1

Planning Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Planning Engineer

Sugar Land, TX · Hybrid

$83K - $116K/yr

The Planning Engineer will plan for system improvements and capital needs of water and wastewater systems to ensure reliable delivery of service to our customers within the state. The engineer ...

Planning Engineer

Sugar Land, TX · On-site

$83K - $116K/yr

The Planning Engineer will plan for system improvements and capital needs of water and wastewater systems to ensure reliable delivery of service to our customers within the state. The engineer ...

The Execution Planning Engineer supports early project development for green & brownfield upstream unconventional facilities and infrastructure by validating brownfield facility conditions ...

Overview The Execution Planning Engineer supports early project development for green & brownfield upstream unconventional facilities and infrastructure by validating brownfield facility conditions ...

Overview The Execution Planning Engineer supports early project development for green & brownfield upstream unconventional facilities and infrastructure by validating brownfield facility conditions ...

Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Production Planning Engineer who is fueled by high accountability, execution horsepower, and driven to understand our world, science/technology ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Planning Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$49.7K

$95.7K

$130.8K

How much do planning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for planning engineer in Houston, TX is $95,744.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,400.00 and $122,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a planning engineer?

A planning engineer, also called a construction manager, specializes in project management for construction jobs and oversees every aspect of a construction project. As a planning engineer, your job duties are to supervise workers, inspect job sites, source materials, manage cash flow, handle budgets, and ensure the projects you’re in charge of stay on schedule. You may oversee multiple projects at once, which require you to travel between job sites on a regular rotating basis. Long hours are sometimes a necessary part of the job to meet deadlines.

What are some common challenges planning engineers face when coordinating project schedules across multiple teams?

Planning Engineers often encounter the challenge of aligning different teams’ timelines and priorities, especially when dealing with complex projects that involve various departments or external contractors. Effective communication and proactive problem-solving are essential, as unexpected delays, resource constraints, or changes in project scope can impact the overall schedule. Planning Engineers regularly use project management tools to monitor progress, anticipate risks, and collaborate with team leads to keep everyone on track. Building strong relationships and maintaining flexibility are key to navigating these challenges successfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a planning engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Planning Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management, and scheduling, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with project management software such as Primavera P6, MS Project, and relevant certifications like PMP are typically important. Strong analytical thinking, communication skills, and attention to detail help you excel in coordinating teams and managing timelines. These skills ensure accurate project planning, efficient resource allocation, and successful project delivery within deadlines and budgets.

What is the difference between Planning Engineer vs Cost Engineer?

AspectPlanning EngineerCost Engineer
Primary FocusProject scheduling, timeline management, resource allocationCost estimation, budgeting, financial control
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, PMP or Primavera certifications often preferredBachelor's in Engineering, Construction Management, or Finance, relevant certifications like AACE or PMP
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, project offices, engineering firmsProject offices, construction firms, consulting agencies
Industry UsageConstruction, engineering, infrastructure projectsConstruction, engineering, infrastructure projects

Planning Engineers focus on developing and maintaining project schedules, ensuring timely completion. Cost Engineers concentrate on managing project budgets and controlling costs. Both roles are essential in construction and engineering projects, often working closely to ensure project success.

Is planning engineer a good career?

A planning engineer is responsible for developing project schedules, coordinating resources, and ensuring timely completion of construction or engineering projects. The role requires strong analytical skills, proficiency with scheduling tools like Primavera or MS Project, and often offers good job stability and growth opportunities in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy.

What is the salary of a planning engineer in the US?

The average salary of a planning engineer in the US ranges from $65,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions typically start around $60,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $110,000 annually.

What are the most commonly searched types of Planning Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Planning Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Planning Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

For Planning Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Planning Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Planning Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Planning Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Planning Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Planning Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,701 per year, or $46 per hour.

Planning Engineer

Sugar Land, TX • Hybrid

SouthWest Water Company
1 - 5K employees

$83K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview:

The Planning Engineer will plan for system improvements and capital needs of water and wastewater systems to ensure reliable delivery of service to our customers within the state. The engineer forecasts, analyzes, and plans water and wastewater systems and growth in accordance with local, state and federal regulations and ensures work is carried out in accordance with the corporate goals and philosophies.

Work Location and Schedule
Primarily based at our Sugar Land, TX office in a hybrid role. May require up to 25% travel within the state of Texas.

What We Offer:
  • Competitive Salary: $83,000 - $116,000
  • Paid Time Off: Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays.
  • Health and Wellness Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you'll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well.
  • 401(k) Program with Matching Contribution: We offer a 100% match on contributions up to 4% of your salary, plus an additional 3% employer contribution.
  • Grow With Us: Professional development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance.
  • Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include company provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program just to name a few.
  • Employee Resource Groups (ERG): ERGs are voluntary employee groups that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds and are sponsored by the organization. 
What You'll Do:

This position will be willing and able to perform the following duties and others as assigned:

  • Gathers, analyzes, and compiles highly technical data for the preparation of special reports to management and governmental agencies that may require specialized investigation and analysis within any of the major engineering principles.
  • Obtains and presents engineering information and data to internal stakeholders.
  • Resolves engineering related problems and explains new procedures and techniques, etc.
  • Prepares memos, letters, reports, and other communications.
  • Establishes and updates Risk and Resilience of systems and regularly updates risk matrices to determine relative importance of projects, providing input for short- and long-term planning needs.
  • Visits system sites for condition assessments and coordinates with operations staff on system performance and issues.
  • Provides recommendations and guidance within Engineering and to Area Supervisors based on system modeling for capacity needs for pipelines wells, storage, and treatment facilities.
  • Prepares hydraulic analysis and water flow calculations and provides analysis for new and future developments.
  • Ranks relative importance of projects through matrices and other methods to aid with the annual and long-range capital budget, both forecasting future equipment needs and planning cost-effective strategies formeeting those needs.
  • Promotes safe working conditions and assures that safety standards are followed.
  • May oversee work of contracted consultants depending on business needs.
  • May have other job-related duties assigned by management.


Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What You'll Bring:

Education:

B.S. Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Sanitary, Environmental Engineering, or related is required.
Experience

Work Experience:

This is an entry level position as a graduate engineer. Prior engineering experience as an intern during college years is encouraged but not required.

Nice to Have:

  • 2 years  of progressive experience in the water industry, including routine engineering responsibilities, preferably including project management capabilities of public works and/or water and wastewater utility projects.
  • Experience with engineering modeling software for water and sewer systems, industry asset management practices, and general project management is preferred.
  • Experience with water and wastewater system modeling software such as WaterCAD (or equivalent software) is desired.
  • Experience using GIS map viewer software, and field data collection devices such as GPS, valve operating data, etc. is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Has ability to perform water and wastewater industry routine engineering practices and supervise personnel as assigned.
  • Must be detail and goal oriented and able to independently plan and execute projects with minimal supervision.
  • Often under deadline pressure, must be able to work effectively with several projects simultaneously.
  • Experience with construction engineering/management, reviewing shop drawings and managing construction change orders is desired.
  • Must be able to work with land developers, City Engineers and Public Works Directors concerning capital improvement planning/projects.
  • Must be able to prepare written reports, letters and master plans.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Software, Microsoft Project, CAD software and/or other industry current and related software, data base program and hydraulic analysis software is required.
Work Environment:

This position is primarily an office based-role and may be subjected to prolonged periods of sitting. Ability to traverse rough terrain around construction sites is required along with climbing and stooping to review construction work in progress. Ability to lift light loads of up to 25 lbs.