Description

In general, product engineers are accountable for managing the technical staff in a research and development environment. The staff could include people who work in engineering, design, testing, or assembly.

The duties that are required for this position of management differ depending on the location and also between different industries. However, in general production engineers must examine proposed designs for products and evaluate the designs in order to determine the cost and logistical requirements of production and then approve any subsequent production. Additionally, since this is a managerial job, it has a variety of tasks related to personnel and administration including hiring and evaluating employees, determining the needs of the workforce and keeping accurate records of clerical work and making sure that new employees are properly trained.

The responsibilities that an engineer performs can be described as a set of tasks that are designed to ensure the efficiency and quality of production or manufacturing and to ensure the cost effectiveness of production.

The typical task for an engineer begins with a stage of testing the market to make sure that the designs are able to meet the needs of a sales market. The manager then supervises the engineering team as plans are refined and finalized. The prototyping phase follows the planning phase, where further inspections and testing takes place. After the manager of product engineering is satisfied with the final design manufacturing process can be started.

Product engineering managers are employed in diverse fields, including technology and computing, electronics and cars. Alongside a broad management background and a solid engineering background Effective product engineering managers have a deep understanding of their specific industry, which is essential for design and testing phases. Regarding education, the job generally requires a master's education in engineering. Managers typically begin their career in their area as junior engineers. Employers who hire for a position as a production engineer manager usually prefer those who demonstrate leadership qualities and communication skills, as well as ability to manage and business knowledge.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Product Engineering Manager in the United Kingdom with 9+ years of experience, your main responsibilities include:

  • Leading a team of engineers in the development and delivery of high-quality software products, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budget constraints.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as product managers and designers, to define product requirements, prioritize features, and establish technical feasibility.
  • Mentoring and coaching engineers, providing guidance on technical challenges, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and promoting career development.
  • Driving engineering excellence by implementing best practices, conducting code reviews, and optimizing development processes to increase efficiency and quality of deliverables.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Product Engineering Manager job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Solid technical expertise to understand and guide product development cycles from concept to launch, ensuring high-quality and innovative solutions.
  • Proven leadership skills to manage and mentor a cross-functional engineering team, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and accountability.
  • Strong project management abilities to prioritize and oversee multiple projects, aligning resources and timelines to meet product development objectives.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with stakeholders, facilitating effective cross-team collaborations and ensuring clear communication of technical requirements and strategies.

Essential Skills For Product Engineering Manager

1

Product Manufacturing

2

Product Development

3

Product Design

4

Product Concept

Career Prospects

The role of Product Engineering Manager is crucial for overseeing product development and ensuring its successful execution. With over 9+ years of experience in the UK, professionals in this field may also consider alternative roles. Here are following options worth exploring:

  • Technical Program Manager: A role that involves managing complex technical projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely delivery.
  • Innovation Manager: A position focused on driving innovation initiatives, conducting market research, and identifying new product opportunities.
  • Quality Assurance Manager: A role dedicated to ensuring product quality and compliance with industry standards, including designing and implementing quality control processes.
  • Project Manager: A position focused on planning, organizing, and managing projects, including resource allocation, scheduling, and risk mitigation.

How to Learn

The role of a Product Engineering Manager in the United Kingdom is expected to witness significant growth in the market. A comprehensive 10-year analysis suggests an increasing demand for professionals in this position. With rapid advancements in technology and the ever-evolving landscape of product development, employment opportunities are projected to expand substantially in the coming years. Google's latest data points support this trend, highlighting the need for skilled Product Engineering Managers to drive innovation and manage complex product development processes. Overall, the future of the Product Engineering Manager role appears promising, offering ample career prospects in the UK job market.