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.

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Senior Mechanical Engineer

Location: Burnaby

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Planning & Testing

Experience: 5 years

Conduct of conceptual designs and detailed cost estimates for building system upgrades, development of business cases and preparation of client reports Carrying out concept, schematic and detailed design of building systems, applying engineering knowledge in the preparation of technical specifications and drawings Preparing tender documentation for procurement of equipment and installation, in coordination with owners' requirements Ensuring that construction and implementation are carried out within agreed project timelines, in coordination with owners and constructors. Carrying out field reviews, review documents during construction and provide instructions and solutions to the problems to ensure the project is constructed per design intend and Owner's requirements. Managing projects and phases. This includes resource planning, budgeting, change management, scope management, schedule and contingency planning and resolution. Providing guidance and supervision to more junior members of the team. Preparing technical responses to Requests for Proposal (RFP's) Promoting the team's and wider Prism services (i.e. cross-services marketing) to existing and potential clients. May also lead or develop a service area.

Materials Engineering Specialist

Location: Fort McMurray

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 5 years

Support Production Units in managing threats by endorsing Materials Engineer assessment on applicable damage mechanisms, likelihood of failure, metallurgical controls needed for successful repairs, repair/replacement decisions, risk mitigation support through advanced analysis and knowledge/experience sharing as required Provide Metallurgical expertise for critical repairs (for Reactors, HP-High Pressure Separators, SMRs-Steam Methane Reformers, PSA-Pressure Swing Adsorbers), Hot tap welding on live piping and equipment etc. Support Management of Equipment Strategies/RBI by acting as a Cold Eye reviewer for Equipment Strategies with highlighted risks / Risk Rank I & II. Provide metallurgical expertise to Equipment Strategy/RBI team for high-risk items Support the PU through review of identified risk and mitigation measures Act as an expert for metallurgical aspects of failures, investigations, material selection and welding Provide oversight for the work outsourced to 3rd party contractors and ensure technical deliverables meet company requirements Involvement in identified risk scenarios to drive technical decisions related to Materials Engineering Oversee assessment of Materials Engineering / corrosion related IOWs - selection, exceedance, and mitigation Provide specialized Materials engineering support to TA organization and outages Participate in Joint Industry Project (JIP), external technical committees and conferences as needed Mentor Materials Engineers on the team on material selection, welding, repair methodology, failure analysis and metallurgical assessment Develop and deliver technical mentoring sessions and knowledge sharing Lead Targeted Knowledge Transfer (TKT) sessions as required to develop advanced engineering analysis skills Act as the Technical Authority for Metallurgical Engineering aspects and authorize TDNs (as per OEMS - Technical Authority) Custodian of special metallurgical procedures followed at the site (for e.g. Weldability Procedure, Solution Annealing Procedure) Provide Metallurgical Engineering support for Project Initiatives #BRUCAD

Automation Engineer

Location: Greater Toronto Area

Branche: Pharmaceuticals

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 2 years

Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automated systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, and other control systems. Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and software-related issues to minimize downtime and maintain production efficiency. Perform regular calibration of sensors, instruments, and automated equipment to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards. Modify/optimize control programs to enhance process performance and production quality. Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, calibrations, and software changes. Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA, and other regulatory requirements by adhering to established protocols and guidelines for pharmaceutical industry standards. Identify opportunities to improve automation processes, enhance system reliability, and reduce operational costs. Collaborate with engineering teams to implement upgrades and modifications to systems. Work closely with production, quality assurance, and engineering teams to support manufacturing objectives. Provide training and guidance to operators and junior technicians on the proper use of automated systems. Strong knowledge of PLC programming and industrial automation systems. Experience with control system architecture, including SCADA, HMI interfaces, and networks Proficient in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical, electrical, and software components Familiarity with sensors, actuators, motors, VFDs, and servo systems. Ability to interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, and electrical schematics. Strong analytical and diagnostic skills to identify and resolve system inefficiencies. Proactive mindset with the ability to prioritize and manage tasks in a high-pressure situations

Project Manger (Engineering)

Location: Greater Toronto Area

Branche: Pharmaceuticals

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 2 years

Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, resource plans, KPIs, and progress reporting. Support governance meetings by preparing materials, capturing action items, and ensuring follow-through Drive alignment across program teams and ensure adherence to the Manufacturing 4.0 roadmap Act as a liaison between cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, IT, and business process owners. Foster collaboration across various communities of practice, such as MES, Kinaxis, and M&S Plan-to-Manufacture teams. Facilitate stakeholder engagement through effective communication strategies and updates Oversee the deployment of digital tools, such as MES systems, Kinaxis, and iShift. Identify areas for continuous improvement and align solutions with operational excellence goals. Implement change management strategies for smooth adoption of new processes Lead training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions to support cultural and operational shifts Ensure all project activities comply with regulatory requirements and company standards. Maintain documentation to support audits and inspections.

Quality Manager (Engineering)

Location: Greater Toronto Area

Branche: Pharmaceuticals

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 2 years

Provide quality oversight for manufacturing process equipment, CIP, SIP, Thermal, Utilities, HVAC qualification and computerized system validation activities pertaining to B100 licensure, start-up and lifecycle management. Review/approve validation deliverables (i.e. URS, specification documents, risk assessment, test strategies, protocols, executed raw data packages, reports, validation plans, SOPs, Equipment registration in SAP) in accordance with internal and regulatory policies. Review, assess and approve change controls, deviations and corrective plans, resulting from validation/qualification studies. As required, represent Quality Operations on project team and/or sub-teams and/or project working groups to provide direction on validation issues with respect to compliance. Responsible for maintaining validation awareness by screening and reporting on significant validation trends and changes through literature reviews, meetings, and peer discussions within the industry.

Embedded Software Engineer

Location: Montréal

Branche: Food Production

Expertise: IT & Shared Services

Experience: 2 years

Responsible for architecture, design and implementation of firmware for power conversion products Design low-level code for ARM microcontrollers, RTOS programming, interrupt routines, error handling, Memory management, etc. Program interfaces (communication, external data logging), and generate real-time data curves Conduct thorough prototype testing and validation, and utilize simulation tools and lab equipment Support legacy products, debug and improve software efficiency Develop test cases for software verification and validation Drive innovation within the team by researching and implementing cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in embedded systems and power electronics Work closely with hardware and power electronics engineers

Environmental Coordinator

Location: Kamloops

Branche: Mining

Expertise: HSEQ

Experience: 4 years

Collaborate with the Environment and Construction Management teams to provide guidance on environmental programs. Translate environmental and sustainability goals into actionable plans. Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of Environmental and Social Management Systems, including training programs, employee awareness initiatives, and system plans such as Environmental Protection Plans, Waste Management Plans, and Environmental Monitoring Plans. Track and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, authorizations, and commitments. Coordinate with departments to document and report on regulatory compliance and environmental KPIs. Prepare data and reports for regulatory authorities within deadlines. Assist in developing and implementing compliance monitoring programs (e.g., air, water quality, wildlife monitoring). Facilitate on-site agency inspections, including escorting regulatory personnel and participating in reviews and meetings. Assist in the implementation of Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) programs. Conduct site inspections/audits, identify hazards, and issue corrective action reports as needed. Investigate environmental incidents, report findings, and implement corrective actions. Coordinate regulatory and corporate reporting requirements. Liaise with government officials and stakeholders on environmental aspects of construction and operations. Deliver environmental inductions and training to employees, contractors, and visitors.

Administrative Assistant

Location: Red Deer

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 3 years

Introduction Brunel is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive TSP Administrative Assistant to support technical and administrative functions for a chemical manufacturing client located in Joffre, AB. This role requires strong organizational skills, technical expertise, and the ability to work independently while managing multiple responsibilities. Responsibilities Perform data integrity checks by validating and searching for information across various sources to ensure accuracy and completeness. Maintain databases, address linking issues, and digitize hard copy files to improve accessibility. Monitor project progress, follow up on outstanding items, and ensure timely completion. Create maintenance notifications for planning and scheduling purposes. Lead initiatives to enhance document control processes and improve workflow efficiency. Provide support to engineers, designers, and stakeholders on workflows and document management best practices. Manage project documents from creation through storage, ensuring proper organization and retention. Act as a liaison for project closeout activities, ensuring compliance with established procedures. Assist during scheduled unit turnarounds, providing necessary administrative support. Requirements High school diploma required, post-secondary education in Office Administration or related field preferred. Minimum of 3 years of experience in an office environment, preferably in engineering or manufacturing. Proficiency in systems such as SAP, SharePoint, and SPF. Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and within a team.

Project Manager

Location: Montréal

Branche: Food Production

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 3 years

Plan and execute the project according to Boccard Project Management System and internal best practices in place Accountable for delivering the project On Time, On Spec, and On Budget Track Project performance and meet budgetary objectives until project closure. Manage project budgets and report estimated versus actual costs, against physical progress. Analyze and explain technical and budgetary variances Carry out project closeout, prepare project postmortem and report final project KPIs Play an active role in maintaining the good relationship between the company and the client Liaison with all project stakeholders throughout project lifecycle and main point of contact for customer on project related communication Prepare quotations, draft proposals, and support technical alignments Execute and follow requests for modification to orders in compliance with contractual agreement and per internal rules Prepare and manage staffing plans - Identify the need for internal and external resources Manage the project team, organize and lead internal meetings. Organize and conduct project meetings (Kick Off Meeting, Weekly, Fortnightly, etc.) throughout lifecycle of project Apply standard Engineering practices to complete and/or review calculations, spreadsheets, drawings, piping layouts, and functional descriptions. Plan and coordinate with various departments the completion of tasks / milestones: to be delivered on time and on spec: design review, P&ID, 3D, highlighted P&IDs Manage and validate the technical calculations, specifications Work closely with the Supply Chain department: Plan the Supply Chain Kick Off meeting and comply with internal purchase order rules of engagements Write and validate reception protocols and approve installations Coordinate shop fabrication and onsite installation on assigned projects (may oversee equipment installation as necessary) Organize and facilitate acceptance tests (Simulations, FAT, SAT, Qualifications) Schedule and supervise the start-up Document project handover and execute Provisional and Final Acceptance certificates Prepare and provide project status reports to upper management / direct supervisor

HR Analyst

Location: Calgary

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: HR & Recruiting

Experience: 4 years

Maintain the accuracy of the mobilization tracker through data uploads and month-end reconciliation. Support process documentation on a variety of HR processes, both for internal HR use and to support the business. Provide HR documentation such as direct hires with employment verification letters when required. Demonstrate high standards (accuracy, timeliness, compliance). Facilitate workforce planning data integrity, including data uploads to our HRIS system. Understand and adhere to established levels of data protection, equal opportunities, direct competitor, anti-trust, ant-bribery guidelines. Ensure data integrity by conducting audits, reviewing reports, and analyzing data for accuracy and completeness. Clean data to eliminate any errors and create more meaningful analyses. Analyze data using a variety of tools such as Excel and Power BI. Discuss findings with HR Business partners and broader HR team members. Support the broader HR team as required; this role may evolve over time based on strategic HR priorities and need.

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.