If you’re an engineer with a passion for guiding and supporting people, you might want to consider a career as an engineering manager. In this role, you’ll be responsible for a team of engineers who work together to complete projects that support the company’s business goals.
To be an engineering manager, you must have strong leadership and communication skills. These traits are critical for boosting morale, delegating tasks to your team members, and encouraging productive and collaborative working relationships.
Time management: It’s your responsibility to manage your team’s workload, schedule meetings and interviews, and keep track of deadlines and deliverables. This includes tracking individual and group performance, adjusting your time management plan based on the needs of your employees, and planning for emergencies.
Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies: Technology is changing rapidly, so it’s crucial to stay abreast of technological advances and innovations that can affect your job duties and your company’s business strategy. By staying up-to-date, you’ll be able to help your team adapt and make informed decisions.
Managing yourself: It’s important for engineering managers to be self-aware and take care of their personal needs. This can include keeping up with their own work and professional development, taking advantage of work-life balance opportunities, and balancing responsibilities for family and community engagement.
Leadership is an essential skill for engineering managers to possess, as they must be able to inspire their teams and drive them to achieve their goals. This involves setting an example by taking initiative, resolving conflict, and assigning tasks to the team that best suit their strengths. It also involves evaluating circumstances that have no clear right or wrong answer, such as deciding whether to reallocate resources or extend timelines.
