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Architectural and Engineering Managers

Under the title Architectural and Engineering Managers, workers plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields. O*NET rates it as extensive preparation, which usually means graduate school and often five years or more of related experience. It leans on reading comprehension, writing, and speaking. One core duty is to manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects. Its interest code is EIC. Enterprising leads at 6.4 out of 7, so expect leading, persuading and making business decisions, with Investigative next at 4.6. People who want leading, persuading and making business decisions usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

Main tasks

  • Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
  • Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
  • Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
  • Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.
  • Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.
  • Confer with management, production, or marketing staff to discuss project specifications or procedures.

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Active Listening
  • Time Management

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like taking the lead and making the call.
  • You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
  • You are prepared for graduate-level study and a long training path.
  • You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and writing.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather not persuade, sell or manage other people.
  • You want to be working in the field within the next few years.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code EIC takes the three highest, and Enterprising comes first here.

Preparation

Extensive preparation. Many jobs here need graduate study, and people often spend five years or more building specialist experience.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Civil Engineering Manager
  • Electrical Engineering Manager
  • Engineering Director
  • Engineering Group Manager
  • Engineering Program Manager

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.