Engineering management is the study of business operations and business management with a focus on the principles of engineering, technology, and science. Engineering management combines the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills of engineering with the administrative and organizational leadership abilities of business management.
Professionals who go into engineering management impact an organization’s financial outcomes and efficiency by making evidence-based decisions and working closely with engineers, operations managers, analysts, and others. In our technological world, the role of an engineering manager is vital to the success of many industries and organizations.
Engineering management relies on a balance of detail-oriented attention and big-picture thinking, as well as strong communication and leadership skills. Engineering managers are adaptable, knowledgeable leaders who can work on a variety of projects. The engineering management field is vast, with work spanning across engineering and technical disciplines. From product management to quality assurance, engineering managers do necessary work at every level.
Studying engineering management prepares students to be future leaders by combining technical training in a variety of engineering fields with robust business acumen and organizational leadership development. Engineering management students may study mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and system engineering, as well as project management, marketing, and accounting.
What Do Engineering Managers Do?
Engineering management professionals lead teams of highly skilled experts and oversee technical projects that align with organizational efficiency and productivity. Engineering managers work within a variety of scientific and technical fields. Primarily, engineering managers work as technical leaders and strong communicators, serving as liaisons between technical development and business management.
Engineering managers lead teams of specialists, organizing and streamlining workflows, while keeping their projects on budget and on schedule. Engineering managers communicate clear and effective goals and maintain professional relationships with clients and business executives. Engineering managers have an understanding of accounting, marketing strategy, and human resources, allowing them to effectively manage teams and projects in conjunction with the greater organizational structure.
Here are some examples of what engineering managers can do:
- Plan and execute infrastructure redevelopment projects for cities and transportation organizations
- Design and manage vehicle manufacturing life cycles
- Manage architects and design engineers working on corporate campus development
- Inspect and certify biomedical engineering devices
- Act as a consultant on team management and efficiency for other organizations
- Develop quality assurance protocols for smartphones and personal computers
- Lead initiatives to manage manufacturing waste and ensure sustainability
What Careers Are There in Engineering Management?
Engineering managers are prepared to work in a wide array of careers and industries. They can have careers in any field of engineering, including those in the natural sciences and information technology.
On the business side, engineering managers can work as organizational leaders and assist with personnel development and retention. Engineering managers collaborate with legal teams to ensure product safety and shape engineering policy. They manage supply chain operations to increase efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
On the technical side, engineering managers can work in new product development, collaborating with design engineers and manufacturers to ensure producibility and performance. They work in industrial engineering to optimize complex processes and systems. Engineering managers work with materials scientists to oversee quality assurance and market deliverability.
What Skills Do Engineering Managers Need?
Students who enjoy and excel in math, science, and technology, as well as problem-solving and organizational leadership do well in engineering management. Engineering managers rely on their communication and interpersonal skills in order to manage projects, coordinate deadlines, and adapt to changing dynamics. Regardless of the many fields an engineering manager can find themselves working in, they must be able to balance detail-oriented management with high-level thinking in order to increase efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
What Tasks Do Engineering Managers Do?
Engineering managers perform a variety of tasks in their roles as innovative leaders. They set agendas and goals, manage people and team dynamics, and present reports on product development and team workflow. In their role, engineering managers may also manage financial spreadsheets, write and produce marketing materials, develop legal policy, and conduct consumer research.
How Much Do Engineering Managers Earn?
Current salary information for business professionals shows that engineering managers are well paid. Engineering management work is highly valued. A typical first job as an engineering manager nets a salary around $120,560. Depending on location and other factors, some engineering managers may earn more or less. But most engineering management jobs earn a six-figure income, with room for advancement.
Engineering Management Salaries
Figures from payscale.com, accessed January 2025
Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accessed January 2025
| Career | Career Description | Mean Annual Wage (BLS) | Top 10 Percent (BLS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Managers | Industrial production managers oversee the daily operations of manufacturing plants. They coordinate, plan, and direct the activities used to create a wide range of products, focusing on efficiency, quality control, and safety. | $125,900 | $190,480 |
| Construction Managers | Construction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. They work closely with architects, engineers, and other construction specialists. | $116,960 | $172,040 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | Natural sciences managers oversee the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists. They coordinate research and development activities in industries such as pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and biotechnology. | $169,120 | $239,200+ |
| Information Systems Managers | Also known as information technology (IT) managers, they oversee the planning, coordination, and direction of computer-related activities within an organization. They ensure IT infrastructure supports business goals and are often involved in engineering projects related to IT. | $180,720 | $239,200+ |
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Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2023. |
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See additional business salary information.
The Future of Engineering Management
As our world becomes increasingly reliant on advancing technology and infrastructure, innovative leaders and technical managers are a continued necessity across a variety of industries. Tech companies, manufacturers, and design firms continue to rely on the work of engineering managers in order to meet deadlines and produce efficient, high-quality work.
The future of engineering management is bright. The profession is driven by continuous advancement and a worldwide push for efficient, productive, and sustainable business enterprises. Engineering managers are working and will continue to work at every level of business and industry as their strong communication and interpersonal skills become increasingly more valuable to shareholders and clients.
Additionally, the work of an engineering manager is by its nature adaptable, allowing engineering managers to work toward a productive and sustainable future. Engineering managers have a breadth of skills and knowledge that will be highly valued in the engineering and business fields of the future.
Pursuing an Engineering Management Degree
There are several paths students can take toward a career in an engineering management profession. Most entry-level positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. According to our undergraduate academic advisor, Jodie Filpus-Paakola, coordinator of academic services in the Michigan Tech College of Business, the following tips can help prepare you to pursue a degree in an engineering management field.
Tips for High School Students
If you're currently in high school and are considering getting into an engineering management field, here are some goals to consider.
- Focus on your math and science classes, as these will form the basis for your engineering management education. Additionally, courses related to business and economics may also help. Your enjoyment (or not!) of these courses could tell you a lot about whether or not engineering management may be right for you.
- Read overviews of different engineering management degrees to get a sense for which one you want to pursue.
Choosing a College/University for Engineering Management
Selecting a school to study an engineering management field can be easier if you follow these tips to help you make an informed choice.
- Research colleges and universities that will put you on a successful path. It's not necessary to major in a program called engineering management to have a successful career in this industry! Look for degrees that fall within the project management or industrial engineering umbrella.
- Ensure the programs you are focusing on are accredited by AACSB, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. That way, you know you are earning a degree that will pay off with excellent career opportunities.
- Visit the schools you're interested in and ask lots of questions about the programs, scholarships and financial aid opportunities, and application requirements and deadlines.
Apply to the schools you think are the right fit for you and your goals sometime between your junior year and the beginning of your senior year. Track the deadlines on your calendar so you don't miss them.
Tips for College Students
If you’re currently in college, our College of Business advisor recommends these tips to help ensure your success in engineering management:
- Work with your academic advisor to choose the right program and courses that will give you the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in engineering management.
- Get experience with real engineering projects. Look for opportunities through student organizations, professional conferences, co-ops and internships, and research projects at your institution.
- Form relationships with faculty members in your program. These connections will help you as you look for relevant management engineering experience during and after your college career.
- Network with professionals. Whether you're at a conference or an on-campus career fair, seize every opportunity to form connections with professionals in the field—you never know when they could come in handy!
- Keep your resume up to date and brush up on your interviewing skills. Your institution may even have a dedicated career center that can help you.