MANAGER / ENGINEERING SENIOR DESIGN PROGRAM

The Manager of Engineering Senior Design Program is responsible for overseeing the development and continuation of senior design projects at our institution. They will build and maintain relationships with local and regional industries to secure project opportunities for students, teach Senior Design courses, and supervise project teams. Additionally, the role involves coordinating public presentations and ensuring compliance with ABET accreditation standards.

To be considered for the Manager of Engineering Senior Design Program position, candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related field and have a minimum of five years of experience in engineering or project management. Engineering design experience and strong communication skills are also essential for this role.

Preferred qualifications for the Manager of Engineering Senior Design Program include having a Professional Engineer license, teaching experience in senior design courses at the college level, a master’s degree in a related field, and ten years of experience in engineering or project management. These qualifications can significantly enhance a candidate's application.

The Manager of Engineering Senior Design Program plays a critical role in supporting student success by advising multiple senior design project teams, providing mentorship, and fostering partnerships with industries. By coordinating with sponsors and facilitating real-world projects, this role ensures that students gain valuable experience and skills applicable in their future careers.

The Manager of Engineering Senior Design Program generally follows a Monday to Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, some weekends and evenings may be required for presentations and events related to the senior design projects.

When answering this question, be specific about the engineering projects you've managed, focusing on your role in coordinating teams, timelines, and resources. Highlight any significant challenges you faced and how you overcame them, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and leadership.

Discuss the strategies you've used to build lasting relationships, such as regular communication, presenting project outcomes to stakeholders, and actively seeking feedback. Emphasize your diplomatic skills and understanding of industry needs to showcase your capability in this area.

Explain the methods and tools you employ for measuring project progress, such as Gantt charts, regular check-in meetings, or project management software. Highlight your ability to adapt strategies based on assessments and communicate updates effectively with team members.

When addressing this question, share your philosophy on mentorship and the techniques you use to guide students. Talk about fostering an environment of collaboration, encouraging independent thinking, and providing constructive feedback on their designs.

Provide a specific example of a challenge you encountered, detailing the context, your thought process, the actions you took, and the outcomes. This will illustrate your critical thinking and resilience in high-pressure situations.

Discuss your understanding of ABET criteria and the steps you take to ensure compliance within engineering programs. Mention your collaboration with faculty, curriculum evaluation, and data collection methods to measure program success.

Share your teaching philosophy and any unique methods you use to engage students in learning design principles. Mention specific courses you've taught and the outcomes of your teaching methods on student performance.

Discuss your preferred communication methods for sharing timelines with stakeholders, including regular updates and utilizing project management tools. Emphasize the importance of clarity and transparency in preventing misunderstandings.

Explain your approach to identifying potential sponsors, crafting compelling proposals, and demonstrating the value proposition of partnering with the engineering program. Highlight any successful sponsorships you’ve facilitated.

When responding, explain your conflict-resolution strategies, such as mediating discussions, understanding different perspectives, and finding common ground. Stress the importance of maintaining a constructive team dynamic for successful project completion.