In today’s globally interconnected network of business and industry, every organization relies on technology and technological advances in order to move ahead. As a result, finding engineers and technical professionals with proven business and leadership knowledge is increasingly becoming more important than ever before.
Engineer management is a multidisciplinary field as it combines the principles of Engineering and Business. Besides the technical expertise, it includes a set of skills and competencies such as: project management, leadership, and effective communication.
In this article we will explore the history and the characteristics of this field, and what the engineering manager role is.
What is Engineering Management?
Engineer management leverages the power of engineering tools, methods, techniques and principles into business and management practices. It brings together the technological problem-solving ability of engineering and the organizational, administrative, legal and planning abilities of management in order to oversee the operational performance of complex engineering-driven enterprises.
Engineering management degree is an accredited field of study and is offered in many reputable universities in Master’s and bachelor’s programs.
Some of the specific areas typically covered in a master’s in engineering management (MEM) program, for instance, include:
- Accounting
- Business law
- Economics
- Ethics
- Finance
- Leadership
- Operations management
- Quality control
- Human resources management
- Operations research
MEM vs MBA
At first glance, it may seem as though an MBA and an MEM are very similar and opting for a traditional MBA degree might make sense.
Both MBA and MEM offer very similar courses, while MBA programs typically serve students from a broad range of undergraduate majors and experiences, however unlike MBA, MEM is focused on professionals with technical or Engineering background, as it assumes the student has technical expertise and tailor their courses based on that assumption.
In most universities, the MEM can be completed within a shorter time frame than the MBA. That means you can more quickly get to work applying the skills you learn to your career advancement.
History of Engineering Management
Engineering management has its roots in the 20th century. According to Wikipedia, Stevens Institute of Technology is the oldest to have an engineering management department. Later on, during the 1940s and 1950s, Engineering Management began to emerge as a distinct discipline in response to the growing complexity of technological systems and the need for businesses to effectively manage and control them. In the United States during the 1950s, more and more business and military engineers were making their way up corporate ladders, Syracuse University established the first graduate degrees in Engineering Management in 1957. Outside the United States, in Germany the first department concentrating on Engineering Management was established 1927 at Technical University of Berlin.
By the 1970s, demand for engineering management increased as a result of the oil crisis, Industrial Engineers, Operations Research/Management Sciences. University of Pittsburgh was one successful program highlighted to business executives in the pages of Business Week.
In the late 1980s in Egypt, the engineering management community was growing rapidly, led by Prof. Tark Khalil, founding president of Nile University and Dean of IAMOT (management of technology (and innovation)).
Today, In spite of the growth of hundreds of degree programs worldwide, engineering management communities (e.g., PICMET, IAMOT, etc.) still struggle with balancing industry (technology), engineering, and management. As the engineering field grows exponentially in complexity, and more technical knowledge is increasingly becoming more in demand especially with the rise of AI and modern new technologies.
What is The Role of an Engineering Manager?
Here are the key aspects and roles of Engineering management:
Strategic Thinking:
Engineering managers need to think strategically. They analyze long-term goals, align engineering efforts with organizational objectives, and make informed decisions that impact the overall success of projects and teams.
Project Management:
Project management is a critical skill for Engineering Managers. Engineering managers coordinate resources, schedules, budgets, and deliverables. They ensure projects stay on track, meet quality standards, and achieve desired outcomes.
Engineering Managers utilize their engineering skills, tools, and techniques to project’s progress to meet its requirements.
System Analysis and Design:
Understanding systems—whether technical, organizational, or process-oriented—is essential. Engineering managers evaluate existing systems, identify areas for improvement, and design efficient solutions.
Risk Management:
Managing risks involves assessing potential challenges, uncertainties, and hazards. Engineering managers develop risk mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects and operations.
Leadership:
Engineering projects often require coordinating with diverse teams; therefore, strong leadership skills are vital. Engineering managers motivate teams, foster collaboration, and provide guidance. They lead by example, inspire innovation, and create a positive work environment.
Effective Communication:
Clear communication bridges the gap between technical experts and non-technical stakeholders. Engineering managers convey complex ideas, negotiate, and build relationships with colleagues, clients, and executives.
Engineering managers need to communicate effectively with different teams, upper management, and other stakeholders. This includes listening as well as sharing thoughts and ideas. Team communication, one on one meetings, and weekly development sharing are important aspects of an engineering manager’s job.
What are the 5 Types of Engineering Manager?
The field of Engineering Management took different shapes and more specialized roles with the rise of modern big tech corporates. Here, we will classify engineering managers (EM) based on the commonly found archetypes in the industry:
Tech Lead EM
This type focuses on technical leadership and often bridges the gap between individual contributors and management.
Team Lead EM
Responsible for managing a team, coordinating work, and ensuring team members collaborate effectively.
Delivery EM
Primarily concerned with project delivery, timelines, and resource allocation.
Product EM
Advocates for the product, collaborates with product managers, and ensures alignment between engineering and product goals.
Lead of Leads EM
Oversees multiple teams and other engineering managers, providing strategic direction.
What is The Difference Between an Engineering Manager and Senior Engineer?
As Engineers grow in seniority and begin climbing the corporate ladder, they’re more likely to think about becoming an Engineering Manager. Being a senior engineer involves having advanced technical knowledge due to immense expertise that enables you to guide junior engineers. However, it doesn’t involve any management, or leadership skills.
In conclusion, with today’s globally interconnected, and technological advanced economy, Engineering Management plays a crucial role in the tech industry. At Jobzella, you can hire the best EMs, and you can use our platform to kick-start your career as an Engineer Manager here!
