The role of Owner’s Engineer (OE) may differ in its responsibilities from project to project, but in all cases, he looks after the interests of the Owner vis-à-vis the Main Contractor.
In large and complicated projects, the Owner (sometimes several partners) wants to follow the work of the Main Contractor by a consultant or engineering firm that has the experience and knowledge in the field.
The purpose is to make sure that the project is executed within the defined time, quality and budget, and that the Owner is alerted in-time of any deviation. In-time means that problems may still be fixed before major deviation becomes critical.
So, the Owner Engineer must have access to all parts of the project at any time, he must have the authority to ask for information from the Main Contractor, receive data and comment.
Depending on the contract, the Owner Engineer may be given the authority to stop the work in certain cases, especially if he thinks there is a serious risk of safety or quality.
In certain contracts, the Owner Engineer may be authorized to approve works and deviations.
In large projects, often there is an engineering firm with specific know-how that lies in the foundations of the design. The engineering firm (sometimes referred to as Knowhow Provider) is the professional right hand of the Owner Engineer in assessments of design and constructions performance.
Key Responsibilities of an Owner’s Engineer
- Construction’s progress Supervision
- Monitors construction progress to ensure compliance with the contract’s time schedule.
- Identify potential delays.
- Monitoring Key Performance Indicators.
- Alerts in cases of insufficient main-contractor’s resources.
- 2. Monitoring Quality Assurance
- Monitors the Quality Assurance Program’s execution by the Main Contractor.
- Reviewing critical quality control documentation.
- Ensure quality control on site is actively following the work.
- Alerts the main contractor and the Owner on serious deviations from quality requirements.
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Identifies potential project risks and develops mitigation strategies.
- Ensures compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Supports the owner in resolving disputes and claims.
- Reviews contractor submittals, change orders, and deviations.
- Commissioning & Handover
- Verifies system testing and performance validation.
- Ensures all documentation, training, and operational guidelines are in place.
- Assists in the final acceptance and transition to operation.
Why is an Owner’s Engineer Important?
- Independent Oversight: Ensures transparency and objective decision-making.
- Risk Reduction: Helps the owner mitigate technical, financial, and contractual risks.
- Improved Efficiency: Provides expertise to streamline project execution.
- Contractor Performance Management: Ensures contractors meet obligations and performance expectations.
