5 Engineering Leadership Skills

Engineering, technology, and project management skills are essential for succeeding in engineering leadership roles such as engineering manager or vice president (VP) of engineering. Equally important is staying current with emerging tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). 

However, individuals working in engineering leadership roles must also go beyond the technical aspects of the job, leading and mentoring teams to ensure that projects align with business goals. These individuals may find truth in former Google executive and current Sequoia Capital partner Bill Coughran’s famous saying that “engineering is easy, people are hard.” 

Individuals interested in merging their engineering, technology, and project management knowledge with leadership and people management skills may find it advantageous to enroll in a graduate program focused on developing engineering leaders, such as a Master of Science (MS) in Engineering Management program.

Demand for Engineering Leaders

Engineering leadership roles are in high demand. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of engineering managers is projected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. 

Compensation for engineering leadership roles can also be highly competitive. The median annual wage for engineering managers was $167,740 in May 2024, according to the BLS, while Payscale reports that the median annual salary for VPs of engineering is about $186,000 as of May 2025. 

What Are the Top 5 Engineering Leadership Skills?

Engineering leaders need both hard skills, such as technical knowledge, and soft skills, such as critical thinking and team building capabilities. As engineering managers guide projects and people toward shared goals, the skills below consistently stand out as foundational to success. 

1. Engineering and Technology Acumen

Engineering leaders are typically well versed in the latest technology relevant to their industry. However, rapid technological advancements are reshaping what’s required for engineering leadership roles. 

For example, Gartner reports that 77% of engineering leaders are prioritizing AI feature development to enhance application capabilities. What this trend means for engineering managers is that they need to not only understand emerging technologies like AI but also help their teams adapt. 

Aligning technology with business goals also means working closely with employers and clients to define clear technical requirements.

2. Team Management

Teamwork and collaboration often determine whether engineering solutions are delivered on time and with a high level of quality. Engineering managers shape how teams function by delegating tasks and creating an environment where individuals can work together effectively. 

Team management responsibilities include facilitating communication across technical and nontechnical stakeholders and guiding teams through challenges. To achieve these aims, successful engineering leaders promote trust, continuous learning, and adaptability to help teams stay motivated and focused.

3. Project Management

Strong project leadership requires a clear understanding of business objectives and the ability to translate them into actionable project plans. Engineering leaders play a critical role in setting priorities, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring that teams remain focused and cohesive. 

Preparedness and flexibility are two traits common in engineering leaders because project conditions often shift. Therefore, engineering leaders are ready to reallocate resources, remove barriers to progress, and adjust timelines as needed to keep projects moving forward.

4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Engineering leaders interact regularly with technical and nontechnical audiences, including team members and clients. Therefore, the ability to clearly and thoughtfully communicate, distilling complex technical concepts into language that resonates with each audience, is a fundamental engineering leadership skill. 

Interpersonal skills, including competencies in conflict resolution, active listening, and negotiation, are also foundational for effective collaboration among all stakeholders and to ensure that project outcomes are met.

5. Data Analytics for Informed Decision-Making

As organizations rely more on data, engineering leaders need to be able to grasp data engineering and analytics concepts. This knowledge helps them make smart decisions and boost performance. 

By thinking strategically, these leaders can look beyond daily tasks and focus on the bigger picture. They consider market trends, business goals, and potential risks, allowing them to guide their teams effectively. 

Balancing short-term needs with long-term goals is key. This approach allows them to make choices, such as developing skills in house that foster ongoing innovation and adaptability.

Choose Your Engineering Leadership Path

Engineering knowledge, combined with leadership, interpersonal, and data analytics skills, is essential for guiding teams, making informed business and technology decisions, and keeping projects on track. Individuals who want to build their leadership skills should consider the online MS in Engineering Management program at Tseng College at California State University, Northridge. The college offers two specialized paths for the degree: general or data analytics. 

Both tracks teach valuable technical management skills and prepare students for roles that focus on digitization and data. The general option highlights data analytics in supply chain and quality management, includes fewer programming requirements, and features an embedded certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation. The data analytics option dives deeper into programming and analysis, helping prepare students to lead data-driven teams in fields such as manufacturing, preventive maintenance, quality engineering, and supply chain design.

Learn more about the MS in Engineering Management program today.