Job Descriptions

Chief Engineer Job Description

What is the job description of a Chief Engineer? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Chief Engineer? What does a Chief Engineer do?

Job description of a Chief Engineer

A Chief Engineer takes charge of an entire engineering department, leading a team as they complete various projects. Chief Engineers work alongside other engineers and technicians, approving designs, calculating costs, negotiating contracts, and executing plans safely and efficiently.

This Chief Engineer job description example includes the list of most important Chief Engineer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Chief Engineer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Chief Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Chief Engineer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Communicating the goals of the company to all engineers and professionals in the team.
  • Supervising every phase of the project from start to completion.
  • Calculating costs, material, labor, and time required for each project.
  • Approving designs and budgets.
  • Quickly resolving disputes between staff.
  • Acknowledging or rewarding good work.
  • Analyzing data and drafting reports for review.
  • Delegating tasks to engineering teams.
  • Supervising staff training as well as equipment installation.
  • Performing quality control checks on all systems and products.

Chief Engineer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Chief Engineer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in the relevant Engineering field (Master's degree preferable).
  • At least 4 years of experience leading or supervising a team.
  • The ability to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods of time.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • The ability to process negative feedback and remain professional.
  • The ability to work onsite and in the office.
  • A sound understanding of engineering principles.
  • The ability to maintain a positive attitude and restore morale to a team.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Chief Engineer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Chief Engineer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Chief Engineer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.