An engineering supervisor oversees projects, manages a team of engineers, handles scheduling and payroll, interacts with customers and suppliers, and ensures safety. They need a degree and experience in their field, and must design and implement safety strategies for potentially hazardous conditions.
The specific job duties of an engineering supervisor may vary based on the engineering field in which that person works. A mechanical engineer, for example, will generally have different job responsibilities than a biomedical engineer. Some common roles of any engineering supervisor might include overseeing projects, managing a team of other engineers, handling payroll and scheduling, interacting with customers and suppliers, overseeing safety programs, conducting of surveys and other field-related tasks and the inspection of equipment for proper functioning. Other responsibilities may vary based on the specific field of work, as well as the company the engineer works for.
It is common for an engineering supervisor to be a senior member of a team with a lot of experience in the field. He or she will have a college degree, and many may hold a master’s or even a doctorate. A combination of training and experience will qualify an engineer to become an engineering supervisor, although many do not hold degrees above a bachelor’s degree and choose to simply go through a company’s advancement structure, gaining a lot of hands-on experience. Generally, supervisory experience is required before a person can become an engineering supervisor; being a team leader, for example, is a great experience for a person who wants to advance in their career.
Managing a team of engineers is a primary responsibility of the engineering supervisor. He or she will be the contact person for questions or concerns about a project, and the supervisor will need to make appropriate changes as needed. A knowledge of the engineering field in which the supervisor works is vital as other engineers refer to him for guidance. The supervisor will oversee complex processes, from civil engineering to mechanical or even chemical engineering, depending on your training.
Engineers often work in potentially hazardous conditions; therefore, the engineering supervisor will generally be responsible for designing and implementing safety strategies to ensure workers are within health laws and regulations. Mining engineers, for example, work in exceptionally dangerous conditions; therefore, the supervisor must have knowledge of air exchange systems, mine structure and reinforcement, and handling of hazardous materials. The supervisor must thoroughly inspect all work areas before other employees can work in them. Safety equipment must be worn at all times and rules regarding safety must be enforced by the supervisor. If injury or death occurs, the supervisor may be held responsible.
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