What Does an Engineering Manager Do?
Engineering Managers typically work for engineering companies or corporations to design and test products. They work closely with other departments like marketing, sales and customer service to provide them with insights on how to talk about products to consumers. Their job is to review project budgets and select staffing and equipment as needed. They may also be responsible for monitoring activities to ensure that their team uses quality methods and materials to develop products.
Engineering Manager Skills and Qualifications
An Engineering Manager spends a great deal of their time coordinating the activities of staff with the activities of other organizations and their staff. They often meet with other managers, including finance, marketing and production, along with materials, equipment and contractor suppliers. Helpful skills include:
- Analytical skills for evaluating information carefully and solving complex problems.
- Communication skills for overseeing staff and working with other management personnel. They need to be able to effectively communicate instructions while leading the team to meet their goals.
- Detail-oriented for understanding complex systems and the ability to pay attention to details, as a minor error can result in major problems.
- Math skills, including calculus and other advanced mathematics for developing new processes and products.
- Organizational skills for keeping track of various budgets, employees and schedules simultaneously.
Engineering Manager Salary Expectations
An Engineering Manager can expect to make an average salary of $116,299 per year. This information is based on 1,721 anonymously submitted salaries along with information from Indeed users and past and present Indeed job postings within the last 36 months.
Engineering Manager Education and Training Requirements
A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an engineering specialty is usually required for an Engineering Manager. Some continue their education in business management skills by earning a master’s degree in business administration (MBA), technology management (MSTM) or engineering management (MsEm or MEM). Some individuals obtain their master’s degree before entering into management positions, while others enroll in a master’s program while working as a manager. Usually, those preferring to manage in more technical areas pursue an MSTM or MsEM, while those interested in pursuing more general management skills work toward an MBA.
Programs for engineering management generally include coursework in quality control, industrial and human resource management, financial management, engineering economics and accounting.
Programs for technology management usually include instruction in general management principles, statistics, safety and health issues, quality control, computer applications, project management and production and operations management.
Engineering Manager Experience Requirements
An Engineering Manager often advances to their position after years of employment as an Engineer. They generally have experience in making decisions, solving problems, developing designs and working on complex or difficult projects. Prior to achieving a manager position, they have also usually gained experience leading other engineering teams.
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