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If you’ve Googled “project engineer job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of articles that all sound the same.
They give you a checklist of tasks. Some bullet points. Maybe a one-sentence summary of the company. Then they slap on a “responsibilities” list and call it a day.
But here’s the problem: generic job descriptions don’t attract great candidates—they repel them.
They don’t sell the opportunity.
They don’t explain the mission.
And they definitely don’t excite top-performing engineers.
That’s why we’re doing this differently.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what a great project engineer job post actually looks like—one that attracts skilled, motivated professionals who care about the work and want to be part of something meaningful.
We’ll break down the role in plain language, give you 2 reusable templates, show you why they work, and explain how to use AI without ending up with a bland, copy-paste job ad.
Before we get into examples, 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 walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
What Does a Project Engineer Actually Do?
A project engineer is the glue between planning and execution.
They take technical plans and turn them into real-world outcomes—coordinating timelines, budgets, materials, and people to make sure projects run smoothly from start to finish.
Think of them as part engineer, part problem-solver, part project manager.
They’re in meetings with clients, collaborating with design teams, troubleshooting issues on-site, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.
In short: a great project engineer doesn’t just keep things on schedule—they make sure things get done right.
That’s why it’s not just about technical skills. Communication, ownership, and adaptability are just as important as engineering knowledge. You need someone who can think on their feet, work with different teams, and stay calm under pressure.
Whether they’re overseeing a construction site, a manufacturing upgrade, or a complex product rollout—your project engineer is the person making sure everything and everyone is aligned
Two Great Project Engineer Job Description Templates
🧱 Version 1: Project Engineer (Experienced) — Keystone Structures
📌 Job Title: Project Engineer for Fast-Growing Commercial Construction Team (Nairobi, Kenya)
💼 Type: Full-Time | Location: On-Site | Pay: KSh 120 000 – 160 000 / month (DOE)
🕒 Schedule: Mon – Fri | 08:00 – 17:00
🎥 A Quick Word from Our Hiring Manager
Watch a 90-second Loom from our Head of Delivery welcoming applicants and explaining the impact of this role.
🌍 Who We Are
Keystone Structures is a 70-person, Nairobi-based contractor that designs and delivers large-scale office, retail, and industrial spaces across East Africa. Over the past 12 years we’ve completed 220 projects—on average 11 days ahead of schedule—because we run lean, plan obsessively, and treat subcontractors like partners. Our next milestone is a 30 000 m² mixed-use complex in Westlands, and we need an experienced Project Engineer to keep it on track.
🏗️ What You’ll Be Doing
Ownership is the theme. You will:
- Build and maintain the project schedule, budget, and risk register
- Coordinate architects, site supervisors, and subcontractors daily
- Approve materials, drawings, and change requests
- Visit site 3–4 times a week to spot issues before they escalate
- Report progress to clients and senior leadership every Friday
- Ensure compliance with NCA, OSHA, and ISO 9001 standards
✅ What We’re Looking For
- 3+ years as a project or site engineer on commercial builds
- Solid grasp of Primavera P6, MS Project, and AutoCAD
- Proven communicator who keeps all stakeholders in the loop
- BSc Civil Engineering (or equivalent) + valid EBK registration
- Bonus: experience with LEED-certified projects
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Fully paid medical, dental & vision for you + spouse/children
- Annual training stipend of KSh 60 000 for courses or conferences
- Paid time off: 24 days + public holidays
- Monthly data/phone allowance (KSh 5 000)
- Profit-share bonus when projects finish under budget
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll own an 8-figure flagship build from day one—no “assistant” work.
- Flat org chart: direct access to founders, quick decisions, zero red tape.
- Clear growth path to Project Manager within 18 months if targets are met.
📥 How to Apply
We hire through WorkScreen to keep things fast and fair. Click below, complete a 15-minute skill evaluation, and we’ll reply within a week.
👉 Apply via WorkScreen
🌱 Version 2: Junior Project Engineer (Entry-Level) — Arcadia Build Co.
📌 Job Title: Junior Project Engineer (No Experience Needed) — Helping Build Kenya’s Greenest Workspaces
💼 Type: Full-Time | Location: On-Site, Nairobi | Pay: KSh 70 000 – 90 000 / month
🕒 Schedule: Mon – Fri | 08:00 – 17:00
🎥 Meet Your Future Mentor
Watch a 60-second Loom from our Senior Project Engineer describing the learning curve and team culture.
🌍 About Arcadia Build Co.
We’re a mission-driven, 40-person firm specialising in eco-friendly office and retail fit-outs. Since 2017, we’ve retrofitted 120 000 m² of workspace, cutting client energy bills by an average of 28%. We believe the construction industry can (and must) go green—so we hire people who want their work to matter.
🧱 What You’ll Do (and Learn)
- Shadow senior engineers during site walks, client calls, and handovers
- Help prepare schedules, RFIs, and progress reports
- Track deliveries and ensure materials meet our sustainability standards
- Keep daily site logs organised and up to date
- Flag risks early and brainstorm solutions with the team
✅ Must-Haves & Nice-to-Haves
- Must: Diploma/BSc in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering
- Must: Strong written & verbal communication, keen eye for detail
- Nice: Basic AutoCAD or Revit, internship in construction or manufacturing
- Nice: Passion for green building or renewable tech
(If you tick the Must boxes and have the drive to learn fast—apply. We’ll teach the rest.)
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Health cover for you + one dependent
- Graduate mentorship programme (weekly check-ins + quarterly career reviews)
- Education allowance (KSh 40 000 per year toward certifications)
- Wellness days: one Friday off every quarter, no questions asked
- Subsidised lunch at on-site canteen
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Real responsibility from week one—not coffee runs
- Work on LEED and EDGE-certified projects that make a climate impact
- Clear 12-month roadmap to Assistant Project Engineer with pay review
📥 How to Apply
All applications run through WorkScreen. Expect a short situational assessment (about 20 minutes) and we’ll update you within 7 days—promise.
👉 Apply via WorkScreen
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard. If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Why These Project Engineer Job Posts Actually Work
Here’s a breakdown of what sets these two Project Engineer job posts apart—and why they attract better applicants than the generic posts flooding job boards.
1. The Job Titles Are Specific and Purpose-Driven
- Instead of a vague label like “Project Engineer – Apply Now”, each post clearly states:
- The company name
- The job level (experienced vs. junior)
- A value-driven hook (e.g., “Helping Build Kenya’s Greenest Workspaces”)
This makes the role instantly more relevant, engaging, and easy to find through search.
2. They Start with a Human Touch (Not a Wall of Text)
- Both job descriptions open with a short video message from a real person—either the hiring manager or future mentor.
- This builds trust, adds personality, and helps applicants feel welcomed before they even apply.
- In a sea of faceless listings, this one move makes your post feel human.
3. The “About Us” Section Tells a Real Story
- These posts don’t just say “We’re a construction company based in Nairobi.” They explain:
- What the company actually does
- What it believes in
- And what the team culture feels like
- What the company actually does
This creates emotional resonance with the right candidates and gives them a reason to care about the mission.
4. Responsibilities Are Clear and Realistic
- Duties are described in plain English—not buzzwords.
- They reflect real day-to-day tasks (e.g., “Approve materials,” “Track deliveries,” “Report to clients”) instead of generic phrases like “ensure operational excellence.”
- It’s obvious what success looks like—and what the job actually entails.
5. The Qualifications Are Balanced
- The experienced role lists firm requirements (e.g., EBK registration, Primavera P6).
- The junior role clearly separates must-haves and nice-to-haves, encouraging capable but less experienced candidates to still apply.
This clarity helps reduce dropout from qualified candidates who might second-guess themselves.
6. Perks and Benefits Are Upfront and Transparent
- Both posts list perks clearly and confidently—including:
- Health cover
- Training allowances
- Paid time off
- Growth programs
- These aren’t buried at the bottom or vaguely mentioned—they’re used as selling points.
Top candidates expect transparency—and this earns their trust.
7. “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Sells the Opportunity
- This section makes a direct pitch to the reader—especially to someone who’s selective or already employed.
- It highlights things like real ownership, mentorship, impact, or career progression in a conversational tone.
- It answers the question “Why should I care?”—which most job posts ignore entirely.
8. The Application Process Is Respectful and Efficient
- By using WorkScreen, both posts communicate a fair, fast, and skills-first hiring approach.
- They clarify the next steps (e.g., “15-minute skill evaluation” or “reply within a week”).
- This reduces candidate anxiety and boosts completion rates—especially for high-performing, time-conscious applicants.
These aren’t just job posts. They’re well-crafted marketing messages written for people—not robots. That’s why they attract better talent, reduce ghosting, and help companies make better hires.
Example of a Bad Project Engineer Job Description (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Project Engineer
Company: Confidential
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Type: Full-Time
Salary: Not Disclosed
Application Deadline: July 30, 2025
Job Summary
We are seeking a Project Engineer to oversee the planning and execution of engineering projects. The role involves coordinating with internal departments, managing timelines, and ensuring projects are completed on schedule.
Responsibilities
- Manage daily project operations
- Coordinate with internal and external teams
- Track project timelines and deliverables
- Prepare reports and documentation
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field
- Minimum 3 years of experience
- Strong communication and organizational skills
How to Apply
Send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@confidential.co.ke. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🚫 Why This Job Description Fails (And Pushes Away Top Talent)
1. The Job Title Is Generic and Uninspired
- “Project Engineer” tells the reader nothing about what industry, what kind of projects, or what level of responsibility is expected. It could be anything—from a software rollout to a civil infrastructure project.
2. The Company Is Anonymous
- “Company: Confidential” immediately raises red flags. Top candidates want to know who they’d be working for—and hiding your name makes the opportunity feel untrustworthy or unimportant.
3. The Introduction Is Dry and Vague
- The opening line says nothing about the company, the mission, the type of work, or the impact. It’s just a repackaging of the title in passive language.
4. No Culture, No Mission, No Story
- There’s no mention of team dynamics, values, or why this role exists. That’s a huge miss—especially for professionals who are motivated by meaning and environment, not just tasks.
5. The Responsibilities Are Overly Broad
- These duties could apply to any “Manage operations” and “coordinate with teams” don’t tell applicants what they’ll be doing day to day or what they’ll be accountable for.
6. No Mention of Salary or Benefits
- Omitting salary gives the impression the company is hiding something. Not listing benefits makes the offer feel empty—and tells candidates you don’t value their time or wellbeing.
7. The Hiring Process Feels Cold and Dismissive
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is a major turn-off. It signals to applicants that their time and effort might be ignored—so why bother applying?
8. Zero Personality or Effort in the CTA
- The call to action is just “send your CV.” There’s no energy, encouragement, or clarity about what happens next—no reason for the applicant to feel excited, safe, or motivated.
👎 The Bottom Line:
This job post might technically “check the boxes,” but it fails to inspire, connect, or convert. It feels outdated, impersonal, and lazy—exactly the kind of post that top performers scroll past without a second thought.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Description Stand Out
Most companies stop at responsibilities and requirements. But the best job posts go further—they anticipate candidate concerns, build trust, and show the human side of the hiring process.
Here are a few small, powerful additions that can make your job description 10× more effective:
✅ Tip 1: Add a Security and Privacy Notice
Scammers are everywhere—and serious candidates are increasingly cautious. Including a simple notice in your job post can help build trust instantly.
Example:
🔒 Important Notice: We take the security and privacy of all job applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or sensitive personal information during the hiring process.
This helps candidates feel safe applying and shows that your company is professional and trustworthy.
✅ Tip 2: Mention Leave Days and Flex Time
Top candidates care about work-life balance. If your company offers any kind of time-off benefit, say it upfront.
Example:
🌴 Time Off: Enjoy 24 days of paid leave per year—plus flexible scheduling when you need it.
This communicates that you respect your team’s time and wellbeing.
✅ Tip 3: Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Most people don’t just want a job—they want a path. If you offer learning opportunities, shout them out. It sets your post apart from 90% of listings.
Example:
🎓 Growth: We invest in our people. You’ll get a yearly training budget, 1:1 mentorship, and a clear path to promotion.
This attracts ambitious applicants and reinforces that your company supports long-term development.
✅ Tip 4: Include a Short Loom or Video Introduction
Adding a short video (from the hiring manager or team lead) helps humanize your company—and gives candidates a glimpse of who they’ll actually work with.
It doesn’t need to be fancy. Even a 60-second Loom can go a long way.
Example Prompt:
“Hi, I’m Sharon, the lead project manager at Arcadia Build Co. In this short video, I’ll share what kind of person we’re looking for, how we work, and why this role matters to us.”
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
✅ Tip 5: Show What It’s Like to Work There
Candidates want to feel what your culture is like—not just read about it. Try including one of the following:
- A link to your Glassdoor or team testimonials
- A “day in the life” paragraph
- A quote from a current team member
Example:
💬 “What I love most about working here is the ownership. You’re trusted to make decisions, and you always feel supported—even on tough projects.”
— Brian, Senior Project Engineer
These extras don’t just fill space—they build confidence, show personality, and help you attract the right kind of applicants: thoughtful, selective, and aligned with your mission.
Should You Use AI to Write Your Job Description?
The short answer?
Yes—but only if you use it the right way.
AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and even built-in ATS generators (like Workable or Manatal) can save time—but if you rely on them blindly, you’ll end up with job posts that sound like every other lifeless listing on the internet.
❌ The Wrong Way to Use AI
The biggest mistake?
Typing something like this:
“Write me a job post for a Project Engineer at a construction company.”
You’ll get something technically correct—but emotionally flat. No story. No culture. No voice.
And guess what? Top candidates can spot it a mile away.
These generic posts attract generic applicants—and that’s how you end up overwhelmed with low-effort résumés.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
AI is best used as a refinement tool—not a replacement for your input.
If you come prepared with real context, AI can help you polish tone, improve structure, or rewrite sections more clearly.
Here’s how to do it right:
🧠 Step 1: Give AI the Raw Ingredients
Tell it exactly what it needs to sound human and specific. For example:
“Help me write a job post for our company, Arcadia Build Co., based in Nairobi.
We’re hiring a Junior Project Engineer to help with green commercial build-outs.
Our culture is collaborative, fast-paced, and values environmental impact.
We want to attract applicants who are curious, coachable, and mission-driven.
We offer medical cover, 24 days leave, a training stipend, and a growth path to Project Manager within 12 months.
Here’s our hiring process: apply via WorkScreen, complete a short skill test, and get feedback within 7 days. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes].
Can you help rewrite this rough job description with a warm, human tone that would appeal to someone early in their engineering career?”
This gives AI enough signal to generate something tailored—and worth editing.
🛠️ Step 2: Use AI to Polish, Not Replace
Once AI generates a draft, edit it like a human.
- Add emotion
- Inject your brand voice
- Make the intro feel welcoming
- Break up walls of text
- Add a testimonial, a benefit, or a Loom link
Think of AI as your assistant—not your recruiter.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with a Great Example
If you already have a well-written job post (like the two in this guide), paste it into ChatGPT and say:
“This is the tone and structure I want. Help me write something similar for [New Role] at [Your Company]. Use this style as a guide.”
Used correctly, AI can help you move faster without compromising quality.
Used blindly, it’ll cost you your best applicants.
So use it. But use it wisely.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Quick Copy-Paste Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Culture-First Job Description Template (Conversational Style)
📌 Job Title: Project Engineer for Commercial Builds — [City, Country]
💼 Full-Time | On-Site | [Salary Range]
🎥 A Quick Note from the Hiring Manager
Insert a short Loom or video link here introducing the company and why this role matters.
🌍 Who We Are
[Company Name] is a fast-growing construction firm that delivers commercial spaces with speed, precision, and pride. We keep things lean, communicate openly, and run projects like clockwork. If you’re a proactive engineer who loves solving problems and keeping teams aligned—you’ll feel at home here.
🧱 What You’ll Be Doing
- Plan, schedule, and coordinate project activities from start to finish
- Work cross-functionally with clients, architects, and contractors
- Monitor progress, manage site visits, and solve issues on the fly
- Ensure safety, compliance, and quality control are always top priority
- Report project status and financials to internal leadership
✅ What You’ll Need
- 3+ years in a similar engineering or project coordination role
- Degree in Civil/Mechanical Engineering (or related field)
- Proficiency in project tools like AutoCAD, MS Project, or similar
- Strong communication skills and a proactive mindset
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Health and dental insurance
- Paid time off + flexible leave
- Annual learning & development stipend
- Monthly phone/internet allowance
- Clear path to promotion within 12–18 months
💡 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll be given full ownership over key projects—not micromanaged
- You’ll work directly with decision-makers and see your impact daily
- You’ll join a team that promotes from within and values execution over politics
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates fairly and quickly.
Click the link below to complete a short skills assessment—we’ll review it and get back to you within 7 days.
👉 Apply via WorkScreen
✅ Option 2: Structured Job Description Template (Traditional Style)
Job Title: Project Engineer
Location: [City, Country]
Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Salary Range: [Insert Salary Range]
🎥 Meet Your Hiring Manager
Insert a Loom or YouTube link introducing the team and the project scope.
Job Brief
[Company Name] is seeking an experienced Project Engineer to manage and execute infrastructure and commercial development projects. This role requires hands-on coordination, strong planning skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams under tight deadlines.
Responsibilities
- Develop and oversee project timelines, budgets, and risk plans
- Coordinate with consultants, vendors, and internal departments
- Monitor site activities and ensure all deliverables meet quality standards
- Manage project documentation, reports, and compliance records
- Facilitate regular stakeholder updates and client reporting
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, or related)
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in project engineering or construction management
- Proficient in MS Project, AutoCAD, or similar software
- Strong leadership, communication, and time-management skills
Perks & Benefits
- Health insurance (with dependents included)
- 24 days of paid annual leave
- Paid training & certification programs
- Mobile/data allowance
- End-of-project performance bonuses
📥 How to Apply
Please apply through WorkScreen using the link below.
You’ll complete a short assessment so we can evaluate your skills fairly—no guesswork, just clarity.
👉 Apply Now via WorkScreen
Next Step—Let WorkScreen Handle the Rest
You’ve written a compelling job description. Now it’s time to make sure the right people apply—and the wrong ones don’t waste your time.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
Instead of drowning in dozens (or hundreds) of lookalike résumés, WorkScreen helps you instantly identify your most promising candidates through performance-based evaluations.
Here’s how it works:
✅ 1. Spot Top Talent Fast
As soon as someone applies, WorkScreen automatically scores and ranks them based on how they perform in a short, role-specific assessment.
That means no more guessing.
No more hiring based on buzzwords or polished résumés.
Just a clear, data-backed view of who can actually do the job.
✅ 2. Use Skill Tests, Not Just CVs
Anyone can copy-paste a résumé—or worse, generate one using AI.
But when you give candidates a real-world task, you learn a lot more:
- How they think
- How they solve problems
- How they communicate under pressure
WorkScreen makes this process seamless. Just one click to send the task, and the results come back automatically.
✅ 3. Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants
If someone can’t be bothered to complete a simple skill test, do you really want to interview them?
WorkScreen helps you filter out time-wasters—including AI-assisted applications, one-click appliers, and résumé spammers—so you focus only on serious, qualified candidates.
🎯 The End Result?
Smarter hiring.
Faster decisions.
Better teams.
Ready to stop guessing and start hiring with confidence? Create your job post on WorkScreen.io, share the unique link, and let WorkScreen handle the hard part—so you can focus on building a team that delivers.
FAQ
Beyond technical knowledge, a great Project Engineer needs a blend of hard and soft skills. Here’s what to prioritize:
- Project Planning & Scheduling (e.g., using MS Project, Primavera, or similar tools)
- Risk Management (spotting issues early and planning contingencies)
- Communication (clear reporting to both field teams and clients)
- Problem-Solving (especially under pressure or with limited resources)
- Collaboration (coordinating architects, contractors, suppliers, and internal teams)
- Attention to Detail (ensuring work meets specs, safety, and compliance standards)
Remember: it’s not just about who can do the work—it’s about who can keep it all moving without breaking down when things go off-plan.
Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but here’s a general breakdown:
- Entry-level: $45,000 – $65,000 (USD) per year
- Mid-level (3–5 years experience): $65,000 – $90,000
- Senior Project Engineer: $90,000 – $120,000+
- In markets like Kenya, India, or Southeast Asia, expect lower salary bands (e.g., KSh 70K–160K/month) depending on local rates.
It’s best to check local benchmarks using tools like Glassdoor, Payscale, or Salary Explorer, and always list the salary range in your job post to attract serious applicants.
While there’s overlap, a Project Engineer is typically more involved in the technical and execution side of a build, whereas a Project Manager owns the bigger picture—budgets, timelines, client communication, and leadership decisions.
In some companies, a senior Project Engineer may grow into a Project Manager role over time.
That depends on your country and the type of projects you’re running. In some regions, professional licensure (like EBK registration in Kenya or a PE license in the U.S.) is required for roles that involve signing off on plans or leading regulatory compliance.
If the role is focused more on coordination and doesn’t involve legal approvals, a license may be preferred—but not essential.
