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

A career in engineering can be very rewarding. If you’re interested in this field, you may be wondering what the difference is between a staff engineer and an engineering manager. Both positions require a high level of education and skills, but there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between a staff engineer and an engineering manager, and we provide tips for choosing the right career path for you.

What is a Staff Engineer?

A Staff Engineer is a professional engineer who provides engineering support to an organization. They may be involved in the design, development, testing and evaluation of products, systems or services. Staff Engineers typically work in offices, but they may also travel to worksites to observe operations or to provide technical support. They may work on teams with other engineers or alone. Staff Engineers usually report to an engineering manager or supervisor.

What is an Engineering Manager?

Engineering Managers are responsible for overseeing a team of engineers and technicians to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. They collaborate with other managers, executives and clients to develop project plans and scopes of work. Engineering Managers also review designs and blueprints to ensure they meet all safety and quality standards. They may also be responsible for training and mentoring less experienced engineers and technicians. In some cases, Engineering Managers may also be responsible for marketing and sales activities, such as presenting proposals to potential clients or working with sales teams to develop new business opportunities.

Staff Engineer vs. Engineering Manager

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

Job Duties

Staff engineers typically perform a variety of tasks, depending on their level and the department they work in. Entry-level staff engineers often conduct research, develop project proposals and assist senior engineers with projects. Mid-level staff engineers might manage teams of engineers, design projects and prepare detailed construction plans. Senior staff engineers usually oversee entire engineering projects, ensuring that deadlines are met and budgets remain intact.

Engineering managers usually have a more defined set of duties, though their job responsibilities can vary based on the company and their level of experience. Entry-level engineering managers often conduct research, draft reports and communicate project information to stakeholders outside the department. Mid-level engineering managers often act as project leaders, coordinating multiple teams and making sure projects meet deadlines. Advanced engineering managers often serve as department heads, leading the daily operations of the department and setting overall business strategies.

Job Requirements

To become a staff engineer, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program. Once you have your degree, you can start working as an entry-level engineer and gain the experience needed to eventually become a staff engineer. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in engineering or a related field.

To become an engineering manager, you typically need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program. You also need to have several years of experience working as an engineer. Some employers may prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in engineering or a related field. Additionally, many engineering managers are certified through the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM).

Work Environment

Engineering managers typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to visit different locations and meet with clients. They often spend their days in meetings or on the phone discussing projects with other engineers and clients.

Staff engineers usually work in a laboratory environment where they can focus on research and development. They may also work in offices for short periods of time to collaborate with other staff members.

Skills

There are several similarities in the skills used by staff engineers and engineering managers. Both roles require excellent problem-solving skills, as they often need to find creative solutions to difficult challenges. They also both need strong analytical skills to be able to understand complex data sets and make informed decisions. Communication skills are important for both roles, as they often need to present their findings to colleagues or clients.

However, there are some differences in the skills used by these two professionals. For example, engineering managers typically need stronger project management skills than staff engineers, as they are responsible for overseeing the entire engineering process from start to finish. They also need to be able to motivate and lead teams of engineers, so interpersonal skills are important. Staff engineers, on the other hand, may need more specialized technical skills depending on their area of focus within engineering.

Salary

Staff engineers can earn an average salary of $111,406 per year, while engineering managers can earn an average salary of $127,339 per year. The average salary for both positions 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.