Chief Engineer vs. Engineering Manager: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
A career in engineering can be both rewarding and challenging. Two common positions in this field are that of a chief engineer and an engineering manager. Though these roles share some similarities, there are several key differences between them.
In this article, we discuss the differences between a chief engineer and an engineering manager, and we provide additional engineering professions you may be interested in pursuing.
What is a Chief Engineer?
A Chief Engineer is responsible for the overall engineering operations of a company or organization. They develop and implement engineering plans and projects, and they oversee the work of other engineers. They also work with other departments to ensure that engineering projects are on schedule and within budget. Chief Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and they may also have a professional engineer’s license.
What is an Engineering Manager?
Engineering Managers are responsible for leading and coordinating a team of engineers to complete projects and achieve company objectives. They collaborate with other managers, executives and clients to ensure that engineering goals are aligned with business needs. Engineering Managers develop budgets and timelines for projects, and they monitor progress to ensure that projects stay on track. They also provide mentorship and guidance to engineers on their team, and they may be involved in hiring and firing decisions. When problems arise, Engineering Managers work with their team to find creative solutions.
Chief Engineer vs. Engineering Manager
Here are the main differences between a chief engineer and an engineering manager.
Job Duties
Chief engineers oversee all aspects of a project, so they’re involved in every aspect of the engineering process. They make sure that the design is correct and complete, then they supervise the construction and installation. Engineering managers are more focused on the day-to-day operations. They develop and implement policies and procedures, then delegate tasks to other employees and provide direction. They may also work with clients and customers to resolve issues.
Job Requirements
Chief engineers and engineering managers typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Additionally, many chief engineers and engineering managers are licensed professional engineers (PEs). To become a PE, you must first pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, which is offered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). After working as an engineer for four years, you can then take the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to earn your license.
Work Environment
Chief engineers typically work in manufacturing or construction environments. They may travel to different sites and oversee multiple projects at once, depending on the size of their company. Engineering managers usually work in offices and rarely travel for work. They spend most of their time working with teams of employees to complete projects.
Both chief engineers and engineering managers can work long hours and weekends when necessary. They also need to be available 24/7 in case of emergencies.
Skills
Both chief engineers and engineering managers use their technical skills to oversee the work of other engineers. They also both develop budgets, create schedules and review progress reports. However, there are some key differences in the skills they use on a daily basis.
A chief engineer is more focused on the technical aspects of projects and ensuring that they are completed according to specifications. They typically have a deep understanding of engineering principles and may be involved in the design process. An engineering manager is more focused on managing people and projects. They may not have as deep of an understanding of engineering principles, but they are skilled at coordinating teams and resources.
Salary
The average salary for a chief engineer is $85,841 per year, while the average salary for an engineering manager is $127,339 per year. The salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has prior to taking the position.