How do you become a head of engineering?

I fully agree that a solid technical education is necessary in order to become a Head Engineer, although higher academic studies are usually in contrast with the capabilities of a Manager Engineer. His continues training will be shaped according the industry and future necessities. My opinion is that field experience is preferable than long studies. A Head Engineer who has worked before in several positions of the organization, is usually more confident. Even if his job is managerial, he must be able, for time to time, to solve technical problems in order to earn the respect of his team. Or, to direct his team to the solution. He has to create conditions for his and his team continues development.

Besides the basics education, knowledge, communication, leadership skills, what can actually help a lot am separate you from the others is to be open to listen everyone, without judging, from the top management up to the shop floor workers, there is always something to learn from them, which most of the times make the difference. At the same time to be true successful in such position you need not only to know how to manage but the deep down engineering processes that are performed in the production. Doing so you will be able to take the best decision and keep everyone satisfied and productive.

For Engineering manager, the challenge is to develop the most feasible parts to manufacture without compromising their function and performance. making drawings on a design platform is virtual should be competent on the shop floor, so joining hands with manufacturing experts always helps to achieve success the first time right.

The key word in the job title Engineering Manager, is "Manager". I firmly believe the ability to build and lead a cross-functional team toward specific measurable goals is of greater importance than having the expert level technical ability. This role is not necessarily being the expert, it's leading a team of experts. It certainly helps if in times of high volume or critical deadlines you're able to get in the trenches with the engineers and assist, but the Manager is of greater value coaching and steering the group than being an individual contributor.

The most important skill to learn is the ability to simplify complex problems by breaking them down into smaller problems that can be solved by different team members. This analytical ability requires objective thinking and a thorough analysis of each situation.

Developing strong people skills is essential for a head of engineering. Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture, actively listen to team members, and address their concerns. Effective mentoring involves guiding team members in their professional growth, providing constructive feedback, and supporting their career development. Encourage innovation, empower your team, and communicate the long-term strategy to inspire commitment and motivation.

To be a Engineering Manager and to lead the projects first he should be having hands on experience which helps to drive the projects considering the shop floor situation and drives to eliminate waste during the planning as well it is very important to consider all stacks in project for cross function team collaboration and lead the team with motivation and effectively and manager skill is very important in this role to make all team members contribution.

What I have seen throughout my career is the most important thing is not what you achieve but how you treat others. Being kind, helpful, and friendly to others is the way to succeed. The kinder you are to others will make others want to help you move up the food chain. Recognize others for their accomplishments!

Leadership and communication are the key skills that distinguish a head of engineering from a senior engineer. A head of engineering is not only responsible for the technical aspects of the project but also for the human aspects of the team. A head of engineering must be able to inspire, motivate, support, and guide the team members, as well as communicate effectively with the stakeholders, such as the clients, the suppliers, the managers, and the executives. What I've learned so far is that leadership and communication are not only about giving instructions and feedback, but also about listening, understanding, empathizing, and collaborating.

Majorly communication skills, soft skills, leadership skills and carrying the organization goals vision and mission . Motivation Should not be leftout

By definition, no two projects are the same. External factors will affect the program implementation even with the same product to be manufactured. Dates, location, cultures, capabilities, weather, suppliers, raw materials, metrics or imperial, etc, the list of variables is endless. Innovation and problem-solving are vital factors to keep KPIs on track all the time.

To become a Head of Engineering, develop strong communication and problem-solving skills. Acquire relevant education, showcase technical proficiency, and gain leadership experience. Consistently deliver successful projects, prioritize innovation, and apply critical thinking. Stay updated with industry trends and continuously learn. Embrace adaptability, learn from failures, and use various engineering tools for optimization. Success lies in a dynamic blend of skills, education, experience, and a commitment to innovation.

To become head of engineering we need expertise in all the six listed areas. But, the Top 2 most critical areas are Leadership & Problem Solving considering the new world of Globalization and AI driven technology. For example, problems are 3 types Technical, Political and Cultural (TPC). Easiest to solve is Technical, next easiest to solve is Political and the most difficult to solve is Cultural. The head of engineering got to be experienced and expert of TPC. Thanks

To become a head of engineering, you typically start by gaining experience and expertise in engineering roles. Work your way up by taking on challenging projects, showcasing leadership skills, and continually learning. Build a solid reputation, network with professionals, and consider further education or certifications. As you demonstrate your capabilities, you may be promoted to managerial roles, eventually reaching the position of head of engineering.

Being a head of engineering demands a continuous creativity and strategic problem-solving. Embracing methodologies like Six Sigma, design thinking and Taguchi is key for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing. Always learn from successes and failures to drive continuous improvement.

The technology available on the market changes daily. New capabilities generate new opportunities to improve existing solutions, seeking improvements in productivity, implementation cost, and maintainability. Being current with new technologies helps our ability to advise our clients correctly. Partners and networking are fundamental to keeping our technical resources updated.

I totally agree. Developing something that has already been developed is a waste. But connecting the disjointed, or searching together in different innovations, is an advantage.

Example Continue learning and professional development: Stay up to date with the latest advancements in engineering practices, technologies, and management strategies. Pursue professional development opportunities, attend conferences, earn relevant certifications, and seek ongoing learning experiences to enhance your skillset.

Networking and learning are the essential habits of a head of engineering. A head of engineering must be able to build and maintain a strong network of contacts, both inside and outside the organization, who can provide support, advice, feedback, or opportunities. A head of engineering must also be able to keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in the field, and continuously update and improve their knowledge and skills. One thing I’ve found helpful is to attend conferences, workshops, webinars, and online courses related to my domain of interest. I also read blogs, articles, books, and journals to stay informed and inspired.

Erst kürzlich h?rte ich ein Zitat: "Kontakte schaden nur demjenigen der keine hat." Auch ich selbst kann auf ein breites Netzwerk an Führungskr?ften und Unternehmern zurückgreifen um stets Unterstützung bei wichtigen Fragen zu erlangen.

O ponto principal do direcionamento é, além do foco em treinamentos voltados para a área da engenharia que possui interesse de se tornar um gestor, conhecer sobre os principais pontos das áreas com as quais interage. Um gestor de engenharia industrial ou manufatura deve ter um conhecimento básico de compras, vendas, logística, fiscal, RH (principalmente). Pois assim, em seu dia a dia, irá se destacar no mercado e poderá conduzir seus projetos com seu time tendo uma eficácia muito maior em suas entregas.

Simple, first you engineer a lot, and in the process get to understand the people,( the customers, the team and all). You are all set! P.S. Real life may have a few glitches!

Career development and planning are the strategic actions of a head of engineering. A head of engineering must be able to set and pursue their professional goals, identify and seize their career opportunities, and demonstrate and showcase their achievements. A head of engineering must also be able to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, seek and accept feedback, and learn from their successes and failures. I’m still working on this myself, but here’s what I learned so far: career development and planning require a clear vision, a realistic plan, and a proactive attitude.

Striving for better results is great but also make sure that you help others around you so they do better. There is no better feedback than unsolicited positive feedback from co-workers.

To become a Head of Engineering in switchgear manufacturing, focus on strategic career development and planning. Set clear goals aligned with personal and organizational objectives, identifying and addressing skill gaps along the way. Stay updated on industry trends and technological advancements, ensuring your skills are relevant. Engage in mentorship to gain guidance and support, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the team. Collaborate with HR for succession planning, identifying high-potential individuals and providing leadership opportunities. This approach ensures a well-prepared and skilled path toward the role of Head of Engineering in switchgear manufacturing.

Self learning and continues improvement is key to success. When you head a team, there is no one to guide, it is self learning only

I like to quote a paper published in 1963 by some James Wilson, VP of Shell Oil Company on the selection of management personnel from engineering ranks. The author basically stated there are four qualities involved: integrity, ability, responsibility and inspirability. I believe it’s SPE#671 and it should apply to all engineering disciplines across the board.

O grande diferencial de um líder de engenharia é delimitar corretamente o tempo de matura??o e desenvolvimento dos produtos ou resolu??o dos desafios do dia a dia, equilibrando a técnica, prazo e custo, evitando retroagir nos processos evolutivos. Para isso, é fundamental estabelecer etapas com prazos e realizar o acompanhamento diário. O viés exclusivamente técnico nos favorece o desenvolvimento da carreira especialista, enquanto ter a técnica com base robusta, e viés de gest?o nos permite ter um diferencial competitivo em busca da lideran?a técnica.

Developing trust with the team is not a short-term effort. It takes time and is based on actions more than words. Learn about simple things that you can do to build it.

Be patient and persistent: Climbing the ladder to becoming a head of engineering may take time. Continue to build your skills, gain experience, and seek out opportunities for growth. Stay dedicated, persevere through challenges, and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in your work