The Importance of Technical Competencies in the Engineering Manager Role and How Companies Evaluate Them in Interviews

The need for technical expertise in engineering manager (EM) roles has been debated for a long time in the industry and literature. While foundational theories assert the importance of technical skills for managerial success (Kotnour and Farr, 2005; Katz, 2024; Babcock and Morse, 2002), recent studies (Kalliamvakou et al. 2019; Garvin et al., 2013) have ranked technical competency as less important compared to other managerial skills. Moreover, trends indicate a shift toward a reduced focus on technical competencies among technology leaders, with 87% of CEOs prioritizing business operations and innovation over deep technical expertise for technical leaders (Deloitte Insights, 2024). This article highlights the substantial benefits of technical expertise in EM roles, particularly given the industry's pivot towards leaner organizational models (Bulgarella, 2024; Jackson, 2024) that advocate for fewer management layers and greater efficiency. It explores how EMs at different career levels can leverage technical expertise to make informed decisions and lead effectively in these environments. In addition, it sheds light on how tech companies evaluate technical competencies during EM interviews.