Role Definition

Complete role definitions for Engineering Manager positions at all levels, from entry-level to director positions.

Engineering Manager Levels

Engineering Manager (Entry Level)

First-time managers transitioning from individual contributor roles

  • 3-5 direct reports, single team focus
  • 20-40% technical involvement
  • Learning management fundamentals

Engineering Manager

Experienced managers with proven competency in core management skills

  • 5-8 direct reports, multi-team coordination
  • 10-20% technical involvement
  • Strategic contribution and cross-functional collaboration

Senior Engineering Manager

Department-level leaders managing other managers and driving organizational initiatives

  • 8-12 engineers or 2-3 managers
  • 5-15% strategic technical work
  • Organizational leadership and culture building

Principal/Director

Executive-level engineering leaders setting organizational strategy and vision

  • 12+ engineers or 3+ managers
  • 0-10% strategic architecture work
  • Business partnership and organizational transformation

Each role definition includes complete job descriptions, responsibilities, success metrics, common challenges, and development focus areas specific to that level.

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