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Research and development project manager vs engineering program manager

The differences between research and development project managers and engineering program 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 project manager and an engineering program manager. Additionally, an engineering program manager has an average salary of $122,604, which is higher than the $98,808 average annual salary of a research and development project manager.

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

Research and development project manager vs engineering program manager overview

Research And Development Project ManagerEngineering Program Manager
Yearly salary$98,808$122,604
Hourly rate$47.50$58.94
Growth rate2%2%
Number of jobs159,437148,543
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4848
Years of experience--

What does a research and development project manager do?

It is the responsibility of a research and development manager to research, plan, and implement new protocols and programs into their organization. Research and development managers supervise research and the development of new knowledge-based products. They create research programs that incorporate existing developments for product improvement. To become a research and development manager, one needs research experience, skills in research and development projects, and work experience in the industry.

What does an engineering program manager do?

As an engineering program manager in the world of technology, it is their main responsibility to lead the development of important modules of new technology such as display, camera, touch ID, etc. It is their job to ensure that modules are correctly built according to specifications and given timeline. They drive day-to-day engineering related activities at the vendor's factory to meet overall program ideas. They are knowledgeable of the hardware process development and other features like display or camera design.

Research and development project manager vs engineering program manager salary

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

Research And Development Project ManagerEngineering Program Manager
Average salary$98,808$122,604
Salary rangeBetween $67,000 And $144,000Between $95,000 And $157,000
Highest paying CityBerkeley, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyThe Walt Disney CompanyMeta
Best paying industryProfessionalTechnology

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

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

Research And Development Project ManagerEngineering Program Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorMechanical EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Most common collegeUniversity of Michigan - Ann ArborUniversity of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Research and development project manager vs engineering program manager demographics

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

Research And Development Project ManagerEngineering Program Manager
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 72.3% Female, 27.7%Male, 83.5% Female, 16.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.8% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 16.5% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 3.0% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 8.7% Asian, 14.0% White, 69.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

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

Research and development project manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage Linux/Apache server configuration for company version control and bug tracking, creating PHP/MySQL database on server for product specification library.
  • Prepare, organize, and review paperwork for lot release in accordance with FDA, USP, and ISO standards.
  • Comply with MFi, ISO 13485 and partner with FitLinxx (CSAFE), Netpulse (NetpulseOne) and LiveStrong.
  • Select the PLC, HMI and instrument requirements for projects.
  • Develop scope and estimate for PLC applications and DCS expansions.
  • Image creation of AutoCAD workstations-Roll out new versions-configure AutoCAD standards.
  • Show more

Engineering program manager example 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.
  • Work closely with PMO to understand product portfolio needs and manage internal and external resources to meet those goals.
  • Lead IPT meetings to provide status, address programmatic and customer concerns, assign priorities, assess risk and identifyopportunities.
  • Show more

Research and development project manager vs engineering program manager skills

Common research and development project manager skills
  • R, 15%
  • Project Management, 15%
  • Product Development, 7%
  • Medical Devices, 7%
  • Portfolio, 5%
  • D Project, 4%
Common engineering program manager skills
  • Project Management, 15%
  • Program Management, 14%
  • Software Development, 6%
  • Scrum, 4%
  • Risk Management, 3%
  • Continuous Improvement, 3%

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