Engineering managers combine their technical background with lessons in management to be effective team leaders. Many work first as engineers before advancing into management positions where they manage people, projects, resources, and organizations.

Engineering managers plan, organize, direct, control, and evaluate the activities of an engineering department, service, or firm. They develop and implement policies, standards, and procedures for the engineering and technical work performed by their team, to ensure that projects are completed on-time and on-budget. With strong communications skills, engineering managers consult and negotiate with clients, presenting proposals and final reports and findings. Given their management role, they will also create and manage budgets, and hire and supervise staff.