An engineering supervisor’s specific job functions vary depending on the engineering field in which he or she works. A mechanical engineer’s job responsibilities are often different from those of a biomedical engineer. Overseeing projects, managing a staff of other engineers, handling payroll and scheduling, interacting with customers and vendors, overseeing safety programs, conducting surveys and other field-related tasks, and inspecting equipment for proper function are all common job functions for an engineering supervisor. Other responsibilities vary depending on the engineer’s job field and the company for which he or she works.
An engineering supervisor is typically a senior member of a team with extensive experience in the field. He or she will have a bachelor’s degree, and many will have master’s or doctoral degrees. An engineer can become an engineering supervisor with a combination of training and experience, though many engineers do not have degrees beyond a bachelor’s degree and instead prefer to work their way up through a company’s advancement structure by gaining a lot of practical experience. Before a person can become an engineering supervisor, they usually need supervisory experience; for example, being a team leader is excellent experience for someone looking to advance their career.
The engineering supervisor’s primary responsibility is to manage a team of engineers. He or she will be the point of contact for any project-related questions or concerns, and the supervisor will be responsible for making any necessary changes. It is critical for the supervisor to have knowledge of the engineering field in which he or she works, as other engineers will look to him or her for advice. Depending on his or her training, the supervisor will be in charge of complex processes ranging from civil engineering to mechanical or even chemical engineering.
Engineers frequently work in potentially hazardous environments, so the engineering supervisor is usually in charge of developing and implementing safety plans to ensure that workers follow all applicable laws and regulations. Mine engineers, for example, work in extremely hazardous environments, so the supervisor needs to be familiar with air exchange systems, mine structure and reinforcement, and hazardous materials handling. Before any other employees are allowed to work in those areas, the supervisor must inspect them thoroughly. Safety equipment must be worn at all times, and the supervisor must enforce all safety rules. If there are any injuries or deaths, the supervisor may be held liable.