How to Become an Engineering Manager

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an Engineering Manager

What does an Engineering Manager do?

AN Engineering Manager manages all engineering activities within a department including design, development, production and testing. Implements and maintains overall engineering objectives and initiatives. Being an Engineering Manager confronts and solves performance/operational issues to improve development efficiency. Leads and develops the engineering team. Additionally, Engineering Manager oversees a robust project management process and delivery timelines to keep projects on schedule and on budget. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline. Typically reports to a director. The Engineering Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be an Engineering Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

People's Opinions on Engineering Manager responsibilities

An engineering manager must be a fully licensed, professional engineer.

12/19/2019: Columbus, MS

An engineering manager must be a fully licensed, professional engineer.

11/11/2019: Florence, AL

There are a wide range of specialization options available in engineering, ranging from electronic to civil engineering.

12/07/2019: Gastonia, NC

There are a wide range of specialization options available in engineering, ranging from electronic to civil engineering.

12/29/2019: Santa Cruz, CA

In order to become a professional engineer (P.Eng), all candidates must complete a university undergraduate degree in engineering.

02/14/2020: Tulsa, OK
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become an Engineering Manager

Best tips for those who want to become an Engineering Manager

Here are some tips to become an Engineering Manager.

People's Opinions on best tips

Push yourself beyond your hard skills.

12/24/2019: Monterey, CA

Don’t be afraid to take a unique path to your goal.

12/18/2019: Kansas City, MO

Commit Yourself to Continuous Professional Development.

11/28/2019: Charlotte, NC

Identify Role Models and Mentors.

01/08/2020: Davenport, IA

You might have gone to college to study mechanical engineering, but today’s complex products often contain software and related electronic components so there will be times when design issues will confront you that fall outside of your technical discipline.

02/01/2020: Reading, PA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Engineering Manager

Best colleges and universities for Engineering Manager

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be an Engineering Manager

Is being an Engineering Manager Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

As an experienced Engineering Manager you will manage a team of 10 to 15 engineers operating in small squads of 4-5 engineers and work directly with Product, Research and Design teams as well as customer stakeholders and technical leads to build complex custom software applications.

10/18/2019: Boston, MA

Architectural and engineering managers spend most of their time working in offices.

02/14/2020: Norfolk, VA

Architectural and engineering managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and considerable work experience as an architect or engineer.

02/20/2020: New Britain, CT

As an engineering manager supporting the development of a product, you are responsible for.

10/31/2019: San Diego, CA

Embody the engineering culture and contribute to its advancement, inspiring everyone to live up to it.

10/11/2019: Lompoc, CA
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being an Engineering Manager

What skills do you need to be an Engineering Manager?

This role is not a beginner's role, as such, there are many skills required.  It is vital to the role to command: Computer Simulation, Cost Estimation, Design Optimization, Design Review, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Design, Engineering Management, Feasibility Study, Mathematical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Prototyping, Quality Assurance Process, Reliability Analysis, Requirements Engineering/Analysis, Technical Project Management, Industry Standards.  For this position, you need to be experienced with: CAD Software, Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) Software.  Management isn't easy, if it were, everyone would have the competenticies to execute the role with success.

People's Opinions on Engineering Manager skills

It’s a great time to be in software engineering management.

11/30/2019: Phoenix, AZ

You know that you’re a highly skilled engineering graduate, but the job hunt can feel like a particularly arduous task.

12/24/2019: Charleston, SC

However, it’s particularly relevant in the software engineering field, where soft skills usually take a backseat to technical skills.

12/28/2019: Elyria, OH

Maybe you have a couple strong internships or some engineering competition wins under your belt.  Maybe you were a project team leader or a volunteer with a STEM outreach program.

01/25/2020: Springfield, MO

Not all engineering managers are going to be excellent in every one of these areas.

12/29/2019: Orange, CA
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Step 6: View average salary for Engineering Manager

How much does an Engineering Manager make?

The average salary range for an Engineering Manager is from $134,267 to $165,923. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for an Engineering Manager
$134,267 to $165,923

Step 7: Find relevant Engineering Manager jobs, and apply.

Looking for Engineering Manager jobs?

Here are some Engineering Manager jobs in the United States.

Search Engineering Manager Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Engineering Manager