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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Mining Engineer - Long-Term Planning

Location: Val-d'Or

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Planning & Testing

Experience: 3 years

Introduction Our client is seeking a Mining Engineer - Long‑Term Planning to support the development of strategic mine plans and the optimization of long‑term resource extraction. Reporting to the Deputy Superintendent of Engineering, this role is responsible for creating operating strategies aligned with long‑range schedules, conducting economic and technical evaluations, and ensuring best practices in reserve planning. The Mining Engineer contributes directly to the safe, efficient, and profitable development of mineral reserves. Responsibilities Contribute to the updating, optimization, and execution of long‑term budget planning and LOM (Life of Mine) schedules. Develop and analyze risks and opportunities for long‑range planning scenarios, including "target" and "growth" cases. Act as a Qualified Person (QP) for the approval and documentation of mining reserves. Support the implementation and adherence to laws, regulations, standards, and engineering procedures. Assist engineering teams in defining safe and efficient operational methods for long‑term mine development. Collaborate with cross‑functional departments to resolve technical challenges and support operational alignment. Coordinate technical work performed by external consultants and contractors. Contribute to the completion of technical studies, strategic evaluations, and mine optimization assessments. Participate in continuous improvement efforts related to planning processes, engineering standards, and compliance frameworks. Perform additional duties related to long‑term planning and engineering as required. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering. Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar long‑term planning or engineering role. Member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ). Valid General Explosives Permit. Completion of FMTM modules 1-5 and 7. Strong project management skills with the ability to lead and coordinate multiple planning activities. Versatility, autonomy, and adaptability in a dynamic and evolving mining environment. Proactive mindset and collaborative approach to teamwork and problem‑solving. Solid understanding of the RSSM and applicable mining regulations. Strong commitment to safety, quality, and long‑term operational performance.

HVC Site Project Planning Specialist

Location: Logan Lake

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Planning & Testing

Experience: 3 years

Works with the Senior Project planning specialist to integrate scheduling and planning activities with regulatory bodies, external consultants and internal groups. Maintains a program master schedule. Performs quality reviews on third party schedules. Recommends corrective actions and supervises their implementation. Integrates third party schedules into overall program master schedule. Responsible for identifying schedule deviations on scope with package owner, and working with package owner to identify and implement mitigations. Notifies package owners on potential schedule trends and opportunities for improvement. Responsible for integrating subcontractor schedules into master schedule. Responsible to support forecasting on a monthly basis, as directed by Project Controls Lead (Manager). Responsible to support project reporting and project presentations, as directed by Project Controls Lead (Manager). Responsible for performing scheduling audits on service providers, as appropriate. Responsible for providing schedule input to help the project team define project execution plans and scope Responsible for ensuring Project Controls Overviews and Standards are properly applied and followed on a project with respect to Planning.

Petroleum Engineer

Location: Midland, TX

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: Planning & Testing

Experience: 3 years

Design, plan, and provide engineering execution support to wellwork operations post-completion, inclusive of drillouts & initial completions. Liaise with Production Engineering to provide cost & scope for initial completion installation. Interface with Development & Completion engineering to understand well designs & challenges on a well-by-well basis. Develop procedures and provide design input to artificial lift systems & drillout operations. Interface with Integrated Scheduling & Operations Team for rig scheduling, execution support, and troubleshooting Liaise with specialist contractors & suppliers for cost and equipment readiness Monitor daily progress of wellwork operations, track daily costs, and recommend cost-effective changes where necessary; travel to company designated sites when necessary Support completion spend forecasting and budget preparation. Track, analyze, and continually improve drillout execution efficiency; manage contractor performance; steward and analyze Wellview data quality

Engineering Superintendent

Location: Val-d'Or

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Production & Manufacturing

Experience: 5 years

Introduction Brunel is currently looking for an Engineering Superintendent for one of our mining clients located near Val-d'Or, Québec. As an Engineering Superintendent, you will lead and manage the full engineering function for an underground mining operation. Reporting to the General Manager, you will provide strategic and technical leadership to engineering teams, oversee critical projects, ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and support production objectives. This role plays a central part in driving operational performance, technical excellence, and long-term mine development planning. Responsibilities Provide leadership and direction to the engineering department to support production and operational objectives. Supervise and mentor engineering teams, including technicians, engineers‑in‑training, and professional engineers. Lead health and safety prevention initiatives within the engineering group. Develop, update, and implement departmental procedures and engineering standards. Prepare and manage the engineering department's annual budget. Oversee the preparation of technical reports, performance monitoring, and monthly engineering updates. Maintain strong communication and collaboration with other operational departments. Manage major engineering projects such as area development, ventilation planning, and infrastructure design. Collaborate with external consultants on studies, audits, and specialized projects. Act as a Qualified Person (QP) for annual reserve calculations and related reporting. Support technical specialists (ventilation, blasting, ground control, backfill) in optimizing their respective programs. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal standards, and industry best practices. Participate in short‑, medium‑, and long‑term mine planning activities. Contribute to the design of development headings, infrastructure, and production areas. Support the application of laws, regulations, standards, and procedures relevant to mine engineering. Perform other related duties aligned with engineering management responsibilities. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering. Minimum 15 years of direct experience in underground mining operations. Member in good standing with the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ). Experience supervising mining operations considered an asset. Proficiency with Deswik, Ventsim, and the Microsoft Office suite. Strong knowledge of both long‑hole and conventional mining methods. Completion of FMTM modules (1-5, 7). Valid General Explosives Permit. Strong technical and organizational leadership capabilities. Excellent communication skills in both French and English. Collaborative mindset and ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast‑moving environment. Commitment to health, safety, operational performance, and engineering excellence. Critical thinking, rigor, and strong strategic analytical skills.

Power Electronics Engineer

Location: Montréal

Branche: Infrastructure

Expertise: Research & Development

Experience: 3 years

Power Electronics Specialist - Power Converter Design Montreal, Quebec Introduction Brunel is seeking a Power Electronics Engineer to support one of our large industrial and infrastructure clients in the final design, integration, and validation of power converter systems. This role will contribute to the successful delivery of a power electronics prototype within a time-sensitive development phase. The position requires a hands-on engineer with strong experience in power converter control design and laboratory validation, capable of working closely with electronics and software engineering teams in a lab-based, delivery-focused environment. Responsibilities Lead and execute the design and refinement of power electronic converters supporting industrial and energy applications Provide technical ownership for analysis, simulation, and validation of power converter performance against system requirements Support the integration of power electronics within larger electrical and electromechanical systems, ensuring reliable system-level operation Execute and support laboratory testing, troubleshooting, and performance optimization to meet functional and delivery targets Support prototypes bring-up, verification, and commissioning activities during critical development phases Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams, including electronics, controls, software, and systems engineers Contribute to technical documentation, design reviews, and engineering decision-making in support of project milestones Requirements Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline 5-7+ years of directly relevant experience in power electronics and power conversion Demonstrated, day-to-day experience in the design and validation of power converters (not a general electrical engineering role) Proven experience taking ownership of power converter control design Experience with microcontroller-based control platforms STM32 preferred; comparable MCU platforms will be considered Strong, hands-on experience with laboratory testing, debugging, and validation of power electronics hardware Ability to contribute effectively and independently in a delivery-driven, prototype-focused development environment Willingness to work full-time on-site initially, particularly during testing, debugging, and validation phases Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional engineering teams

Facilities Engineer / Specialist I

Location: Spring

Branche: Conventional Energy

Expertise: HR & Recruiting

Experience: 3 years

* Facilitate and coordinate discipline engineering technical work products* Coordination and communication of various issues among the company's and contractor's engineering team that affect the discipline engineering design, safety, and regulatory compliance of the work* Evaluate / comment work performed by the Contractor and sub-contractors to insure that the work is being executed in accordance with Company specifications, standards, and regulatory requirements. Includes review of discipline design drawings and documents* Identify and assess deviations to Contract Technical Specifications and regulatory requirements; ensure that such deviations will be processed according to Company procedures; maintains Deviation Control Log.* Steward discipline engineering queries from the Contractor and sub-contractors as well as technical information requests* Keep Lead Engineer or Engineering Manager informed of discipline engineering progress, deviations, and execution concerns* Participate in discipline engineering reviews at Contractor's and subcontractor's locations* Drives and promotes capital efficiency in engineering design* Support internal engineering general interest or Global Practice initiatives as requested by Supervisor

Sr. Engineer - Operational Improvement Equipment Life Cycle

Location: Phoenix

Branche: Mining

Expertise: Planning & Testing

Experience: 3 years

As a Senior Engineer you will plan, organize, manage and evaluate designated engineering projects and programs, ensuring the successful conclusion of all phases on time and within budget. Duties include: Review, investigate and develop appropriate recommendations regarding assigned engineering projects. Manage projects and serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on large/complex site planning/construction, expansion or modifications. Provide guidance and counsel to the site management team on applicable processes, practices, or existing/proposed local, state and federal regulations. Contribute to site strategic planning and budgeting efforts for designated engineering area. Develop and evaluate AFE's (Authorization for Expenditure) for capital funding requests. May evaluate and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment. May represent the site on company sponsored steering committees, task forces, or teams. Works on complex issues and implements solutions mostly through the determination of strategy and delegation to others in a group of functional area. Often collaborates with managers and/or functional or site leaders and has some interaction with external colleagues. Works under moderate supervision and has some latitude to set objectives, priorities and timelines that may impact department or individual work group. Contributes to budget preparation by supplying costs and recommendations. Manages appropriate project budgets for consulting services. Manages a specific program or project, but typically does not supervise people.

Senior Engineering Manager - Utility-Scale Solar & BESS

Location: Austin

Branche: Renewable Energy

Expertise: HR & Recruiting

Experience: 5 years

Key responsibilities include: Lead all electrical engineering activities for utility-scale solar and BESS projects across development, design, construction, commissioning, and operations Provide technical direction and subject-matter expertise for both new projects and existing operating assets Collaborate with project management and procurement teams to support on-time and cost-effective delivery Coordinate engineering activities with EPC contractors, equipment vendors, utilities, and regulatory authorities Oversee engineering studies, feasibility assessments, and detailed design reviews Ensure compliance with NEC, IEEE, safety regulations, environmental standards, and internal engineering requirements Own MV/HV systems, substations, protection & control, and grid interconnection scope Support ERCOT interconnection processes and Texas grid requirements Monitor plant performance and recommend optimization strategies Review and approve technical documentation, drawings, reports, and specifications Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve plant efficiency, reliability, and sustainability Provide technical leadership to internal engineering teams and external partners

PSA Engineer - Generation

Branche: Infrastructure

Expertise: IT & Shared Services

Experience: 0 years

We are supporting a leading organization in the power and utilities sector delivering mission-critical Energy Management System (EMS) solutions for generation operations. This role focuses on administering, optimizing, and supporting power system applications used in real-time grid operations and control center environments. You will play a critical role in maintaining system availability, deploying fixes in live environments, and supporting advanced generation and power system applications.

Staff Engineering Technician

Branche: Renewable Energy

Expertise: Planning & Testing

Experience: 0 years

The Staff Engineering Technician will support civil engineering design efforts within the Clients Governments & Water Utilities (G&Wu) group. This role focuses on water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including site development, drainage, grading, and utilities. The position involves creating and modifying technical design deliverables using Autodesk Civil 3D and Bentley MicroStation, working closely with engineering and design teams.

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.