Project tasks consist of such things as performing calculations, writing specifications, preparing bids, reviewing equipment proposals and evaluating or selecting equipment and preparing various lists, such as equipment and materials lists, and creating drawings such as electrical, piping and instrumentation diagrams, physical layouts and other drawings used in design and construction.
Staffing at engineering companies varies according to the work load and duration of employment may only last until an individual's tasks are completed.
The project engineer should be knowledgeable enough to be able to speak intelligently within the various disciplines, and not purely be a liaison.
When used, an engineering company is generally contracted to conduct a study (capital cost estimate or technical assessment) or to design a project.
Projects are designed to achieve some specific objective, ranging in scope from simple modifications to new factories or expansions costing hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars.
The client is typically involved in the entire design process and makes decisions throughout, including the technology, type of equipment to use, bid evaluation and supplier selection, the layout of equipment and operational considerations.
Depending on the project the engineering company may perform material and energy balances to size equipment and to quantify inputs of materials and energy (steam, electric power, fuel).
Environmental engineers deal with any air emissions and treatment of liquid effluent.