The world is turning to engineers to address some of its most pressing problems. For example, engineering teams at UCLA are using robotics to create better prosthetics for patients; designing smaller solar panels that contribute to net-zero emissions goals; and developing an AI-powered system that could predict the future pandemics.
Engineering management executives who are able to keep projects such as these on track and on time, while also fostering collaboration and innovative thinking among their team members, can help accelerate progress toward solving global problems. Their careers can enhance the future of their companies.
What Is Engineering Management?
Engineering management integrates technical expertise with organizational leadership, applying strategic management principles to drive engineering projects, cross-functional initiatives and innovation within organizations.
Whether driving product innovation, scaling operations or guiding cross-functional initiatives, engineering management executives play a critical role in shaping business strategy and execution. With a blend of technical expertise and management acumen, they align technology development with organizational goals, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, and helping steer the company’s direction and competitive advantage.
What Does an Engineering Management Executive Do?
Highly capable engineering managers make it possible for organizations to grow, boost efficiency and benefit from technology such as analytics, machine learning, cloud computing and the Internet of Things.
These managers need to be ready to guide their organizations as they update infrastructure, overcome supply chain pressures, adapt to policy changes and prepare for the realities of artificial intelligence. They must also be able to build trust among their team members and create a productive work environment where everyone feels valued.
Engineering professionals who can successfully address these challenges may be sought-after by innovative companies worldwide.
Do You Need a Master’s Degree to Get Into Engineering Management?
A master’s-level engineering management degree may help prepare aspiring leaders with the skills employers value, such as advanced management, budgeting and strategic decision-making. Obtaining this degree may help accelerate your career progression toward supervisory or executive roles.
While a specialized degree like a master’s in engineering management may be beneficial to individuals pursuing a career in engineering management, it is not always required to enter the field. Most employers typically expect candidates to have a bachelor’s degree and around five years of relevant experience, but this will vary based on factors such as location, responsibilities and title.
“More and more employers expect engineering graduates to have experience and competence in professional areas such as creativity and design, oral and written communication, teamwork and leadership, interdisciplinary thinking, business management and entrepreneurship and multicultural understanding”
— National Academy of Engineering
What Can You Do With a Degree in Engineering Management?
Below are some common job titles for engineers who hold a master’s degree, as well as corresponding median annual salaries. The job titles and salary information are sourced from Lightcast, whose data comes from millions of job postings.
Engineering Management Jobs*
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Application manager | $103,472 |
| Director of engineering | $122,565 |
| Engineering manager | $98,703 |
| Engineering project manager | $89,914 |
| Mechanical engineering manager | $90,544 |
| Principal engineer | $120,744 |
| Product manager | $94,501 |
| Program manager | $93,464 |
| Process engineer | $82,818 |
| Senior data analyst | $82,547 |
| Software development manager | $116,972 |
| Supply chain director | $100,221 |
| Technical manager | $115,655 |
*The job titles and salary information are sourced from Lightcast, whose data come from millions of job postings. Please note that salary will vary by experience, responsibilities, location and other factors. UCLA Samueli does not project job placements and salaries for its graduates.
These are just a sampling of the many roles available to those on an engineering management career path. Actual titles and responsibilities vary, as each organization may apply a different title based on their internal requirements.
Engineering Management Salaries: How Much Can You Potentially Earn?
Engineering management salaries can be highly competitive and may exceed those of technical roles due to the required combination of specialized engineering knowledge and business acumen.
Does Getting a Master’s Degree Increase My Salary?
Earning a master’s in engineering management could potentially boost your earning potential by providing you with the leadership skills needed for leadership roles.
These roles usually require several years of work experience and some hiring managers prefer a master’s degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of engineering managers is $167,740.
In comparison, engineers in mechanical, civil and electrical fields earn a median salary of $102,320.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Engineering management integrates technical expertise with organizational leadership, applying strategic management principles to drive engineering projects, cross-functional initiatives and innovation within organizations.
- Director of engineering
- Engineering manager
- Product manager
- Program manager
- Software development manager
- Supply chain director
- Principal engineer
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering managers earn a median salary of $167,740 a year compared to $102,320 for general engineering roles. Salary outcomes vary based on location, experience and job responsibilities.
A master’s degree in engineering management is not required, but it can help professionals transition into leadership roles and potentially increase earning potential.
Pursue a Career-Focused Education at UCLA
The UCLA Samueli School of Engineering built the online engineering management degree with the needs of businesses in mind. Our curriculum incorporates guidance from an industrial advisory board, which ensures that graduates have in-demand skills in technical problem-solving, data-driven decision making, analytics and business communication.
Online students have access to a wide range of student services, including the UCLA Career Center that provides connections to employers in addition to hosting events and workshops. Our students can also take advantage of the Handshake platform to find career counseling, internships and job opportunities.
Request Information
To learn more about the Online Master of Science in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Engineering Management, contact an enrollment specialist at (424) 443-7385 or fill out the form below to download a free brochure.
