Post job

Research and development program manager vs product engineering manager

The differences between research and development program managers and product engineering managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes More than 10 years to become both a research and development program manager and a product engineering manager. Additionally, a product engineering manager has an average salary of $125,592, which is higher than the $116,594 average annual salary of a research and development program manager.

The top three skills for a research and development program manager include R, project management and program management. The most important skills for a product engineering manager are project management, product management, and product engineering.

Research and development program manager vs product engineering manager overview

Research And Development Program ManagerProduct Engineering Manager
Yearly salary$116,594$125,592
Hourly rate$56.05$60.38
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs152,460148,619
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Average age4848
Years of experience--

What does a research and development program manager do?

Research and development program managers are responsible for research, planning, and implementing new programs and protocols into their company or organization and overseeing the development of new products. Their duties and responsibilities also include assessing the scope of the project and ensuring the project is going according to budget. They also develop and implement research and development procedures and techniques.

What does a product engineering manager do?

A product engineering manager is primarily in charge of overseeing the development of products and procedures, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. In a manufacturing setting, their responsibilities include setting objectives, managing the budgets and schedules, coordinating engineers and specialists, implementing solutions in vulnerable areas, and developing strategies to optimize procedures. They must also monitor the progress of processes, resolving any issues promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a product engineering manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the workforce to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

Research and development program manager vs product engineering manager salary

Research and development program managers and product engineering managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Research And Development Program ManagerProduct Engineering Manager
Average salary$116,594$125,592
Salary rangeBetween $86,000 And $157,000Between $90,000 And $174,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutCalifornia
Best paying companyZooxAirbnb
Best paying industryEnergyTechnology

Differences between research and development program manager and product engineering manager education

There are a few differences between a research and development program manager and a product engineering manager in terms of educational background:

Research And Development Program ManagerProduct Engineering Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Research and development program manager vs product engineering manager demographics

Here are the differences between research and development program managers' and product engineering managers' demographics:

Research And Development Program ManagerProduct Engineering Manager
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 74.6% Female, 25.4%Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.9% White, 66.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 2.9% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.3% Asian, 14.8% White, 69.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between research and development program manager and product engineering manager duties and responsibilities

Research and development program manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage integration of acquire medical devices through FDA remediation and manufacturing transfer overseas.
  • Manage electronics, software and mechanical engineers responsible for the development of the electromechanical system and disposable treatment catheters.
  • Prepare guidance documents for products meeting FDA, IEC, CSA, ISO regulatory requirements.
  • Establish clear project scope and prioritization for the company's development project portfolio.
  • Develop innovative business proposal and technology roadmap to consolidate international product lines and establish a product platform for future growth.
  • Eliminate costs associate with replicate graphics resources by developing and evangelizing a platform independent API for use by all departments.

Product engineering manager example responsibilities.

  • Design, build and manage the ParagusIT OpenStack base private cloud.
  • Lead global engineering team in pursuit of major European OEM's medium and heavy-duty axle business.
  • Manage and coordinate communication with SME teams during disasters.
  • Manage outsourced/contract vendors and suppliers including HVAC, elevators, electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Manage a group of engineers that design semi-custom commercial / industrial HVAC and refrigeration equipment.
  • Participate and lead multiple Kaizen events, including facility layout, productivity, system integration and setup reductions.
  • Show more

Research and development program manager vs product engineering manager skills

Common research and development program manager skills
  • R, 17%
  • Project Management, 13%
  • Program Management, 9%
  • Portfolio, 6%
  • Product Development, 6%
  • FDA, 4%
Common product engineering manager skills
  • Project Management, 7%
  • Product Management, 7%
  • Product Engineering, 7%
  • Product Line, 5%
  • Java, 5%
  • Continuous Improvement, 5%

Browse executive management jobs