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What is a head engineer and how to become one
Head engineers lead engineering departments, coordinating the work on various projects. They work with a team of engineers approving their work or advising on changes. They manage budgets, negotiate contracts, and make sure work is carried out according to safety regulations.
As a head engineer, you will oversee a number of projects running simultaneously. You will delegate tasks, set project goals, manage timelines and oversee the progress of the work. Creating reports on your teams' performance will also be a part of your job.
It would help if you excelled in your profession to take on this role. An engineering degree is a must. Your communication skills will be invaluable as well, and leadership has to be your natural talent.
What general advice would you give to a Head Engineer?
Andrea Welker Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Engineering Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Villanova University
Avg. Salary $143,852
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 2%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.11%
Asian 11.27%
Black or African American 3.51%
Hispanic or Latino 9.80%
Unknown 4.63%
White 70.68%
Genderfemale 8.15%
male 91.85%
Age - 39American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 39Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Head Engineer career paths
Key steps to become a head engineer
Explore head engineer education requirements
Start to develop specific head engineer skills
Skills 
Percentages Cloud 11.52% Java 10.41% AWS 8.71% Software Development 7.20% Project Management 4.45% Complete relevant head engineer training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New head engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a head engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real head engineer resumes.Research head engineer duties and responsibilities
- Manage team, write backend for recommendation system in Java and Perl using RESTlet framework.
- Lead a team of over 8 Unix administrators in Tokyo responsible for engineering infrastructure solutions within the UBS/SBC Tokyo merger program.
- Support DOD agency needs in accomplishing engineer technical and non-technical goals associate with wireless LAN technology products.
- Supervise the operation and maintenance of the shipboard HVAC system.
Prepare your head engineer resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your head engineer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a head engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Head Engineer Resume templates
Build a professional Head Engineer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Head Engineer resume.
Apply for head engineer jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a head engineer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Head Engineer Job
Are you a Head Engineer?
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Average head engineer salary
The average Head Engineer salary in the United States is $143,852 per year or $69 per hour. Head engineer salaries range between $92,000 and $223,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do head engineers rate their job?
Head Engineer reviews
The Different employees i work with and what all i learn from them
very little
Troubleshooting and commissioning
Undone job, when we're unable to discover certain fault on time.
HR compliance and accounting auditing , quarterly budgeting rather than Annual as previously accepted. Wallstreet insistence on more frequent projections
Challenge, satisfaction of problem resolution and working with team
Updated January 8, 2025
