What is the role of a Methods Engineer?
The Methods Engineer coordinates tasks at the interface of multiple departments. He proposes technical construction solutions to Business Engineers and oversees the release of plans with the design office. In collaboration with precast concrete factories, he monitors the production schedule, assigns new production tasks, and checks progress.
What are the responsibilities of a Methods Engineer?
In close contact with Site Engineers, he leads project planning activities: selecting equipment and construction methods, defining phases, safety plans, shoring, and site setup plans. The Methods Engineer regularly consults the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) department to ensure best practices and regulatory compliance. He makes sure decisions are documented in the Quality Assurance Plan (PAQ).
The Methods Engineer validates the detailed planning schedule, which is the projected labor budget for structural works. This helps the Site Engineer track and control the number of hours spent by on-site labor.
On a day-to-day basis, the Methods Engineer ensures each factory follows its prefabrication schedule to keep construction on track. He is also responsible for sharing feedback and lessons learned across departments.
What are the skills and qualities of a Methods Engineer?
The Methods Engineer must be an active listener. Tasked with diagnosing problems and finding the right solutions, he must have strong analytical skills. In case of conflict, he must make decisions that serve the company’s best interests rather than favoring a specific department. His persuasion and negotiation skills are essential—not only to manage his team, but also to align with colleagues from other departments.
He has solid knowledge in building engineering and continuously seeks to optimize construction methods and processes.
How to become a Methods Engineer at GA Smart Building, and what are the career opportunities?
There are several educational paths that lead to the role of Methods Engineer, each offering a wide range of advancement opportunities.
An engineering degree remains the most common route to this position. Internal experience is also a valuable asset.
The most common career progression is toward the role of Head of Project Planning.
After earning a dual degree in Civil Engineering and Construction, I started my studies in Brazil and completed them at ENIT (École Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Tarbes) in France. I worked first as a Site Engineer, then as a Design Engineer, which gave me both operational and strategic experience. A year after graduation, I joined GA Smart Building as a Junior Methods Engineer. From the beginning, I worked on diverse projects, allowing me to quickly build skills, contribute to BIM integration, and experience the wide range of responsibilities this position offers—between innovation, process optimization, and project management.
I joined GA Smart Building right after completing my professional bachelor’s degree, as a Methods Technician. One year later, I enrolled in an evening program at CNAM (Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers) to earn a civil engineering degree while continuing to work as a technician. Five years later, I earned my degree and was promoted to Methods Engineer. This role is appealing because it allows you to manage multiple projects while staying hands-on. As a Methods Engineer, I interact daily with different departments—construction, design office, cost estimation—which brings variety to the work and offers rich human connections.
A Day with Maria and Florian, Methods Engineers at GA Smart Building
Start of the day
Check emails and respond to urgent matters. Plan workload distribution for the team. Review a commercial project file. In preparation for a tender, create the general contractual schedule to be included in the proposal.
11:00 AM
Work with a Methods Technician to draft a site installation plan. Hold a preliminary meeting with the Sales team to define overall needs. Write the organization note—a summary document outlining human resources, equipment, and the on-site operational plan.
2:00 PM
With the project planning team, prepare the installation, execution, shoring, and safety plans. Order equipment, define procedures, and create the detailed work schedule—the structural workforce plan. Supervise the technicians creating the drawings and validate all documents issued by the department.
4:00 PM
Respond to planning, logistics, methodology, and safety queries from the Sales, Construction, or Design departments.
End of the day
Oversee the implementation of BIM tools with an R&D Engineer in preparation for site execution. Participate in rolling out new equipment in coordination with the Materials and Construction departments.