Engineering Manager vs. Principal Engineer: What Are the Differences?

A career in engineering can be both challenging and rewarding. Two common engineering roles are that of an engineering manager and a principal engineer. Though these positions share some similarities, there are several key differences between them.

In this article, we discuss the differences between an engineering manager and a principal engineer, and we provide additional engineering professions you may be interested in pursuing.

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 oversee the day-to-day operations of the engineering team and provide guidance on technical issues. They develop project plans and timelines, assign tasks to engineers and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. Engineering Managers also liaise with other departments, such as sales and marketing, to align engineering goals with business objectives. They prepare reports for upper management and present findings at company meetings.

What is a Principal Engineer?

Principal Engineers are the highest level of engineer within a company and are responsible for leading and oversee all engineering projects. They work with other department heads to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget and to the required specifications. They also provide guidance and support to junior engineers and act as a mentor to help them develop their skills. In addition to their technical expertise, Principal Engineers must also have strong communication and project management skills.

Engineering Manager vs. Principal Engineer

Here are the main differences between an engineering manager and a principal engineer.

Job Duties

Engineering managers oversee a team of engineers and make sure their projects are running smoothly. They often communicate with clients or other members of the management team to get feedback on projects and ensure that the engineering team is working efficiently. In contrast, principal engineers work directly on the engineering projects themselves. They might work on design teams or collaborate with other engineers to create innovative products for the company.

Job Requirements

Engineering managers typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Additionally, many engineering managers have experience working as an engineer before moving into management roles. Some engineering managers also pursue certifications through professional organizations, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These certifications can demonstrate that an engineering manager has the necessary skills to perform their job duties.

Principal engineers usually need to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, although some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. Additionally, principal engineers often have several years of experience working as an engineer before moving into leadership roles. Many principal engineers also pursue certifications through professional organizations, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These certifications can help demonstrate that a principal engineer has the necessary skills to perform their job duties.

Work Environment

Engineering managers typically work in an office setting, where they can collaborate with other employees and clients. They may travel to different locations to meet with clients or attend conferences related to their field. Engineering managers often spend most of their time working on a computer, but they also need to be able to communicate effectively with others.

Principal engineers usually work in an industrial environment, such as a factory or construction site. They may have more physical responsibilities than engineering managers, such as lifting heavy equipment or climbing ladders. Principal engineers may also work long hours and weekends to ensure projects are completed on time.

Skills

Both engineering managers and principal engineers need to have excellent problem-solving skills. They often are tasked with identifying issues within their department or company and developing solutions that improve efficiency or productivity.

Both engineering managers and principal engineers also need to be able to effectively communicate with other members of their team, as well as individuals in other departments. This includes being able to clearly explain complex technical concepts and provide instructions for implementing new processes.

Organizational skills are important for both engineering managers and principal engineers, as they often are overseeing multiple projects at one time. They need to be able to prioritize tasks and ensure that deadlines are met.

Leadership skills are essential for engineering managers, as they are responsible for leading a team of engineers. They need to be able to motivate their team, provide feedback and resolve conflicts. Principal engineers may also benefit from having leadership skills, as they often are involved in mentoring junior engineers or working on cross-functional teams.

Salary

Engineering managers earn an average salary of $127,339 per year, while principal engineers earn an average salary of $145,552 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.