Are you passionate about solving modern day complex problems and building innovative solutions? If so, engineering might be the perfect career fit for you. For anyone considering getting a degree in engineering, understanding how to become an engineering manager is a great way to plan for long-term success. A management-level role is a natural progression for many engineers with strong leadership and technical skills. Responsibilities include overseeing teams of engineers, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, and making strategic decisions. Engineering managers are important in various industries, from technology and manufacturing to healthcare and construction. As a manager, your ability to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business objectives will be essential for driving innovation and reaching goals.
Table of Contents
- What is Engineering Management?
- What Does an Engineering Manager Do?
- How to Become an Engineering Manager
- How Long Does it Take to Become an Engineering Manager?
- Salary, Demand, and Opportunities
- Achieve Your Engineering Management Goals
Engineering offers a rewarding and challenging career with many specializations to choose from, including mechanical, chemical, electrical, software, and civil engineering. The demand for engineers continues to grow across industries, making it a stable and secure career choice. As you build technical skills and gain experience as an engineer, opportunities to demonstrate your leadership potential can easily put you on the path to a managerial role.
Becoming an engineering manager typically involves a combination of educational qualifications, practical experience, and the development of essential leadership skills. Together, let’s dig into the specific steps and requirements involved in pursuing this career path—from educational background to hands-on experience to the key leadership qualities that engineering managers should possess. Whether you’re just starting your academic journey, looking ahead to graduate studies, or interested in a career change, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about your next steps.
What is Engineering Management?
Engineering management is a field that combines technical expertise with leadership and business skills, making it an exciting path for anyone interested in both engineering and project/personnel management fundamentals. Engineering Managers are distinguished from other managers because they possess both the ability to apply engineering principles and skill in organizing and directing people and projects. Engineering managers lead teams, oversee projects, and ensure that engineering efforts align with the broader goals of their organization. They help translate technical challenges into practical solutions that drive business success.
The scope of engineering management is broad, spanning industries like technology, manufacturing, program management, and construction. As a manager, you’ll handle tasks such as project planning, budgeting, and coordinating teams, ensuring that engineering projects are completed efficiently and effectively. You’ll play a pivotal role to ensure that technical innovations not only work but also make sense from a business perspective.
What Does an Engineering Manager Do?
Engineering managers have a wide range of responsibilities that encompass both technical and managerial aspects. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and directing engineering projects while keeping them on time, within budget, and up to quality standards. The role involves setting project goals, assigning tasks to team members, monitoring progress, and addressing any challenges that could come up. In addition to your technical duties, as an engineering manager, you also play a key role in leading and motivating your team. You create a positive and productive work environment, foster collaboration, and provide the guidance and support to enable success. As upper management leaders, one can set a vision and mission for a business.
Engineering managers need a strong combination of technical skills, managerial abilities, and interpersonal qualities to excel. It certainly helps to have a deep understanding of engineering principles and practices, as well as experience in project management and team leadership. Additionally, you should be able to communicate effectively, make sound decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances. Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills are also essential to thrive in this role.
How to Become an Engineering Manager
You can plan your educational and professional career with the goal of becoming an engineering manager. While there are multiple pathways to reach your goal, the steps outlined in the sections below represent a comprehensive route that can equip you with the necessary skills and experience.
Your career trajectory may vary based on background, industry, company culture, and personal aspirations. What follows is a valuable framework to consider at any point in your journey. For instance, you may choose to pursue a formal MBA or other advanced degree in engineering management, while others may opt to gain experience through a combination of on-the-job training and professional development courses. Ultimately, the most effective path to becoming an engineering manager will depend on your unique circumstances and career goals.
Step 1: Educational Pathways
To pursue a career as an engineering manager, obtaining an undergraduate degree in a relevant engineering discipline, such as mechanical, civil, electrical, or software engineering, is typically the first step. Many engineering managers begin by specializing in a technical field, ensuring they have a strong foundation in engineering principles and other STEM-related areas like mathematics and physics. This foundational knowledge is essential, as it allows future managers to understand the technical complexities their teams will face.
National University offers a number of undergraduate degree programs that would support a career in engineering management including:
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Design in Engineering Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science (BSDS)
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS)
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
In addition to core engineering coursework, you may benefit from taking elective courses in business, management, or project planning to prepare for leadership roles. These skills will be valuable as you transition from a purely technical role to one that involves overseeing projects and coordinating teams. A solid understanding of both the technical and managerial aspects of engineering work can help you forge a path of success.
Step 2: Gain Experience in Engineering
Gaining experience in entry-level engineering roles is often a useful step toward becoming an engineering manager. Working hands-on in roles like junior or staff engineer allows you to develop a deep understanding of the technical challenges and day-to-day responsibilities that your future team members will face. This experience is essential because, as an engineering manager, you’ll need to relate to the work of your team and make informed decisions that align with technical realities.
Even if you have strictly managerial aspirations, working in this type of position can make you a better manager in the long run. After all, you can’t effectively lead or manage a team if you haven’t done the job yourself. The experience not only sharpens your technical expertise but also equips you with the practical knowledge needed to mentor others and navigate the complexities of engineering projects.
Step 3: Gain Project Management Skills and Leadership Skills
Taking on project management and leadership opportunities is a critical step toward becoming an engineering manager. Developing these skills enables you to oversee complex projects, manage timelines, and ensure resources are used efficiently. Earning certifications, such as the Google Project Management Professional Certificate, can help you build a solid foundation in project management principles, which are essential for leading engineering teams and coordinating tasks. These credentials demonstrate your ability to handle leadership responsibilities and manage projects successfully.
In addition to formal certifications, leadership and project management roles allow you to hone the fundamentals like communication, interpersonal skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking that are crucial for an engineering manager. You’ll need to interact with diverse stakeholders, resolve issues quickly, and think strategically to drive projects forward. Technical proficiency and staying updated with industry trends are also vital to making informed decisions and ensuring that your team’s work remains both relevant and innovative.
Step 4: Advanced Degrees and Certifications
Pursuing advanced degrees and additional certifications can significantly enhance your prospects in engineering management. A Master of Science in Engineering Management (MEM), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), or a Master of Science in Leadership Studies can provide valuable training in leadership, strategic planning, and business operations, complementing your technical expertise. These advanced degrees equip you with the knowledge to manage complex engineering projects while also understanding the broader business landscape.
Specialized certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP) or Six Sigma can further demonstrate your ability to lead projects efficiently and improve processes. For those specifically targeting engineering management, certifications such as the Certified Associate in Engineering Management (CAEM®) and Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM®) offer focused credentials that showcase your expertise in managing technical teams and projects. These credentials help set you apart as a leader in both engineering and management.
Step 5: Acquire a State Engineering License
Obtaining a state engineering license can be a valuable asset on your path to becoming an engineering manager. While not always mandatory, some employers may prefer or require that an engineering manager be licensed, particularly for leadership roles. A state license typically allows an individual to call themselves a “Professional Engineer”, which is abbreviated P.E. In most states an individual can refer to themselves as an engineer, but cannot call themselves a “professional engineer” without the state license. Acquiring this coveted designation involves the following.
After earning your undergraduate degree in engineering or another relevant major, the process for obtaining an engineering license typically involves:
- Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
- Gaining a certain number of years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer.
- Passing the 8-hour Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
The specific requirements can vary from state to state, so it’s important to research the licensing process wherever you intend to seek employment.
Step 6: Networking and Professional Development
Networking and professional development are essential components of a successful career path in engineering management. By joining professional organizations like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), you can connect with other engineers, stay updated on industry trends, and participate in networking events. Attending industry conferences and workshops provides opportunities to learn from experts, explore new technologies, and expand your professional network. Mentorship can also be invaluable, as experienced engineering managers can offer guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career.
Step 7: Pursue Leadership Opportunities
As you work toward becoming an engineering manager, actively seeking out and pursuing leadership opportunities within your professional roles can help you stand out as someone eager to contribute and take on responsibility. This could involve taking on lead engineer roles, where you oversee the work of a team of engineers and coordinate with other departments. Leading projects, from start to finish, shows your capability and helps develop your leadership skills.
Your specific leadership opportunities will vary depending on your industry and company culture. In technology companies, you may be able to lead software development teams or manage large-scale IT projects. In manufacturing, you might lead teams responsible for designing and producing new products, managing production processes, and overseeing quality control. In construction, you could facilitate the planning and execution of complex building projects, overseeing critical site safety and coordinating with subcontractors.
When you take proper advantage of these types of leadership opportunities, you can demonstrate your potential as an engineering manager and position yourself for advancement in your career.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Engineering Manager?
The journey to becoming an engineering manager can take several years of dedicated effort and experience. While there’s no strict timeline, many successful engineering managers spend 5-10 years progressing through various stages of their careers. This may include earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field (typically 4 years), gaining practical experience in engineering roles (2-5 years), demonstrating leadership potential (2-3 years), and potentially pursuing an advanced degree (1-3 years).
Of course, these are just general estimates. Your timeline and journey may vary depending on your own personal circumstances. For example, you may be able to accelerate your career progression by taking on additional responsibilities or pursuing certifications in addition to or in lieu of graduate studies. On the other hand, you may choose to take a more gradual approach, focusing on gaining deep technical expertise before transitioning into leadership.
Salary, Demand, and Opportunities
Engineering managers enjoy strong job prospects and potential for advancement, driven by continued investment in technology and infrastructure projects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), architectural and engineering management jobs are projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033—faster than the average for all occupations—creating about 15,000 job openings annually. Engineering managers can expect competitive salaries, with a median annual wage of $165,370 in 2023. The highest-paying industries for engineering managers include:
- Scientific research and development services.
- Management of companies and enterprises.
- Architectural and engineering services.
Achieve Your Engineering Management Goals with NU
Thriving as an engineering manager requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic thinking. By starting with a solid educational foundation, gaining practical experience in engineering roles, pursuing an advanced degree, and actively seeking out leadership opportunities, you can position yourself for success in this rewarding career path. Remember, the journey to becoming an engineering manager is unique and personal, so be patient, persistent, and adaptable.
Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Explore the National University’s Master of Science in Engineering Management program or browse our other undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering and technology today!