Description
Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the engineering and technical operations of an organisation to ensure they meet goals and objectives. Engineering managers will work closely with other department heads and senior management to develop strategic plans that align with the company’s overall business objectives.

Average Income
Regarding income, an engineering manager’s salary in Australia can vary depending on several factors, including education, experience, and the number of hours worked.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the average salary for an engineering manager in Australia is around AUD 160,000 annually.
The income of an engineering manager can vary based on their level of education. For example, those with a bachelor’s degree may earn less than those with a master’s or PhD. Similarly, the income can also increase with years of experience and additional certifications.
Average Age
- – Males: 51.2
- – Females: 48.6
- – Persons: 51.1
1. 189 Visa
The 189 Visa is points-based for skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or family member. To be eligible for this visa, an Engineering Manager must have their occupation listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and score at least 65 points on the Points Test.
Processing Time
The processing time for this visa is typically around 9-12 months.
2. 190 Visa
The 190 Visa is a state-sponsored visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government in Australia. An Engineering Manager must have their occupation listed on the MLTSSL or the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and meet the specific state or territory nomination requirements.
Processing Time
The processing time for this visa is typically around 9-12 months.
3. 482 TSS Visa
The TSS 482 Visa is a temporary work visa that allows an Engineering Manager to work for up to four years in Australia. To be eligible for this visa, an employer must sponsor the Engineering Manager, and the occupation must be on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
Processing Time
The processing time for this visa can vary depending on the individual circumstances and the location of the visa application.
4. 186 Visa (DE)
The 186 Visa (DE) is an employer-sponsored visa that allows an Engineering Manager to work in Australia permanently. To be eligible for this visa, an employer must nominate the Engineering Manager and meet the specific requirements for the Direct Entry stream.
Processing Time
The processing time for this visa is typically around 10-15 months.
5. 489 Visa
The 489 visa, also known as the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa, is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia for up to four years. This visa is a pathway to permanent residency in Australia for skilled workers who wish to live and work in regional areas of Australia.
Processing Time
It can take 3 to 8 months for a 489 visa application to be processed, but this is just an estimate, and processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances.It is essential to ensure that it is complete and that you provide all the required documentation and information at the time of application.
6. 494 Visa
The 494 Visa, also known as the Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa, is a temporary visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia for up to 5 years.
Processing Time
The current processing times for the 494 visa can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. As of September 2021, the processing time for 75% of 494 visa applications is around nine months, while the processing time for 90% is around 15 months.
Unit Group 1332: Engineering Managers
Occupations in Unit Group 1332
– Engineering Manager 133211
Unit Group 1332 refers to Engineering Managers responsible for planning, organising, directing, and controlling an organisation’s engineering activities and resources.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Immigration and Border Protection
Indicative Skill Level
Skill Level: 1
A Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in engineering or a related field is typically required to become an Engineering Manager. However, relevant experience of at least five years can substitute for formal education. In some cases, additional on-the-job training and experience may be necessary in addition to formal education. This occupation is considered an ANZSCO Skill Level 1 in Australia and New Zealand, reflecting the high expertise and knowledge required to manage engineering activities effectively.
Skills Assessment Authority
For Australia
In Australia, the Skills Assessment Authority for Engineering Managers is Engineers Australia. Engineers Australia conducts a Competency Demonstration Report (CDR) assessment to determine whether an applicant’s engineering qualifications and work experience are equivalent to Australian standards.
For New Zealand
In New Zealand, Engineering New Zealand assesses the skills, qualifications, and experience of Engineering Managers who wish to migrate to New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category. They conduct assessments to ensure that applicants meet the necessary standards for registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer.
Tasks to Perform for Engineering Manager
Here are the primary duties of an Engineering manager:
- Establishing and implementing engineering policies and standards.
- Developing and implementing engineering projects and programs.
- Managing engineering teams and resources.
- Overseeing product or system design, development, and testing.
- Ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
- Identifying and resolving engineering problems.
- Conducting research and development to improve engineering processes and products.
- Collaborating with other departments to achieve organisational goals.
- Monitoring and controlling engineering project budgets and timelines.
- Developing and maintaining relationships with clients and stakeholders.
English Requirement
| English Language Proficiency Test | Minimum Required Score |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | Minimum Score of 6 (Learning, Reading, Writing), 7 in Speaking and 7 Overall |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | OET result with a Minimum Grade B in all sections |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Minimum Score (Learning: 12, Reading: 13, Writing: 21, Speaking: 23 and Overall 93) |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Minimum Score of 50 (Learning, Reading, Writing), 65 in Speaking and 65 Overall |
Please note that these scores are subject to change and may vary depending on the specific visa program and requirements. It’s always recommended to check the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information.
Exceptions
The exceptions for an engineering manager to migrate to Australia would depend on several factors such as age, qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and whether they meet the eligibility criteria for an Australian visa.
Engineering managers can apply for a Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or a Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), which are points-based visas requiring a certain level of English proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.
Some engineering managers may be eligible for employer-sponsored visas such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187). These visas require the support of an Australian employer and are also categorized under the ANZSCO Codes 133211.