Engineering Manager

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of engineering and/or research and development teams and support technicians. As its name implies, this career fits between engineering and personnel management. To perform these tasks, it is helpful to have both an engineering degree, and experience working with a team. These people work with engineers to make sure the work gets done, but also work with administration to advocate for their team, and make sure expectations are realistic.

Make a Difference

A Typical Day

Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities on engineering projects.
Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.
Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.

Recommended Credentials

Bachelor's or master's degree, 5+ years of work experience

Education & Training

Regional employers often hire graduates of these programs.

Northwest Lower Michigan

Engineering Programs
— Northwestern Michigan College

Elsewhere in Michigan

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Master's in Engineering Management
— Michigan Technological University (MTU)

Explore This Career

Try it before you buy it!

Leadership role in project, club, production, etc.
Rotary Interact Program
Start a business
Explore opportunities in your community

The Local Advantage Learning Pathway

Pathway 1

Check out Northwest Education Services’ Engineering Academy, Robotics & Automation, Electrical Occupations or a similar program.

Take advanced math and science classes at your school: Physics, Chemistry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, etc.

Apply to join advanced curriculum programs, such as Sci-Ma-Tech at Traverse City Central and West High Schools.

Ask your high school counselor about dual enrollment at NMC.

Pathway 2

NMC's Engineering program articulates to 7 Michigan Technological University (MTU) engineering programs. In the 2+2 Program, NMC Engineering students can transfer to Michigan Tech as a junior, saving you a lot of time and money! You will graduate with both an Associate's degree from NMC and a Bachelor's degree from MTU.