How to become an Engineering Manager

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the engineering and technical operations of an organisation. Oversees teams of engineers, related professionals and support personnel to deliver engineering projects in a range of industries and engineering disciplines.

Main tasks

• Determines, implements and monitors engineering strategies, policies, plans and technical operations, while ensuring compliance with laws, regulations and safety standards
• Manages and assigns tasks to engineering teams and oversees their schedules, activities and budgets
• Monitors and evaluates the performance of engineering teams and individuals
• Provides guidance on all technical issues related to engineering projects and requests advice from specialist engineers when required
• Oversees, plans, controls and evaluates engineering projects, and instructs engineering teams throughout the project's operation
• Collaborates with other departments, represents the organisation in engineering related matters, and liaises with stakeholders to achieve organisational goals

Ways in

• University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Leadership and Management (BSB40520); Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420); Graduate Diploma of Engineering (MEM80122); Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning (MEM60322); Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB60420); Advanced Diploma of Surface Coal Mining Management (RII60720); Certificate III in Engineering - Technical (MEM30522); Diploma of Engineering - Planning (MEM50722)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $182,988 a year
• About 34,800 people work in this job group now, and about 40,300 are projected by 2035. (+15.8%)
• AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Related jobs

• Construction Project Manager
• Project Builder
• Property Developer
• Surveying Manager

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Questions people ask

How do I become an Engineering Manager?

Ways in include: Engineering degrees; Certificate IV in Leadership and Management; Diploma of Leadership and Management.

How much does an Engineering Manager earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $182,988 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Engineering Manager a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 16% by 2035, from about 34,800 to about 40,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Engineering Manager?

Usually. 72% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of an Engineering Manager?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04