Although these managers are found in almost all industries, almost half are employed in manufacturing, especially in the electrical and electronic equipment, transportation equipment, and chemicals industries. They also work for engineering, architectural, and computer and data processing services companies and career and management consulting firms as well as for government, colleges and universities, and nonprofit research organizations. The majority are engineering managers, often managing industrial research, development, and design projects. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Experience as an engineer, mathematician, natural scientist, or computer professional is the usual requirement for becoming an engineering, science, and data processing manager. Consequently, educational requirements are similar to those for scientists, engineers, and data processing professionals.
Engineering managers start as engineers.
A bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program is acceptable for beginning engineering jobs, but many engineers increase their chances for promotion to manager by obtaining a master's degree in engineering or career administration. A degree in career administration or engineering management is especially useful for becoming a general manager. Natural science managers usually start as a chemist, physicist, biologist, or other natural scientist. A large proportion of natural scientists have a Ph.D. degree, especially those engaged in basic research, although some in applied research and other activities have lesser degrees. First level science managers are almost always specialists in the work they supervise.