Engineering Program Manager Career Path
Introduction
Engineering program managers (EPMs) are responsible for the planning, execution, and control of engineering projects. They work closely with engineers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
EPMs typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, as well as several years of experience in engineering project management. They must also have strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Career Path
The EPM career path typically begins with an entry-level position as a project engineer or project coordinator. In this role, EPMs learn the basics of project management and gain experience working on small- to medium-sized projects.
As EPMs gain experience, they may be promoted to senior project engineer or project manager. In these roles, they take on more responsibility for managing larger and more complex projects.
Eventually, EPMs may advance to the role of program manager. In this role, they are responsible for overseeing the entire lifecycle of a program, from planning and execution to closure.
Skills and Qualifications
EPMs must have a strong foundation in engineering principles and project management practices. They must also have excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
The following are some of the key skills and qualifications that EPMs need:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field
- Several years of experience in engineering project management
- Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of project management software and tools
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Compensation
EPMs are well-compensated for their skills and experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for EPMs in 2020 was $111,840.
EPMs with more experience and expertise can earn significantly more. The top 10% of EPMs earn more than $162,200 per year.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for EPMs is expected to be good in the coming years. As the economy continues to grow, there will be a increasing demand for EPMs to manage complex engineering projects.
The following are some of the factors that are expected to contribute to the strong job outlook for EPMs:
- Increased investment in infrastructure
- Development of new technologies
- Growing demand for engineering services
Conclusion
EPMs play a critical role in the success of engineering projects. They are responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects to ensure that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
The EPM career path is a rewarding one that offers a variety of opportunities for advancement. EPMs with the right skills and experience can earn a good salary and enjoy a fulfilling career.
