examples
2. Get a bachelor's degree
Construction engineers must have at least a bachelor's degree in

construction or civil engineering from a college program accredited by
the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). During
this four-year program, you will take courses in math, engineering
science, engineering mechanics, design, construction costs and methods
and management.
3. Find an entry-level job
With a bachelor's degree, construction engineers can find work as

assistant project engineers and project engineers in a variety of
industries. Their early job duties might include budgeting, preparing
reports and processing material orders.
4. Pursue a master's degree
While not required, some construction engineers will also earn their
master's degree in civil engineering, engineering management or
business administration. This advanced degree takes up to another two
years to acquire. It can benefit engineers interested in research, teaching
or leadership positions. It can also provide them with more job
opportunities.
5. Get licensed
Many employers prefer to hire construction engineers who have their

professional engineer (PE) license. To get licensed, you must have an
ABET-accredited bachelor's degree and about four years of work
experience, then you will need to pass the PE exam. Some states and
types of public projects require construction engineers to be licensed.
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What Is Construction Engineering?

By Indeed Editorial Team

Construction engineering is one of many different types of engineering

In this article, we will explore construction engineering, the job duties of

See how your salary compares

What is construction engineering?

Construction engineering is an important field because it ensures

What do construction engineers do?

 Roads and highways

Because of the wide range of projects that require construction

 Calculating the cost of inspections, testing, materials, equipment

Because they are leaders on a construction team, construction engineers

Construction engineers assemble and work with large teams of people.

Construction engineers work both in offices and on construction sites.

They typically work 40-hour weeks, working overtime when trying to

Construction engineers are in high demand due to the construction

How to become a construction engineer

1. Develop applied science skills

To become a successful construction engineer, it is important to have

Related: Technical Skills: Definitions and Examples

2. Get a bachelor's degree

Construction engineers must have at least a bachelor's degree in

3. Find an entry-level job

With a bachelor's degree, construction engineers can find work as

4. Pursue a master's degree

Many employers prefer to hire construction engineers who have their

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