what is a section engineer?
Large-scale engineering projects such as bridges, tunnels or railways require whole teams of engineers to complete. The leader of one of these teams uses not only engineering knowledge but also management and communications skills. This is the role of a section engineer, who runs a team of site engineers on a large project.
A successful section engineer is part technical expert and part project manager. As a section engineer, you communicate with management as well as consultants and contractors. You also take responsibility for policies that affect your whole team, such as health and safety rules. This varied job requires creative thinking and problem-solving, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks at once.
Would working as a section engineer suit your technical skills and leadership qualities? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a section engineer role.
average salary of a section engineer
As a section engineer, you are a qualified professional whose work is crucial to the success of the project as a whole, and your salary reflects this. According to ONS, the median salary of a section engineer is approximately £45,000 per year. New section engineers tend to make less, with salaries a little under £40,000, while more experienced site engineers can earn over £75,000 a year. This average is slightly above the national average for engineering jobs, which is approximately £42,500 a year.
other factors affecting compensation
Your pay as a section engineer varies based on a number of factors, including experience. It can also vary based on where you work. Areas of the country with higher costs of living, such as London, tend to offer higher salaries.
types of section engineer
Some section engineers move from project to project, while others specialise in working in a single industry. This is especially common in fields with ongoing large-scale infrastructure projects, such as transportation. You may see section engineer jobs advertised as specific to one field, such as railways. However, the skills needed overlap heavily with other types of section engineer jobs.
working as a section engineer
Your day as a section engineer is a varied one. You could find yourself preparing a report on the project's progress, ordering materials for the next phase, or troubleshooting a problem with your site engineers. If you like variety, this job won't disappoint you.
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duties and responsibilities
As a section engineer, you perform a wide range of different duties. Your work combines technical work as well as managing a team of site engineers and coordinating with other teams.
One of your most important responsibilities is making sure that your team has the necessary equipment and information. As part of this role, you:
- coordinate with planning and surveying teams
- determine the materials your team will need and order them
- test parts and materials for safety and suitability
Once the project is underway, your engineering skills are called for in many different ways. Although your work is as much managerial as technical, you still participate in the team's work by:
- troubleshooting and resolving engineering problems as they arise
- monitoring your team's work, as well as the work of subcontractors or other employees
- providing plans and other technical information to your site engineers
In addition to engineering work, you'll also support your team as their liaison with the larger project. Your responsibilities include:
- producing reports and updates on the work
- coordinating with consultants and other teams on the project
- ensuring compliance with policies such as health and safety or environmental procedures
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work environment
As a section engineer, your work environment is as varied as your job. You work mainly on a job site, which means working in a range of different busy environments. Familiarity with construction sites and knowledge of site safety procedures will be valuable skills here. You may also spend some of your working time in an office, depending on the stage of the project. Some section engineer jobs will involve travel, although typically not long-distance journeys.
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work schedule
Your work schedule as a section engineer is generally predictable. Most of the time, you will work weekdays during normal working hours. However, the construction industry is a deadline-driven one. As project deadlines approach, you may find yourself working later and even working on weekends. These extended hours are not common, but they can happen when time on a project is short.
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job outlook
Being a section engineer combines technical and leadership skills, which can be useful in a number of other fields.
- if you'd like to move from part of a project to being responsible for the project as a whole, consider becoming a civil engineer or structural engineer.
- if the management and coordination aspect of the job appeals to you, considering moving into a role as an engineering manager or project manager.
- if you'd like to pass on your skills to a new generation of engineers, consider teaching in further or higher education as a lecturer.
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advantages of finding a section engineer job through randstad
Finding your section engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a section engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
A degree in engineering is the most common path to a job as a section engineer. Civil engineering is the most common specialisation for this type of degree. In addition to your engineering expertise, you will bring some experience to this role. Section engineers have previous experience in large engineering projects, often as a site engineer.
In addition to academic qualifications, membership in some professional engineering bodies can be helpful:
- although not all section engineers are Members of the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE), many are.
- similarly, you don't need to be a chartered engineer (CEng) to be a section engineer, but it's another attribute that can impress employers.
- finally, you'll need to demonstrate that you have the necessary practical qualifications to work on a job site. These include a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card, which most sites will require.
You may also require a health, safety and environment qualification such as a qualification from the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH).
skills and competencies
Even though technical skill is important to your work as a section engineer, it isn't the only important qualification. In addition to your knowledge of the techniques and materials your team uses, you will need good interpersonal, organisational and communications skills. In order to keep your section running smoothly, you'll need a range of other skills, including:
- good written communication skills for writing reports and instructions
- strong verbal communication and leadership skills to help you manage your team
- time management and scheduling skills to keep your project on schedule
- attention to detail to help you supervise your site engineers
- multi-tasking to stay on top of the different tasks your team are working on
FAQs about working as a section engineer
Want to learn more about working as a section engineer? Then check out this article.
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what is a section engineer?
A section engineer has final responsibility for one area – or section – of the project on large engineering projects. They supervise a team of site engineers and coordinate with other teams to make sure the project is finished on schedule. Most section engineers are trained civil engineers. Want to learn more about working as a section engineer? Then check out this article.
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how much does a section engineer earn?
Section engineer salaries vary, but the median salary is about £45,000 per year. This can vary depending on experience, qualifications and location. Want to learn more about working as a section engineer? Then check out this article.
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how can I become a section engineer in the railway sector?
The most common route into a career as a section engineer is via an engineering degree followed by some experience working as an engineer. If you're interested in a career in railways, you can build up experience as a site engineer in the sector first. Want to learn more about working as a section engineer? Then check out this article.
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what is the difference between a section engineer and a site engineer?
Many section engineer and site engineer responsibilities overlap, especially on smaller job sites. One important difference is that a site engineer often works as part of a team. Heading up this team will be the section engineer, who assigns the site engineers their duties. Want to learn more about working as a section engineer? Then check out this article.
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what kind of jobs are similar to section engineer jobs?
A section engineer's responsibilities are similar to those of other engineering jobs. A successful section engineer combines the knowledge of a site engineer with the overall context of a civil engineer. The organisational skills of a project manager are also useful. Want to learn more about working as a section engineer? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a section engineer vacancy?
Applying for a section engineer job is easy: create a randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
