Share
If you’ve searched for “planning engineer job description” online, you’ve probably noticed the same problem: endless copy-paste templates with a long list of responsibilities, generic requirements, and zero personality.
The issue? Posts like that rarely attract top talent. They read like checklists, not opportunities. And when you’re hiring a planning engineer — someone responsible for coordinating schedules, managing resources, and keeping projects on track — you can’t afford to settle for average candidates.
Here’s the truth: strong job posts don’t just list duties. They tell a story. They connect with candidates on a human level and explain why the role matters. A well-written planning engineer job description can inspire the right applicants to lean in, apply, and bring their expertise to your team.
📌 If you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it explains why most generic job posts fail to convert and how to craft ones that actually attract great candidates. This article builds on that framework, but tailored specifically for planning engineers.
In the sections below, we’ll define what a planning engineer actually does (in plain English), share two ready-to-use job description templates (one for experienced hires and one for entry-level candidates), break down why they work, and even show you what a bad job post looks like. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to write a planning engineer job post that doesn’t just fill a role — it attracts the right person to drive your projects forward.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
What a Planning Engineer Actually Does - Their Role Explained
A planning engineer is the person who keeps your projects on track. They don’t just create schedules — they connect the dots between people, resources, and deadlines to make sure everything runs smoothly.
In practical terms, planning engineers:
- Develop and maintain project schedules, timelines, and milestones.
- Monitor progress and flag risks before they turn into costly delays.
- Work closely with project managers, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to coordinate tasks.
- Track resources (time, manpower, and budget) to make sure projects stay efficient.
- Use tools like Primavera P6, MS Project, or similar software to plan and report on progress.
But beyond the technical side, a planning engineer plays a crucial role in communication and problem-solving. They provide updates to management, help teams stay aligned, and make adjustments when unexpected challenges arise.
Put simply: a planning engineer is the bridge between your project plan and real-world execution. They combine technical skills with foresight, organization, and teamwork — making them essential for industries like construction, engineering, oil & gas, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
Two Great Planning Engineer Job Description Template
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Job Description Template 1: Experienced Planning Engineer
📌 Job Title: Planning Engineer – Infrastructure Projects at Skyline BuildTech (Dallas, TX)
💼 Type: Full-Time | On-Site | $70,000–$85,000/year (Based on Experience)
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 8AM–5PM
🎥 Message from Our Project Director
(Insert link to a short Loom or YouTube video)
Hear directly from our Project Director on how this role supports Skyline’s vision for delivering high-quality, on-time infrastructure projects.
About Skyline BuildTech
Skyline BuildTech is a mid-sized construction and engineering firm specializing in large-scale infrastructure projects across Texas. For over 20 years, we’ve built highways, bridges, and urban developments with a reputation for precision, safety, and reliability. Our mission is simple: to deliver infrastructure that communities can rely on, while creating a workplace where engineers thrive.
Our Company Culture
At Skyline, we’re problem-solvers and collaborators. We believe in proactive planning, transparent communication, and supporting our teams so they can do their best work. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions directly shape the projects we deliver.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Develop, update, and monitor project schedules using Primavera P6.
- Work closely with project managers, site engineers, and contractors to ensure milestones are met.
- Identify potential risks and delays, and propose mitigation strategies.
- Track manpower, resources, and budgets to maintain project efficiency.
- Prepare regular progress reports and present them to management and stakeholders.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
- 3+ years of proven experience as a planning engineer in construction or infrastructure projects.
- Strong proficiency in Primavera P6 and MS Project.
- Analytical thinker with excellent communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing project needs.
Why Join Skyline BuildTech?
- Competitive salary with annual performance bonuses.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance (starting after 60 days).
- Paid time off (up to 20 days annually) + 10 paid holidays.
- Career growth opportunities — we promote from within and support professional certifications.
- Be part of impactful projects that shape communities.
Our Hiring Process
- We review every application and respond within two weeks.
- Shortlisted candidates will go through an initial video interview, followed by a technical interview.
- We keep you updated at every stage — no applicant gets left in the dark.
- Final candidates will complete a skills assessment via io.
How to Apply
We care about a fair and transparent process. Apply now through WorkScreen at:
👉 [insert application link]
✅ Job Description Template 2: Entry-Level Planning Engineer (Training Provided)
📌 Job Title: Junior Planning Engineer – Renewable Energy Projects at GreenWave Energy (Remote with Site Visits)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Hybrid | $50,000–$62,000/year
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | Flexible hours with occasional travel
🎥 Message from Our CEO
(Insert link to a short Loom or YouTube video)
Watch a quick message from our CEO about why GreenWave is investing in the next generation of engineers — and how you can grow with us.
About GreenWave Energy
GreenWave Energy is a renewable energy startup focused on solar and wind farm projects across the Midwest. Since launching in 2018, we’ve grown into a mission-driven team committed to accelerating the transition to clean, affordable energy. We’re looking for a Junior Planning Engineer who’s passionate about sustainability, eager to learn, and ready to grow with us.
Our Company Culture
We believe in curiosity, mentorship, and collaboration. At GreenWave, you won’t just be “another engineer” — you’ll be part of a supportive team where new ideas are welcomed, and learning never stops. We provide training, mentorship, and career pathways to help you develop into a seasoned project planner.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Assist in developing and maintaining project schedules for solar and wind energy projects.
- Learn to use tools like MS Project and Primavera P6 with guidance from senior engineers.
- Support project reporting and progress tracking.
- Collaborate with project managers to identify bottlenecks and propose solutions.
- Participate in site visits to understand real-world project execution.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, or related).
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Interest in renewable energy and sustainable development.
- Willingness to learn and adapt quickly.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Why Join GreenWave Energy?
- Competitive entry-level salary with clear growth pathways.
- Mentorship program with senior engineers.
- Training budget and access to industry certifications.
- Flexible work environment (hybrid setup).
- Paid time off (15 days annually) + 8 public holidays.
- Be part of a mission-driven company making a real impact on the planet.
Our Hiring Process
- We review all applications and respond within 10 business days.
- Initial video interview with HR, followed by a technical interview with our engineering team.
- Selected candidates will participate in a short paid trial project (5–10 hours) to demonstrate problem-solving and adaptability.
- Skills assessments and final evaluations are conducted through io to ensure fairness and consistency.
How to Apply
If you’re passionate about renewable energy and want to start your career as a planning engineer, apply here via WorkScreen:
👉 [insert application link]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown of Why These Planning Engineer Job Posts Work
1. Clear, Specific Job Titles
- Instead of a vague “Planning Engineer,” the posts specify the scope:
- “Planning Engineer – Infrastructure Projects at Skyline BuildTech (Dallas, TX)”
- “Junior Planning Engineer – Renewable Energy Projects at GreenWave Energy (Remote with Site Visits)”
- “Planning Engineer – Infrastructure Projects at Skyline BuildTech (Dallas, TX)”
- This instantly tells candidates what type of projects they’ll work on, where, and at what level. Specificity = relevance.
2. Human, Contextual Introductions
- Both posts open with a video from a leader (Project Director or CEO). This makes the role feel personal and shows candidates there are real people behind the company.
- Instead of jumping straight into duties, each job description explains the company mission and purpose, which inspires and attracts candidates motivated by more than just a paycheck.
3. Transparent Compensation & Perks
- Salary ranges are included in both templates ($70k–$85k and $50k–$62k). This builds trust and filters serious candidates.
- Benefits are highlighted in plain English: PTO, health insurance, flexible hours, mentorship, certification support.
- By showing what’s in it for the candidate early on, the posts feel more like an opportunity than an obligation.
4. Culture & Values Are Front and Center
- Skyline emphasizes precision, teamwork, and reliability in large infrastructure projects.
- GreenWave highlights mentorship, curiosity, and sustainability in renewable energy.
- This helps candidates self-select based on cultural fit — not just skills.
5. Responsibilities Show Impact, Not Just Tasks
- Instead of dry bullet points, the responsibilities tie back to impact:
- Skyline: “Identify potential risks and delays, and propose mitigation strategies” → signals ownership.
- GreenWave: “Participate in site visits to understand real-world project execution” → signals hands-on learning.
- Skyline: “Identify potential risks and delays, and propose mitigation strategies” → signals ownership.
- Candidates can clearly picture what their work means in practice.
6. Respectful, Transparent Hiring Processes
- Both companies explain timelines (“we review every application and respond within 2 weeks”).
- Skyline uses WorkScreen for skills evaluation, ensuring fairness and efficiency.
- GreenWave goes a step further with a paid trial project, showing respect for candidate time while testing real skills.
- This is a big differentiator — most job posts say “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted,” which feels cold and dismissive.
7. Personal, Trust-Building Elements
- The video from leadership is a game-changer. Candidates are more likely to apply when they see authentic human connection.
- Benefits and growth opportunities are written in warm, candidate-first language:
- Skyline: “Be part of impactful projects that shape communities.”
- GreenWave: “Be part of a mission-driven company making a real impact on the planet.”
- Skyline: “Be part of impactful projects that shape communities.”
8. Call-to-Action That Motivates
- Both end with a WorkScreen-powered application process, signaling modernity, fairness, and efficiency.
Instead of “send CV to HR,” the CTA encourages candidates to engage in a structured, respectful process that values their skills.
Bad Planning Engineer Job Description Example (And Why It Falls Short)
Job Title: Planning Engineer
Company: Global Infrastructure Ltd.
Location: Houston, TX
Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
Global Infrastructure Ltd. is seeking to hire a planning engineer. The candidate will be responsible for scheduling, monitoring progress, and coordinating with teams to ensure timely project completion.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and update project schedules.
- Monitor progress and report delays.
- Coordinate with departments to ensure tasks are completed.
- Assist project managers with documentation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
- 2–4 years of relevant experience.
- Proficiency in project scheduling software.
- Good communication skills.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to hr@globalinfra.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Planning Engineer Job Post Falls Short
- Generic Job Title
- Just “Planning Engineer” — no context about industry, level (junior/senior), or impact. Candidates have no clue what kind of projects they’d be working on.
- Just “Planning Engineer” — no context about industry, level (junior/senior), or impact. Candidates have no clue what kind of projects they’d be working on.
- Dry, Cold Introduction
- “Seeking to hire a planning engineer” says nothing about company mission, culture, or why the role exists. There’s no reason for candidates to feel excited.
- “Seeking to hire a planning engineer” says nothing about company mission, culture, or why the role exists. There’s no reason for candidates to feel excited.
- Responsibilities Are Too Vague
- “Prepare and update project schedules” could apply to any Nothing communicates the unique challenges or scope of the work.
- “Prepare and update project schedules” could apply to any Nothing communicates the unique challenges or scope of the work.
- No Salary or Benefits Mentioned
- Lack of transparency immediately raises red flags. Top candidates are more likely to skip applying if they don’t know compensation upfront.
- Lack of transparency immediately raises red flags. Top candidates are more likely to skip applying if they don’t know compensation upfront.
- No Culture or Values Section
- Nothing about teamwork, mission, or company personality. This makes the post feel transactional, not inspiring.
- Nothing about teamwork, mission, or company personality. This makes the post feel transactional, not inspiring.
- Dismissive Hiring Process
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels cold and discouraging. Compare this to a respectful, transparent process where every candidate gets closure.
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels cold and discouraging. Compare this to a respectful, transparent process where every candidate gets closure.
- Flat, Transactional Call-to-Action
- “Send resume to HR” is outdated. It signals a company stuck in old hiring practices, with no mention of fairness, skill-based evaluation, or candidate experience.
- “Send resume to HR” is outdated. It signals a company stuck in old hiring practices, with no mention of fairness, skill-based evaluation, or candidate experience.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Planning Engineer Job Post Stand Out
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Job seekers are cautious, especially in technical fields like engineering where scams are common. Adding a short statement shows professionalism and builds trust.
💡 Example:
“We take the security and privacy of all applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any part of the hiring process.”
2. Mention Leave Days or Flexibility
While planning engineers often deal with strict project timelines, candidates value balance. Even a small mention of time off can make your role far more appealing.
💡 Example:
“Enjoy up to 20 paid days off annually, plus flexible hours when project schedules allow, so you can recharge and come back stronger.”
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Top engineers don’t just look for a job—they look for a career path. Emphasize mentorship, certifications, or training budgets to show you’re investing in their future.
💡 Example:
“We invest in your growth. From Primavera P6 training to PMP certification support, we ensure our planning engineers have every opportunity to develop their careers.”
4. Include a Personal Video
A short Loom or YouTube video from the Project Director, CEO, or a team member adds authenticity. It humanizes your company and helps candidates picture themselves working with you.
💡 Example:
- A Project Director explaining how planning engineers drive project success.
- A peer engineer sharing what it’s really like to work on your team.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Emphasize Candidate Experience
Most job posts say “we’ll contact shortlisted candidates only.” Flip that on its head. Show you respect applicants’ time and effort.
💡 Example:
“We review every application and respond within two weeks. No matter the outcome, you’ll always hear back from us.”
Should You Use AI to Write a Planning Engineer Job Description?
Lately, it feels like every hiring team is leaning on AI to generate job descriptions — even some ATS platforms now have “one-click JD generators.” But here’s the problem:
- Generic Output: AI alone tends to produce bland, cookie-cutter content.
- Wrong Candidates: Those generic posts attract low-effort applicants, not the specialized engineers you actually want.
- Weak Employer Branding: A job description is often the first impression a candidate has of your company. If it feels robotic, you miss the chance to connect.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI
Typing a vague prompt like:
“Write me a job description for a planning engineer.”
What you’ll get:
- A lifeless template.
- Responsibilities that could apply to any role.
- No mention of your culture, values, or what makes your projects unique.
Result → You blend in with every other employer.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
Use AI as a polisher, not a creator. Come prepared with real inputs about your company, your culture, and the role. Then ask AI to help refine, organize, and improve tone.
💡 Example Prompt:
“Help me write a job description for our company, Skyline BuildTech. We’re hiring a Planning Engineer to support large-scale infrastructure projects in Dallas. Key responsibilities include scheduling with Primavera P6, resource tracking, and risk mitigation. Our culture emphasizes precision, collaboration, and safety. We want to attract candidates with 3+ years of experience, strong communication skills, and an ability to manage deadlines. We offer $70,000–$85,000/year, health/dental insurance, and PTO. Here are some draft notes I’ve made: [paste notes]. Please refine this into a compelling, candidate-focused job post that feels professional but approachable.”
🎯 The Smarter Workflow
- Write down your raw notes → culture, values, role details, perks.
- Feed those notes into AI → let it polish language, structure, and tone.
- Review and humanize → add a video, candidate-first language, and transparent hiring process.
That way, you get the best of both worlds: efficiency + authenticity.
📌 Takeaway: Don’t let AI replace your voice. Use it to sharpen your message — but keep the human touch that actually connects with the planning engineers you want to hire.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast. Maybe you’ve already read this guide and understand what makes a strong job post, but you also want a ready-to-use foundation you can copy, paste, and customize in minutes.
That’s what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: Planning Engineer – [Insert Project/Industry Focus]
Location: [City, State or Remote/Hybrid]
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Mon–Fri | [Insert Typical Hours or Flex Options]
Salary Range: $XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/year (Based on Experience)
🎥 Message from Our CEO
(Insert link to a short Loom or YouTube video)
About Us
At [Company Name], we believe planning is the backbone of successful projects. Whether it’s [insert type of project—construction, energy, manufacturing], we pride ourselves on delivering results on time and with precision. Our team thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a shared drive to do meaningful work.
What You’ll Be Doing
As our Planning Engineer, you’ll be the person who keeps everything running smoothly:
- Building and updating schedules using [Primavera/MS Project].
- Monitoring project milestones and flagging risks early.
- Coordinating with project managers, engineers, and contractors.
- Tracking resources—time, manpower, and budget—to maximize efficiency.
- Preparing progress reports that keep everyone aligned.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Competitive salary ($XX,XXX–$XX,XXX depending on experience).
- Paid time off + health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Growth opportunities—we invest in certifications and training.
- Supportive team culture built on trust and respect.
- A hiring process that values your time: we review every application and keep you updated.
How to Apply
We care about fairness and clarity in hiring. Apply now through WorkScreen to start your application:
👉 [WorkScreen Application Link]
✅ Option 2: Structured Job Description Template (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title: Planning Engineer
Location: [City, State or Remote/Hybrid]
Job Type: Full-Time
Schedule: Mon–Fri | [Insert Typical Hours or Flex Options]
Salary Range: $XX,XXX–$XX,XXX/year
Job Brief
We are looking for a Planning Engineer to join our team and support [industry/projects—construction, renewable energy, infrastructure]. You will be responsible for scheduling, resource management, and progress monitoring to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and update project schedules (Primavera/MS Project).
- Track progress and identify delays or risks.
- Collaborate with managers, engineers, and contractors.
- Prepare weekly/monthly progress reports.
- Monitor resource allocation (time, labor, materials).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, or related field).
- years of relevant experience (open to entry-level for junior roles).
- Proficiency in scheduling software (Primavera P6, MS Project, or similar).
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Effective communicator with problem-solving mindset.
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Paid vacation + holidays.
- Professional development support (training + certifications).
- Growth opportunities in a collaborative, mission-driven team.
How to Apply
Submit your application through WorkScreen:
👉 [WorkScreen Application Link]
Next Step: Let WorkScreen Handle the Hiring Process
Writing a strong planning engineer job description is just the first step. The real challenge begins when applications start flooding in. How do you quickly identify the right candidates without wasting time on low-effort or unqualified applicants?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
✅ Spot your top candidates instantly
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—helping you see your most promising candidates at a glance.
✅ Run one-click skill tests
Workscreen allows you to easily administer one-click skill tests. This way you can assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate low-effort applications
WorkScreen filters out low-effort applicants—including those who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
✅ Streamline your entire process
From application to evaluation, everything happens in one simple, candidate-friendly platform—so your hiring feels faster, fairer, and more efficient.
📌 Bottom line: A great job description attracts the right planning engineers. WorkScreen makes sure you can identify and hire them with confidence.
👉 Start hiring smarter today.
Frequently Asked Questions - Planning Engineer Job Descriptions
The salary of a planning engineer depends on experience, industry, and location. In the U.S., the average salary ranges between $65,000 and $85,000 per year for mid-level professionals. Entry-level planning engineers often start around $50,000–$60,000, while senior planning engineers with specialized expertise (e.g., oil & gas, infrastructure) can earn $95,000 or more annually.
A planning engineer needs a mix of technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Key requirements include:
- Proficiency in scheduling software like Primavera P6 or MS Project.
- Strong analytical and organizational abilities to manage complex timelines.
- Knowledge of project management principles (budgeting, resourcing, risk analysis).
- Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with engineers, managers, and contractors.
- Problem-solving mindset to anticipate and mitigate project delays.
- For senior roles: leadership and reporting skills to update management and stakeholders.
- Planning Engineer → Focuses on time, resources, and schedules. They ensure projects run smoothly, stay on track, and finish on time by creating and monitoring detailed plans.
- Project Engineer → More involved in the technical execution of the project. They oversee design, implementation, and site operations, often working hands-on with teams.
📌 In short: Planning engineers manage the “when and how” of projects, while project engineers manage the “what and where.” Both roles complement each other.
Planning engineers are most common in:
- Construction & Infrastructure (roads, bridges, buildings).
- Oil & Gas & Energy (pipelines, refineries, power plants, renewable projects).
- Manufacturing & Industrial Projects.
- Transportation & Logistics.
Anywhere projects involve tight deadlines, complex resources, and multiple teams—planning engineers are in demand.
Not always, but certifications can boost credibility and career growth. Common ones include:
- Primavera P6 Certification.
- PMP (Project Management Professional).
- APM or PRINCE2 certifications (UK/Europe).
- Industry-specific training (e.g., construction safety, lean project planning).
Yes, especially in companies open to training and mentorship. Junior planning engineer roles usually require a degree in engineering plus strong organizational and analytical skills. Employers often provide training in project scheduling tools and processes, making it a good starting point for recent graduates.
