We use cookies to ensure we give you the best experience on our website. You can find out about our cookies and how to disable cookies in our Privacy Policy. If you continue to use this website without disabling cookies, we will assume you are happy to receive them. Close.

  • CIOB
  • BRSIA
  • IHBC
  • CIAT
  • ECA - Excellence in Electrotechnical & Engineering Services

buildings people People Wiki Diversity, social value and skills Part of Designing Buildingswww.designingbuildings.co.uk

Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Register
  • Sign in
People Wiki home
  • Site info / tools
      • Create an article
      • Upload file / image
      • Image library
      • Full text search
      • Recent changes
      • Contact
      • Help
      • About
      • Privacy policy
      • Report abuse
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Advertise
      • Cookie Preferences
  • All articles
Edit this article
Last edited 23 Feb 2022
See full history

Resident engineer

Civil Engineering Procedure 7th Edition, published by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) suggests that the term 'engineer's representative' refers to '...the formal title (in ICC contracts) for the engineer's representative on site, often called the 'resident engineer'.'

The resident engineer (RE) is responsible for ensuring that the construction work of a project is carried out according to the quality, time and cost requirements of the contract. The RE is responsible to the project engineer and is often the focus of contact between them and the contractor on site.

While the precise responsibilities of the RE will differ according to the extent of authority delegated by the engineer, they will normally involve the monitoring the construction and completion of work activities. They must keep the engineer fully up-to-date of the works and keep detailed records of all matters which may affect the engineer’s instructions, certificates or other actions under the contract.

Under the conditions of contract, the engineer may decide to delegate further responsibilities to the RE. Sometimes these are in respect of particular contract clauses. Direct communication between the client and the RE should only be to the extent that has been formally agreed in advance with the engineer. If the client does issue instructions to the RE, they must report to and discuss these with the engineer before acting on them.

Other duties that can be delegated to the RE include:

  • Monitoring the performance of subcontractors.
  • Managing and supervising less experienced site engineers.
  • Ensuring that work activities have been carried out in accordance with the plans, specifications and industry standards.
  • Ensuring that tests and inspections are performed.
  • Liaising with construction management to remove any hazards associated with work activities.
  • Ensuring that delivered materials meet specifications and established quality standards.
  • Initiating and maintaining records, back-charge procedures, progress reports, and so on.

NB Roles in construction projects: analysis and terminology, by Hughes, W. and Murdoch, J. R, published in 2001 by the University of Reading, defines a resident engineer as:

  • A role similar to the clerk of works, but more senior, not always paid by the client, sometimes appointed for monitoring just the engineering aspects of the project, and therefore reporting to one of the consultant engineers.
  • In the civil engineering sector, the member of the Engineer’s organization who maintains a constant presence on site.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

  • Architect.
  • Civil engineer.
  • Construction Engineering Management course essentials.
  • Engineer.
  • Engineering Council.
  • How to become an engineer.
  • Lead designer.
  • Mechanical engineer.
  • Project engineer.
  • Structural engineer.
Retrieved from "https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Resident_engineer"
  • Share
  • Add a comment
  • Send us feedback
Create an article
  • Follow
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

Related articles

  • Architect.
  • Civil engineer.
  • Construction Engineering Management course essentials.
  • Engineer.
  • Engineering Council.
  • How to become an engineer.
  • Lead designer.
  • Mechanical engineer.
  • Project engineer.
  • Structural engineer.
  • Building People Tweets

    Tweets by BuildingPeople
    © Designing Buildings Ltd. 2025
    • Cookie Preferences
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions

    Designing Buildings Anywhere

    Get the Firefox add-on to access 20,000 definitions direct from any website

    Find out more Accept cookies and
    don't show me this again