An engineering manager acts as the technical lead on projects. They lead a team of engineers to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and without hassle. Engineering managers are skilled communicators with an eye for detail. They serve an important role in the overall success of a project.
If you’re a licensed professional engineer (PE) in search of more opportunities and responsibilities, becoming an engineering manager might be your next big move. In this article, we’ll describe the job of engineering managers, the skills needed to be successful, and how to advance your career to take on this exciting role.
The Role of an Engineering Manager
Engineering managers work in a wide variety of engineering fields side by side with project managers. The key difference is that engineering managers drive the engineering team—they use their technical expertise, strategy, and vision to design and implement the technical aspects of a project.
In short, they provide technical oversight.
PEs who choose to become engineering managers shift from individual contributors to team leaders. This means learning to balance technical expertise with managerial responsibilities. It’s their job to keep the project moving forward. They often serve as mentors, problem solvers, and dispute-resolution experts.
Engineering managers are responsible for hiring the right team members to deliver the product.
Gain Relevant Experience
Engineering managers manage people. They’re responsible for the “how” and “who.” Before deciding to explore this career move, you need to ask yourself some tough questions: Do you enjoy leading? Are you ready to mentor other engineers? Can you handle the added responsibilities and paperwork?
Once you assess your readiness, you’ll need to identify gaps in your skillset or experience and strategies to address those. Often PEs have the technical skills for the job but lack communication or management skills.
Courses like McKissock’s Project Management for the Engineer can help fill some of the gaps, but PEs should also look for opportunities to get hands-on experience leading projects or teams.
If you work for a large firm, volunteer to be the lead. Talk to your supervisor and ask for a role with more responsibility. If you work for yourself, find a mentor or search to see if there are opportunities to volunteer in your community or on a civic project.
You will need to learn to work within budgets, how to schedule, and how to identify what resources you have and what you need.
Vital soft skills needed to be successful as an engineering manager include:
- Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Decision-making
- Strategic Thinking
- Managing People
- Managing Projects
- Leadership
Pursue professional engineer continuing education courses online or go back to school to earn an advanced certification or degree to earn experience in necessary fields and skills to increase opportunities to work as an engineering manager.
Obtain Advanced Certifications or Degrees
There are several certificates or degrees you can earn to demonstrate your value and ability to be an engineering manager, including the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, Six Sigma certification, or a master’s degree in engineering or business management.
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
This is one of the most widely recognized project management certifications. It is administered by the Project Management Institute to individuals who demonstrate their ability to lead projects in any industry.
People who achieve this certificate are skilled people managers and experts in managing business priorities and processes. To earn the certificate, you must have three to five years of experience and pass the 180-question timed exam.
The minimum qualifications include:
- A high school diploma and 60 months (5 years) of experience leading and managing projects plus 35 hours of project management education or training; or
- A bachelor’s degree or higher and 36 months (3 years) of experience plus 35 hours of project management education or training; or
- A bachelor’s degree or higher from a GAC-accredited program and 25 months (2 years) of experience and 35 hours of project management education or training.
Six Sigma Certification
There is not a single issuing body for the Six Sigma certification. The International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC), American Society for Quality (ASQ), and the Council for Six Sigma Certification (CSSC) each offer certifications following an examination.
There are several categories of Six Sigma, including Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma, Black Belt, Green Belt, and Yellow Belt. Each of these has slightly different requirements. For example, the Black Belt certification requires 90 hours of classes versus the Yellow Belt, which requires 20 (CSSC requirements). The different agencies also have slightly different requirements; however, most require experience and classroom education.
Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM) or Business Administration (MBA)
Finally, you can obtain an MEM or MBA from an accredited college or university. The MEM combines engineering, technology, and business management. The MBA is business-oriented and best prepares graduates for executive leadership roles. Both can lead to a career in engineering management for licensed PEs.
If you decide to pursue a master’s degree, choose a college or university that offers a program that fits your schedule and your budget. You will find synchronous and asynchronous online options as well as in-person classroom instruction. Some may offer mentorships or job opportunities or placements following graduation. Most MEM and MBA programs take two years to complete.
Finding Your First Job as an Engineering Manager
Surveys show that 80% of all jobs are found through networking. So, it is vital that you build connections with current engineering managers or find a mentor. Join professional organizations and attend industry events.
Here are a few tips to find your first job:
- Be open and receptive. You never know where the connection will come from. Stay friendly and likeable. Show interest in the people you talk to and find a way to connect through a mutual hobby or interest.
- Be helpful. Ask the people you meet if you can do anything for them, such as make an introduction or deliver information on a project or idea.
- Follow-up. The most vital part of networking is following up! Send an email within 24 hours of the meeting to thank them for chatting with you. Remind them of your shared interest using a funny story or anecdote. Following up is not one-and-done! Send a few emails that offer value. If you promised to send something, do it.
- Ask for what you want. Part of finding a job is putting yourself out there, which is uncomfortable at best. But don’t let fear hold you back from asking for what you want.
- Be prepared. When you get an interview, research the company and prepare answers for tough questions like: What was a mistake you made in your last role, and what did you learn? Demonstrate your value by sharing examples of your leadership and successes. Use real numbers when you can, such as, “Under my leadership, we finished 15% under budget.”
- Maintain technical credibility. Engineering managers are the eyes and ears of the technical team. Your role is more than managing people—you need to maintain your technical know-how to ensure the project is completed correctly. Remember, your role is the how and the who.
Create Your Path to Becoming an Engineering Manager
There are several paths you can take on your way to becoming an engineering manager but all of them begin by enhancing your skillset—particularly your soft skills. The good news is that those can be learned, and you can start today. McKissock Learning offers a multitude of continuing education courses for professional engineers.
When you’re ready to take that next leap in your career, we’re here to help! We’re happy to answer your questions and act as a resource for obtaining your PMP, Six Sigma, MEM, or MBA.
