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What is an engineering program manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Yi Yang PhD,
Dr. Daryl Green
introduction image

The engineering program manager is responsible for driving the development of important programs of new technology such as display, camera, touch ID, etc. He/She ensures that the programs are correctly built according to specifications and within the set timeline. He/She gives strategic and tactical recommendations to ensure the successful delivery of solutions. Moreover, he/she creates and manages plans for functional and non-functional requirements, customer support, and operations parts of a service team. Generally, he/she drives the daily engineering-related activities.

For this role, you need at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related discipline with a minimum of eight years of relevant experience. Having PMP, PgMP, or PMI certification is a plus. You must be detail-oriented and possess communication and analytical skills. You must be familiar with agile or scrum. These professionals make a whopping sum of $121,301 per year, which is $58.32 per hour. This ranges from $93,000 to $157,000.

What general advice would you give to an engineering program manager?

Yi Yang PhDYi Yang PhD LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor, Pennsylvania State University - Abington

For new graduates beginning their careers in engineering, I would advise them to consider the broader impact of their work and look for opportunities to expand their management potential. While engineering is a highly technical field, it's important to recognize the value of leadership roles in preserving a culture of innovation. By taking on these positions, you can help ensure that companies prioritize long-term innovation over short-term gains (cutting R&D to boost the balance sheet), thus preserving the engineering culture that drives meaningful progress.
ScoreEngineering Program ManagerUS Average
Salary
8.2

Avg. Salary $122,604

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.4

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
1.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.16%

Asian 13.99%

Black or African American 3.05%

Hispanic or Latino 8.68%

Unknown 4.64%

White 69.48%

Gender

female 16.53%

male 83.47%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress level
7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.5

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Engineering program manager career paths

Key steps to become an engineering program manager

  1. Explore engineering program manager education requirements

    Most common engineering program manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.0 %

    Master's

    19.2 %

    Associate

    8.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific engineering program manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Project Management14.69%
    Program Management14.42%
    Software Development5.78%
    Scrum3.55%
    Risk Management3.47%
  3. Complete relevant engineering program manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New engineering program managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an engineering program manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real engineering program manager resumes.
  4. Research engineering program manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage & assist component qualification through PPAP approval process.
    • Manage prototyping, optics, and tooling for Harley-Davidson aftermarket turn signal and brake lenses.
    • Manage several projects simultaneously, with excellent track record for ensuring team on-time IP delivery.
    • Manage committees and task forces ensuring synchronization of CNC training and skills need to promote successful CNC careers.
  5. Prepare your engineering program manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your engineering program manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an engineering program manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable engineering program manager resume templates

    Build a professional engineering program manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your engineering program manager resume.
    Engineering Program Manager Resume
    Engineering Program Manager Resume
    Engineering Program Manager Resume
    Engineering Program Manager Resume
    Engineering Program Manager Resume
    Engineering Program Manager Resume
    Engineering Program Manager Resume
    Engineering Program Manager Resume
    Engineering Program Manager Resume
  6. Apply for engineering program manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an engineering program manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first engineering program manager job

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Average engineering program manager salary

The average engineering program manager salary in the United States is $122,604 per year or $59 per hour. Engineering program manager salaries range between $95,000 and $157,000 per year.

Average engineering program manager salary
$122,604 Yearly
$58.94 hourly

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How do engineering program managers rate their job?

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Engineering program manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

Project concept, execution - meeting business and Customer expectations.

Cons

Enjoy all aspects.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2020
Pros

Being able to solve technical problems and manage staff for work

Cons

Less pay and not being able to freely speak what's on my mind


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A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2019
Pros

Solving problems with the utmost educated confidence

Cons

Indecisive colleagues and related problems because if their lack of ability and skills


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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