BIM engineer: key responsibilities and skills
A BIM engineer uses BIM methodology to design and manage constructions. Here are the key responsibilities and skills required.
At the digitalization of the AEC sector’s foundation there is certainly BIM, a methodology based on a collaborative approach in planning, design, construction and construction management. This is made possible by the creation of a single shared, dynamic and interdisciplinary information model that contains information on the entire life work’s cycle.
BIM engineer is among the various figures who come into play collaborating with each other: engineers who with the right 3D building design software, develop the integration of all the various technical disciplines required in premises.
Have you ever wondered what are the responsibilities and tasks of a BIM engineer? Discover it in more detail in this article.
Who is a BIM engineer?
The BIM engineer is a specialist in the BIM methodology that deals with managing and coordinating a construction project through the use of specific BIM software in order to simplify the design process thus integrating their various elements. In fact, the BIM engineer uses his skills and collaborates with other BIM specialists to create disciplinary, architectural, structural and plant information models. Which are then coordinated with each other to create an interdisciplinary model rich in information.
In addition to the BIM engineer, there are other professional figures who play a key role in BIM processes:
- BIM Manager
- BIM Coordinators
- BIM Specialist;
- CDE Manager;
- BIM Lead;
- Project Manager;
- Design Team Leader;
- Modeler II;
- Modeler I;
- BIM / VDC Manager (Virtual Design Construction).
To learn more about the roles, responsibilities and training of BIM professionals, I recommend the article: “BIM Manager, BIM Specialist and BIM Coordinator: roles and responsibilities”.
What Are the Requirements for a BIM Engineer?
In general, the requirements in demand by the employer of a BIM engineer are:
- education: to become a BIM engineer it is advisable to have a degree in engineering or architecture;
- certifications: they are not always mandatory, but they certainly give an extra boost to the technician, as they demonstrate his qualifications and his professional skills in the BIM field;
- experience: it is very common to require 2-3 years of experience in the BIM field and in the use of BIM software as well as a in-depth knowledge of design and construction processes.
Requirements for BIM Engineer
What are the skills required for a BIM engineer?
A BIM engineer must possess skills:
- technical and decisive: necessary in the proper performance of project tasks;
- communicative: they help both in team collaboration with other technicians, and in the presentation of projects to customers;
- management: since a BIM engineer must supervise the planning, development and implementation phase of a project, excellent organizational skills help to monitor the work and guide the team towards the right objectives;
- collaborative: In any contract a BIM engineer will have to collaborate with architects, engineers, technical directors and contractors and collaborative capabilities are necessary to achieve the common goals;
The BIM engineer has various technical and interdisciplinary skills, which make him suitable for managing and guiding different types of requests, from large infrastructure projects to those of commercial premises.
What are the key responsibilities of a BIM engineer?
The responsibilities of a BIM engineer can vary depending on the type of assignment and the specific needs of the project itself. However, in general, we can identify some keys such as:
- professional use of BIM authoring and BIM Tools to create complete and accurate information models. Hence to enrich BIM models with crucial data and information;
- management of project outputs such as drawings or 3D documents (plans, sections, tables, etc.);
- critical analysis of building regulations and other building codes;
- continuous monitoring of expenditure;
- collaboration and continuous support in the work team;
- coordination with clients and contractors;
- identification and resolution of interference and conflicts, both in the design phase with building design software and in the execution phase with site management software;
- control in the closure and delivery of the work.
With the continuous technological evolution and to stay ahead of times, if you are an engineer, you must absolutely develop skills in this field. If you want to create detailed 3D/BIM models quickly and efficiently and increase productivity hence saving valuable time, I recommend you to try the building design software and experience its integrated potential and functions free for 30 days here!.
