1. Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI • Private
In-State Tuition
$15,646
Enrollment
5,736
If you want to a leadership role in an engineering department, the role of chief engineer might be the next step in your acaeer progression. Chief engineer is a prestigious senior position and usually held by the highest-ranking engineer in a company's engineering department. Job duties include overseeing engineers and technicians, developing designs, estimating costs, and executing plans following regulatory standards.
Chief engineers work in different industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and architectural companies, scientific research and development services, and private or government organizations. You'll often collaborate with a team of engineers, technicians, and management to implemente solutions within a specified budget and time-frame. While you'll typically work in an office setting, you may spend your day on a construction site or at a production facility to ensure projects are completed efficiently.
To earn the role of chief engineer, you'll usually need a bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, or a related field. However, a master's degree or extensive experience leading or supervising a team may improve your job prospects. To be successful you must possess exceptional organizational, time management, and budgeting skills and the ability to troubleshoot several complex projects. With enough experience and advanced technical knowledge, you may gain further ownership opportunities within your department.
