Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Group Engineer Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

As a Group Engineer Assistant, you will be the organizational backbone of our engineering group, acting as a crucial link between senior engineers, project managers, and technical data. You will provide essential support across the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept and design to final documentation and delivery. This role requires a blend of technical aptitude, exceptional organizational skills, and a proactive mindset. You will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of projects by handling technical documentation, coordinating team activities, and performing essential data analysis. This is a growth-oriented position designed to build a strong foundation for a successful career in engineering.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Recent Engineering Graduate
Engineering Intern / Co-op
Technical Administrator or Document Controller

Advancement To:

Associate Engineer
Project Engineer
Design Engineer

Lateral Moves:

Project Coordinator
Technical Writer
Quality Assurance Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Provide comprehensive support to senior engineers in the preparation of technical calculations, design specifications, and detailed project reports.
Meticulously maintain and update project documentation, including technical specifications, drawings, and progress reports, ensuring version control and accessibility.
Utilize project management software to track project milestones, manage timelines, and report on progress to ensure key deadlines are met.
Act as a central point of communication for the engineering team, facilitating seamless information flow between departments, external vendors, and stakeholders.
Assist in the creation, revision, and management of technical drawings and schematics using CAD software under the direct guidance of lead engineers.
Organize and manage all project-related files, drawings, and critical records within a centralized digital repository, guaranteeing data integrity and ease of access.
Support the procurement process by preparing precise material take-offs, gathering quotes from vendors, and diligently tracking material and equipment orders.
Conduct preliminary field investigations or site visits to gather essential data, perform measurements, and accurately document existing conditions for project planning.
Participate actively in Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) reviews of engineering documents and deliverables to ensure compliance with company and industry standards.
Prepare compelling presentation materials, including charts, graphs, and summaries, for project review meetings with leadership and key stakeholders.
Perform initial troubleshooting and resolution of routine technical issues, effectively escalating more complex challenges to senior engineering staff.
Assist in monitoring project budgets and expenditures, contributing to the preparation of cost estimates and financial tracking reports.
Liaise with external consultants, contractors, and regulatory bodies to coordinate activities and exchange critical project information.
Manage the end-to-end process for RFIs (Requests for Information), technical submittals, and permit applications, ensuring timely responses and approvals.
Support the setup and execution of laboratory or field tests, methodically recording observations and analyzing results.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to provide actionable insights for various business units.
Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by identifying opportunities for process automation and data-driven improvements.
Collaborate with business units to translate their diverse data needs into concrete engineering requirements and technical specifications.
Participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and other agile ceremonies within the data and engineering teams to drive project velocity.
Research emerging technologies, innovative tools, and new methodologies that could enhance the engineering group's workflow and project outcomes.
Assist in the onboarding and training of new team members or interns by providing clear documentation and guidance on team processes and standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

High proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MS Project.
Experience with 2D/3D CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or a similar program.
Familiarity with modern project management tools like Jira, Asana, or Monday.com.
Basic knowledge of data analysis and visualization using tools like Python (Pandas), Tableau, or Power BI.
A solid understanding of fundamental engineering principles, theories, and practices.
Experience with technical documentation management and version control systems.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and specifications.

Soft Skills

Exceptional organizational skills and a meticulous attention to detail.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for conveying technical information clearly and concisely.
A proactive and resourceful problem-solver with the ability to think critically and independently.
Excellent time management skills, with a proven ability to prioritize tasks and manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, team-first attitude.
High degree of adaptability and an eagerness to learn new software, technologies, and processes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate's Degree in a technical or engineering-related field.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) in an Engineering discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering
Computer Science or Data Analytics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1-3 years of experience in an engineering, technical support, or project coordination role.

Preferred: Internship or co-op experience in an engineering firm or a related technical industry is highly desirable. Experience in a fast-paced, project-driven environment will be a significant advantage.