product owner vs. Engineering Manager: What Are the Differences?

In the tech industry, there are a variety of different roles that manage product development. Two common positions are that of a product owner and engineering manager. Both of these roles are important in ensuring that products are designed and built correctly. However, there are several key differences between the two positions.

In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences between a product owner and engineering manager. We will also provide tips on how to decide which role is right for you.

What is a Product Owner?

A product owner is responsible for the product vision and ensuring that the product meets the needs of the customer. They work with the development team to prioritize features and ensure that the product is built to specification. The product owner is the voice of the customer and represents their interests to the development team. They are responsible for writing user stories and acceptance criteria, and for maintaining the product backlog. The product owner works with the development team to ensure that the product is delivered on time and to the required quality.

What is an Engineering Manager?

An Engineering Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating a team of engineers to complete projects and achieve company goals. They collaborate with other managers and departments to ensure that engineering projects are on schedule and within budget. They also develop and implement processes and best practices for their team. Engineering Managers typically have a background in engineering and may hold a professional engineering license. They use their knowledge of engineering principles to solve problems and improve efficiencies.

Product Owner vs. Engineering Manager

Here are the main differences between a product owner and an engineering manager.

Job Duties

Product owners and engineering managers fulfill different duties, although the specific responsibilities can vary based on the company and the individuals in these roles. An product owner’s primary responsibility is ensuring that the customer’s needs are met. This involves conducting research to learn about customers’ desires and then communicating those requirements to the engineering team so they can develop a product that meets those needs.

An engineering manager’s primary responsibility is overseeing the development of products, which often includes managing teams and providing direction. They may also work with other departments like marketing to ensure that the products they’re developing meet the overall business goals.

Job Requirements

Product owners and engineering managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, computer science or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many product owners and engineering managers pursue certifications through the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use project management software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Product owners and engineering managers typically work in different environments. Engineering managers often work in an office setting, where they can collaborate with their team members to solve problems and develop new products. They may also travel to visit manufacturing facilities or meet with clients to discuss product needs.

Product owners usually work remotely from home offices or coffee shops. This allows them to focus on the customer experience and ensure that the product is meeting user needs.

Skills

Both product owners and engineering managers need to have excellent problem-solving skills. They will often be tasked with identifying issues and developing solutions that improve a company’s products or processes.

Both roles also require strong communication skills. As a product owner, you will need to be able to clearly articulate the vision for a product and its features to the engineering team. As an engineering manager, you will need to be able to communicate effectively with both your team and upper management.

Organizational skills are important for both product owners and engineering managers. A product owner needs to be able to prioritize the development of features and track the progress of the engineering team. An engineering manager needs to be able to organize and oversee the work of multiple teams, as well as keep track of deadlines and budget.

Salary

The average salary for a product owner is $108,042 per year, while the average salary for an engineering manager is $127,339 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the size of the company, the location of the job and the level of experience the employee has.