The need for skilled engineering leaders who can navigate the intersection of technical expertise and effective management has reached new heights. Industries are becoming increasingly complex, technological advancements are accelerating and global competition is intensifying.
With over 13,000 new jobs being added annually, now is the optimal time to invest in a career in engineering management. In this blog, we'll explore the realm of engineering management, uncover the key skill sets needed for a successful career in the field and showcase potential jobs at every level. First, let’s take a closer look into what engineering management is and how you can forge a high-impact career in it.
What is Engineering Management?
Engineering management is a field that combines leadership and business principles with technical engineering knowledge. Engineering managers are tasked with overseeing and optimizing engineering projects, teams and resources. At its core, engineering management brings projects to completion on time and within budget.
Given the diverse nature of the field, engineering management professionals enjoy an array of job functions in their day-to-day life. A few include:
- Project Management: Engineering managers oversee engineering projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget and according to specifications.
- Resource Allocation: They allocate resources such as personnel, equipment and materials efficiently. This involves understanding project requirements and balancing resource availability to meet project goals.
- Cost Control: Engineering managers are responsible for budgeting and controlling project costs. They make decisions that impact project profitability by optimizing resource usage and minimizing unnecessary expenses.
- Risk Management: Engineering managers work to minimize potential disruptions by identifying, assessing, and mitigating risk and ensuring that projects proceed as planned.
- Quality Assurance: Engineering managers oversee quality control processes to ensure that products or projects meet quality standards and customer expectations.
How to Become an Engineering Manager
Upgrade Your Degree With an Engineering Management Program
Engineering managers are experts in the technical and managerial aspects of engineering projects. This is why a quality and comprehensive engineering management degree is necessary to succeed in the field. When contemplating engineering management degrees, it is important to evaluate several factors, taking into account your current educational level, professional experience, and long-term career objectives.
Engineering Management Bachelor’s Programs versus Engineering Management Master's Programs
A bachelor's in engineering management provides a foundational understanding of engineering principles and basic management concepts. It typically covers a range of topics, including engineering fundamentals, mathematics, economics and introductory management courses.
Graduates with a bachelor's in engineering management often start their careers in entry-level positions that may involve assisting with project coordination, team management or technical support roles. They may also work under the guidance of more experienced engineering managers.
A master's in engineering management offers a more specialized and in-depth education in both engineering and management topics. It often includes advanced coursework in areas like project management, finance, leadership and strategic planning.
Graduates with a master's in engineering management are well-positioned for more advanced and leadership roles. They may enter the workforce at a higher level, taking on responsibilities such as project management, departmental leadership or executive positions within engineering organizations. On average, graduates with a master’s in engineering management earn an annual salary of $159,920.
Hone Your Engineering Management Skills and Competencies
To excel in the field of engineering management, there is a set of fundamental skills and competencies needed for success. Some of the top engineering management skills necessary to advance in the field include:
- Leadership: Effective engineering leadership is paramount for guiding teams, setting goals and creating a positive and dedicated work environment.
- Communication: Clear and effective communication is vital for conveying ideas, instructions and project updates to team members, stakeholders and clients.
- Project Management: Proficiency in project management principles and tools is essential for planning, executing and monitoring engineering projects. The ability to keep projects on schedule and within budget is a hallmark of successful engineering managers.
- Problem Solving: Engineering managers often face complex technical and managerial challenges. Strong problem-solving skills, including analytical thinking and creativity, are crucial for finding effective solutions.
- Decision-Making: Sound decision-making involves weighing options, considering risks and making informed choices that align with organizational goals.
Careers in Engineering Management and Navigating Your Path
Because engineering management combines the principles of business management with the technical acumen of engineering, it opens up a broad spectrum of career opportunities. When looking to embark on your career in engineering management, entry-level roles will be an optimal place to start to gain hands-on experience.
As you further your education and gain additional experience, your career horizon will expand and more mid- and senior-level roles will become available. Below, you'll find a range of examples depicting careers in engineering management, spanning from entry-level to senior roles.
Entry-Level Roles
Project Coordinator: Project coordinators work closely with project managers to help plan, organize and track engineering projects. They assist in scheduling, budgeting and ensuring that projects are executed in a timely and efficient manner.
Engineering Analyst: Engineering analysts gather and analyze data related to engineering projects, performance and processes. They provide valuable insights that can inform decision-making within engineering management.
Mid-Level Roles
Engineering Team Supervisor: Engineering team supervisors manage and lead teams of engineers and technical professionals. They are responsible for assigning tasks, setting goals and ensuring that projects are completed efficiently and on schedule.
Quality Manager: Quality managers in engineering management oversee quality assurance and control processes within engineering projects. They develop and implement quality management systems, perform audits and ensure that products or projects meet specified quality standards.
Senior-Level Roles
Vice President of Engineering: The Vice President of Engineering is a high-ranking executive responsible for the entire engineering function within an organization. They lead multiple engineering departments, develop and execute the engineering strategy and collaborate with other senior executives to align engineering efforts with the company's overall vision.
Chief Technology Officer (CTO): The Chief Technology Officer is a top-level executive responsible for setting the technology strategy and direction for an organization. In engineering-intensive workplaces, such as technology companies or research institutions, the CTO plays a key role in driving innovation, research and development efforts and technological advancements.
Embark on Your Engineering Management Career Path Through Vanderbilt Engineering Online
Equip yourself with a degree that will help you foster and develop the necessary management skills and empower you to forge a successful, high-ranking career in engineering management. Vanderbilt’s online master of engineering in engineering management program is fit for ambitious leaders seeking to elevate their careers to new heights.
By earning your online master’s degree in engineering management at Vanderbilt, you will be equipped with multidisciplinary skills including communication, organizational planning, project management, leadership and more — which are all needed to adapt and advance in the changing industry environment.
Our online learning program offers immersive coursework featuring interactive projects that provide practical, hands-on experience in the application of engineering management principles. Furthermore, our faculty members are industry practitioners, ensuring that you acquire the latest and most relevant technologies and techniques that will strategically prepare you for a successful future career.
Take the next step in becoming an engineering leader and download our guide, Developing Your Engineering Expertise: Earning Your Master’s in Engineering Management Online From Vanderbilt University.
