An engineering manager directs, plans, and coordinates activities, as well as spends time supervising employees in architectural and engineering companies. They are responsible for developing the overall concepts of new products and/or solving problems that may prevent its completion. Engineering managers set schedules, create administrative procedures, and propose budgets for projects and programs.
Watch a video to learn what an engineering manager does.
How to Become an Engineering Manager
Engineering managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering. You may also gain business management skills by getting a master’s degree in engineering management (MEM or MsEM) or technology management (MSTM) or a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). These degrees can be obtained before and during employment. In some cases, employers are willing to pay for this additional education.
Classes in engineering management programs include engineering economics, quality control, financial management, accounting, and industrial and human resources management. Classes for technology management programs include instruction in general management principles, project management, production and operations management, computer applications, safety and health issues, quality control, and statistics.
Job Description of an Engineering Manager
The duties of engineering managers can vary. However, managers typically create detailed plans and overall concepts for the development of new designs and products. They would be responsible for proposing budgets for products and programs and determine the need for equipment, staff, and training. Engineering managers hire and supervise staff and check the accuracy of their work and the soundness of their methods. They coordinate with other managers and contractors. They would also be expected to solve any problem that would prevent the completion of any product or program.
According to O*Net Online, if you are researching a career as an engineering manager, you may find this position posted on job boards as Chief Engineer, Civil Engineering Manager, Director of Engineering, Engineering Group Manager, Engineering Manager, Engineering Program Manager, Principal Engineer, Project Engineer, Project Engineering Manager, and Project Manager.
Career Satisfaction
According to O*Net Online, this career field is reported to give people a sense of accomplishment as it is very results-oriented. This career also reports more independence as people are more likely to own and make decisions. Last, this career is reported to provide safe, and secure job conditions.
Engineering Manager Career Video Transcript
Behind the construction of every building, road, and crucial network of piping is an architectural and engineering manager. They are the leaders who research and develop new projects and ensure high standards of quality and safety, while also considering the impact on the environment and user needs. These managers craft detailed plans to meet technical goals, from mapping out training, staff, and equipment needs, to evaluating welding subcontractors and asphalt grades, to calculating the structural stability of a building site. Based on this research, they propose budgets and lead teams of architects and engineers to execute the project. Architectural and engineering managers often work more than 40 hours per week to meet deadlines and budgets.
While many work in offices, it’s also fairly common to work in a lab or on a construction site. They typically enter the position with at least a bachelor’s degree in either architecture or an engineering specialty. They must have very thorough work experience in the field to earn a management role and may add a second degree in business administration or in a related field.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Architectural and Engineering Managers.
National Center for O*NET Development. 11-9041.00. O*NET OnLine.
The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
