A career as an architectural and engineering manager is a dynamic path for individuals who are interested in overseeing the day-to-day functions of engineering and architectural teams. If you think this type of career might suit you, it will be useful to learn more about the responsibilities, job outlook and salary projections of this position, as well as what credentials and skills you will need to succeed in this role.
What Is an Architectural and Engineering Manager?
Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct and oversee workplace operations related to architectural and engineering development. Architectural and engineering managers will typically work for construction and engineering firms that offer various architectural and engineering services to clients. They often will alternate between working from an office and working on the job site.
Responsibilities and Duties of an Architectural and Engineering Manager
In their daily schedules, these professionals have a variety of duties related to project management and team management. These duties may include:
- Manage the coordination of architecture and engineering projects;
- Oversee staff and training;
- Propose budgets;
- Conduct and review quality tests;
- Research materials and equipment;
- Direct, review and approve project design changes;
- Keep projects on schedule;
- Consult with management, production and marketing personnel on specific projects and procedures;
- Present findings to clients.
While they manage the projects that the architects and engineers are executing, they are also responsible for hiring and supervising these staff members, serving as a mentor and leaders.
Employment Outlook
Before pursuing a specific career, you may want to make sure your desired role is in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of architectural and engineering managers is expected to rise by 2% from 2021 to 2031. This growth rate is slower than average for all occupations during this 10-year span.
However, employment rates for these professionals vary based on their industries. For instance, the BLS reports that 53,560 architectural and engineering managers were employed in the architectural, engineering and related services as of May 2022. Meanwhile, 8,910 architectural and engineering managers were employed in aerospace product and parts manufacturing.
Salary
Just as helpful as it is to consider employment prospects when searching for career options that align with your goals, you can benefit from exploring your earning potential. In May 2022, the median annual salary for architectural and engineering managers was $159,920, with the top 10% earning approximately $221,550, as reported by the BLS. This is higher than the median annual wages of all management occupations, at $107,360.
Just as employment projection varies by industry, salary estimates follow suit. In May 2022, the BLS reported the following mean annual wages for architectural and engineering managers across multiple industries:
- Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services: $158,810;
- Scientific Research and Development Services: $190,070;
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: $180,090;
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing: $176,060;
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing: $174,520.
Your salary may also vary depending on the employer, your experience, and the location of your employer. However, certain educational credentials can also help allow you to negotiate a higher salary.
Education Requirements
If this career path seems like a good fit, consider the steps you will need to take to be qualified for architectural and engineering managers’ jobs.
To work as an architectural and engineering project manager, you will need to secure a bachelor’s degree in management, engineering, or a relevant field. Though it is not required to pursue an advanced degree in this area, many professionals earn their master’s degrees before stepping into these roles or while working as an architectural project manager. Holding a master’s degree can allow you to better compete for these jobs, and provide more ground to stand on when negotiating your salary.
Training and Experience
Aspiring architectural and engineering managers typically have a minimum of two years of experience before acquiring their position. However, for some, it may take several more years of experience. Often applicable experience will entail working as an architect or manager. Ideally, an aspiring architectural and engineering manager should look for internships and other internship opportunities during their time at university to get an early head start on developing valuable experience.
Licensing and Certification
Architects require a license to work, and engineers often do as well. Architects have to complete the Architectural Experience Program (AXP), which includes 3,740 required hours of experience in six disciplines followed by completion of the Architect Registration Exam. Certification requirements, on the other hand, vary depending on where you live, so do your research before applying to different positions.
To acquire an engineering license, you first will need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. After this, you will be considered an engineer in training, and will need to gain four years of experience working under a licensed engineer. Finally, you will have to pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. As each state has a different licensing board, your licensing requirements will also vary state by state, so you need to look into your location’s board during or after your education.
Important Skills for an Architectural and Engineering Manager
All career paths require several soft skills that are evident in top performers, and the role of an architectural and engineering manager is no exception. Some important qualities of effective individuals in these roles include:
- Communication skills: Managers are tasked with overseeing their staff, as well as providing goals and tools for success. They should have strong interpersonal, written, and verbal skills to lead their teams to success.
- Analytical skills: These professionals are responsible for solving complex issues and handling challenges strategically and systematically.
- Detail-oriented: The smallest error can cause a major disruption in operations. Architectural and engineering managers should be able to understand complex systems and stay attuned to all details and potential issues.
Architectural and engineering managers will also need to develop a variety of hard skills, such as:
- Budgeting;
- Computer skills;
- Construction knowledge;
- Data modeling;
- Design skills;
- Documentation;
- Drafting skills;
- Legal knowledge;
- Numerical skills;
- Process development;
- Project management;
- Recruiting and training skills.
Like other aspects of this profession, the required skills will also vary depending on the position and the structure of the company. For one, certain projects may require additional skills while others may require fewer. When in doubt, do your research on the company and the job itself, and highlight any applicable skills that the company values.
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Architectural and Engineering Managers”
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, “Gain AXP Experience”
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, “Pass the ARE”
Indeed.com, “Architecture Licenses by State”
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, “FE EXAM”
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, “PE EXAM”
National Society of Professional Engineers, “Licensing Boards”