Management engineering, also known as engineering management, is an exciting field that combines technical expertise with leadership skills. As an engineering manager, you will have the opportunity to oversee technical and engineering teams, provide mentorship, and bring large-scale projects to life. Your role will be crucial in ensuring efficiency in both business and technology.
Engineering management offers a wealth of opportunities for individuals who possess technical know-how, strong leadership skills, and an eye for detail. Not only are careers in this field well-paid, but they also offer job security and may only require a bachelor’s degree.
By pursuing a degree in management engineering, you can open doors to various job titles such as electrical engineering director, engineering design manager, engineering research manager, global engineering manager, mechanical engineering director, and process engineering manager. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that architectural and engineering managers earned a median annual salary of $148,880 in 2020, with the highest-paying industries being scientific research and development services and management of companies and enterprises.
If you’re passionate about engineering and have a knack for leadership, a career in management engineering could be the perfect fit for you. Let’s explore whether this field aligns with your skills and interests.
Is Engineering Management the Right Career for Me?
Before pursuing a career in engineering management, it’s important to assess whether this path aligns with your skills and traits. Being a successful engineering manager requires a combination of technical aptitude, leadership skills, and problem-solving abilities. Here are some key factors to consider:
Personal Traits and Skills
Engineering managers possess a unique set of traits that contribute to their success. These include:
- Self-motivation: Engineering managers are driven individuals who can take initiative and motivate their teams.
- Attention to detail: They have a keen eye for detail, ensuring the accuracy and precision of technical work.
- Creativity: Engineering managers find innovative solutions and think outside the box to overcome challenges.
- Big-picture thinking: They have the ability to see the broader impact of projects and make decisions accordingly.
- Technical aptitude: A solid understanding of engineering concepts and principles is crucial for effective management.
- Curiosity: Engineering managers possess a natural curiosity about how things work and are constantly seeking to expand their knowledge.
Roles and Responsibilities
As an engineering manager, you will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating projects within engineering companies. This includes designing and planning projects, ensuring technical accuracy, and managing budgeting and financial concerns. Effective leadership and communication skills are essential for coordinating teams and ensuring the successful completion of projects.
Inspiration:
“Engineering management requires a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership skills. It’s about bringing together the best of both worlds to drive innovation and ensure the successful execution of projects.”
– Jane Adams, Engineering Manager
Required Skills
To excel in the field of engineering management, you must possess a range of hard and soft skills. Hard skills include:
- Project management
- Software and computer knowledge
- Engineering science
- Workflow development
- Understanding of manufacturing processes
Soft skills are equally important and include:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Leadership
- Multitasking
- Time management
- Self-motivation
Having a balance of these skills will enable you to navigate the technical demands of the role while effectively managing teams and driving success.
| Hard Skills | Soft Skills | |
|---|---|---|
| Project Management | ✓ | |
| Software and Computer Knowledge | ✓ | |
| Engineering Science | ✓ | |
| Workflow Development | ✓ | |
| Understanding of Manufacturing Processes | ✓ | |
| Communication | ✓ | |
| Problem-Solving | ✓ | |
| Leadership | ✓ | |
| Multitasking | ✓ | |
| Time Management | ✓ | |
| Self-Motivation | ✓ |
Engineering Manager Job Overview
Engineering managers play a vital role in various industries, overseeing engineering teams and ensuring the successful execution of projects. With a median annual salary of $148,880 in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering management is a lucrative career choice.
Engineering managers work in a range of settings, including offices, construction sites, and research laboratories. They are employed primarily in the manufacturing, engineering, and research industries, as well as the government sector. Some of the highest-paying industries for engineering managers include scientific research and development services and management of companies and enterprises.
As an engineering manager, you will have a diverse set of responsibilities. These include directing engineering teams, overseeing their work for technical accuracy, collaborating with other managers, and managing budgeting and financial matters. Your role is crucial in ensuring the successful completion of projects and the overall efficiency of engineering operations.
With the growing demand for skilled engineering managers, the job market in this field is expected to grow by 3% from 2018 to 2028. This presents excellent opportunities for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in engineering management.
“Engineering managers oversee engineering teams, ensuring technical accuracy and efficient project completion.”
| Key Responsibilities | Highest-Paying Industries |
|---|---|
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How to Become an Engineering Manager
In order to become an engineering manager, there are several common steps that most individuals follow. First and foremost, it is important to obtain a bachelor’s degree in an engineering-related field such as engineering management, engineering, or a relevant major. Some engineering managers also choose to further enhance their credentials by pursuing a master’s degree or an MBA.
Gaining work experience as an engineer is a crucial step before transitioning into a management role. Most employers and state boards require aspiring engineering managers to have at least four years of paid work experience. This hands-on experience allows individuals to develop a deep understanding of the engineering field and prepares them for the challenges and responsibilities of a management position.
State licensure is often a requirement for engineering managers. This typically involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams, and accumulating four years of work experience. State licensure ensures that engineering managers have the necessary knowledge and skills to oversee engineering projects and teams.
Further advancement in a career as an engineering manager can be achieved through professional certifications. The Engineering Manager Professional Certification offered by the American Society for Engineering Management is a widely recognized certification that demonstrates expertise and competence in the field. These certifications provide additional credibility and can open up new opportunities for career growth and advancement.
