Engineering and natural science managers are responsible for coordinating research and production activities for a company, which can involve a wide variety of tasks. They will usually make sure that engineers and scientists perform their jobs adequately, and they will make detailed plans in order to help accomplish the goals that are set forth by management.
Engineering managers will usually set budgets for projects and hire scientists and engineers, in order to carry out specific parts of each project. Science management will also review the work of employees and verify the accuracy of their methods.
They will usually supervise individuals who develop machinery and other systems, coordinating production and making sure the quality assurance is high. Most engineering managers are plant engineers, while others work with research and development teams.
Natural science managers are responsible for directing the activities of natural scientists such as biologists and chemists, mostly engaged in research projects for the United States government.
These professionals will usually work 40 hours a week in a laboratory or industrial plant environment, sometimes having to work overtime, in order to meet project deadlines. The educational requirements in order to become a natural science manager usually involve a bachelors degree, in order to understand the work of technical engineering.
In 2006, natural science managers had about 228,000 jobs in America, with the manufacturing sector employing about a third of these professionals. Another third of engineering managers worked in scientific fields, with the remaining individuals being employed by Federal and state agencies. Job prospects overall for those who specializing in science management are fairly good, with employment growth keeping pace with an increase in population.
Job prospects will be best for those managers who are involved in biomedical and environmental engineering, as opposed to materials and electronics. In 2006, the median 50th percentile of engineer managers made between $84,000 in $130,170, while those working as natural science managers made between $77,320 and $130,900.
Scientific managers will usually receive very generous benefits packages which can include stock options and expense accounts, in addition to profit sharing bonuses.