The People, Skills and Daily Wins of a PE

At Ronco Construction, project engineers (PEs) are the vital link between the office and the field. They coordinate moving parts, keep communication flowing and help turn plans into real spaces that serve communities. If you’re organized, communicate well and love solving problems, a project engineer career might be your lane.

So, what does life as a project engineer look like?

The Foundation: Skills You Need

Success as a project engineer doesn’t hinge on one skill — it requires a full toolkit. At the core are organization, communication, time management and problem-solving.

Construction is fast-paced and always evolving, which means staying on top of details and adapting as plans, deliveries and scopes change.

“Organizational skills are what keep projects moving forward,” says Ceri Klopp, one of Ronco’s project engineers.

And another, Garrett Korth, agrees, adding that, “Attention to detail and reading the fine print are crucial. Reviewing submittals, understanding plans and catching issues early are all part of the job.”

“Construction is more than the drawings, though,” explains Shahab Hosseinian, an Assistant Project Manager at Ronco. “It’s also about the people and who you interact everyone involved in the project.”

Klopp adds, “Being nice. It can go a long way in this role.”

The main takeaway: soft skills matter as much as technical ones.

Construction isn’t just drawings and steel beams. It’s technology, documentation, coordination and, most importantly, people.

“One of the hardest parts of my job is getting people to communicate with each other,” says Klopp. That’s why consistent check-ins and a proactive mindset are key to keeping everyone aligned.

“When I started in this role, I was surprised at the amount of collaboration,” Korth adds. “Managing different personalities is just as important as managing paperwork and the build itself.”

Siebe adds to that, “The construction industry is actually really small. Relationships span multiple jobs, and the people you worked with five years ago often resurface. That continuity and builds trust — and raises the bar.”

Daily Life as a Project Engineer

No two days in construction are the same, but many project engineers start with the same routine — checking emails for submittals, RFIs and updates before diving into calls, meetings and jobsite visits. Communication isn’t just part of the job — it is the job.

“Some days, I’ll talk to certain superintendents more than my own wife,” says Project Engineer Trevor Siebe.

After reviewing updates, Siebe connects with field teams to keep momentum going. Then it’s on to daily priorities — coordinating tasks, problem-solving and keeping details from slipping through the cracks.

As project engineers gain experience, their days start to expand beyond the checklist and coordination tasks. Some thrive on managing the paperwork, while others discover a passion for the hands-on field work. For many, it’s the first step toward a long-term path — whether that’s guiding projects from the office as a project manager or leading builds on-site as a superintendent.

“Most project engineers follow a traditional path, working their way up through project management and coordination roles,” says Project Engineer Cameron Mulholland. “But through my time in the field, I’ve found a love for onsite work and am leaning in — taking on responsibilities typically aligned with a superintendent.”

No matter the path — project management or field coordination — follow-through and communication are critical. PEs are often the glue holding everything together, ensuring schedules stay tight, safety is prioritized and the team moves forward as one.

The Impact of a Project Engineer

Whether it’s helping a community grow or watching your hard work come to life, being a project engineer is deeply rewarding.

For Garrett Korth, the journey started after fixing up his first home with his dad. “Going back to school was huge for me,” he says. “It gave me the foundation that still guides me today.”

There’s pride in seeing something tangible rise from the ground — knowing your coordination, decisions and effort made it possible.

“What keeps me coming back each day is watching a project evolve — being part of something from the ground up and learning every step of the way,” says Mulholland. “There’s nothing like seeing it take shape and knowing you had a hand in it.”

If you’re considering this career path, the project engineers at Ronco have a few pieces of advice:

• Stay organized — seriously, it’s not optional.
• Communicate constantly, even when it feels repetitive.
• Ask questions early and often — there’s no such thing as a dumb question.
• Trust your instincts. If you see something off, say something.

The project engineer role isn’t just about following a plan — it’s about building relationships, adapting quickly and thinking a step ahead. For the right person, it’s a career that blends challenge, growth and purpose.

Learn about other careers in construction.

Behind the Build: Superintendent | Project Manager | Preconstruction | Construction