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Architectural and Engineering Managers

SOC 11-9041.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers architectural and engineering management practice from supervised project support through enterprise-level strategic leadership, anchored in project coordination, client engagement, contract management, feasibility analysis, and team development within large-scale professional and technical services environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Technical project documentation — review and organize under senior manager direction to support coordination of architectural or engineering activities.
  2. Project specifications — assist in drafting initial requirements by compiling client input and background research under direct supervision.
  3. Budget worksheets and bid templates — populate with provided data under guidance to support preparation of project cost estimates.
  4. Project feasibility inputs — gather technology, resource, and market data to assist senior staff in conducting preliminary feasibility analyses.
  5. Design change requests — log, track, and route for approval through established project management software workflows under oversight.
  6. Client-facing reports and proposals — contribute supporting sections and exhibits under the direction of a lead architectural or engineering manager.
  7. Cross-functional project meetings — attend and document discussions between management, production, and marketing staff regarding project specifications.
  8. Contract terms and cost estimate summaries — review for completeness and flag discrepancies for senior review in a structured office environment.
  9. ERP and project management software — enter project data and generate standard status reports under the supervision of experienced project managers.
  10. Reading comprehension of technical standards and codes — apply to verify that project documents conform to applicable regulatory requirements with oversight.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Technical activity integration — coordinate across engineering and architecture disciplines on mid-scale projects with reduced supervisor involvement.
  2. Project design changes — evaluate proposed modifications against scope, schedule, and budget constraints, recommending approval or revision to senior leadership.
  3. Client consultations — conduct structured meetings to clarify project requirements and translate client needs into actionable specification documents.
  4. Project budgets and contract bids — prepare comprehensive cost estimates and bid packages by applying established methodologies and historical benchmarks.
  5. Proposals and findings — present project reports to clients and internal stakeholders, adapting technical content for varied audience comprehension levels.
  6. Feasibility assessments — analyze technology options, resource availability, and market demand to produce written feasibility reports for management review.
  7. Interdepartmental coordination — facilitate recurring meetings with production, marketing, and management teams to align project procedures and specifications.
  8. Contract and cost estimate review — assess vendor and subcontractor submissions for technical accuracy and cost reasonableness, forwarding recommendations for approval.
  9. Personnel scheduling and task allocation — coordinate team workloads across concurrent projects using project management and ERP software platforms.
  10. Non-routine technical problems — apply deductive and inductive reasoning to diagnose engineering or design issues and develop corrective action plans independently.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Overall project integration — autonomously manage the full coordination of technical activities across architecture and engineering functions on complex, multi-phase projects.
  2. Design change authority — direct and approve project design changes, balancing client intent, regulatory compliance, and engineering feasibility across the project lifecycle.
  3. Client negotiation — lead specification negotiations with clients, resolving conflicting requirements and reaching binding technical agreements without escalation.
  4. Comprehensive budget and contract development — prepare and finalize budgets, bids, and contracts for large-scale projects, ensuring alignment with organizational risk tolerance.
  5. Executive-level presentations — present and defend complex proposals, findings, and technical reports to senior client executives and regulatory bodies with persuasive clarity.
  6. Strategic feasibility evaluation — conduct independent multi-variable analyses of technology readiness, resource constraints, and market demand to inform go/no-go project decisions.
  7. Cross-functional alignment — resolve specification disputes and procedural conflicts among management, production, and marketing stakeholders, driving consensus on project direction.
  8. Contract approval authority — review, recommend, and approve high-value contracts and cost estimates, applying professional judgment to protect organizational and client interests.
  9. Team capability development — mentor developing engineers and architects, designing learning strategies and on-the-job coaching plans tailored to individual growth needs.
  10. Technology integration — evaluate and implement advanced tools including expert systems, ERP modules, and development environments to optimize project delivery processes.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational project strategy — set the strategic direction for enterprise-wide architectural and engineering project portfolios, aligning technical priorities with long-term business objectives.
  2. Design governance — establish and enforce organization-level design change review frameworks, ensuring quality, innovation, and regulatory compliance across all project lines.
  3. Client relationship leadership — cultivate and steward strategic client partnerships at the executive level, negotiating master service agreements and long-term program specifications.
  4. Enterprise financial stewardship — oversee the preparation and approval of multi-million-dollar budgets, bids, and contracts, managing organizational exposure and profitability targets.
  5. Board and executive communication — present transformative technical strategies, risk assessments, and program outcomes to boards of directors, investors, and government authorities.
  6. Market-driven feasibility leadership — lead enterprise feasibility strategy by integrating emerging technology trends, workforce capacity, and market intelligence into capital investment decisions.
  7. Cross-organizational integration — architect collaboration frameworks that align engineering, production, marketing, and executive leadership on complex, multi-stakeholder program requirements.
  8. Contract and procurement policy — define organizational standards for contract review and cost-estimate approval, establishing governance policies that govern project managers enterprise-wide.
  9. Talent and succession development — lead workforce planning and leadership development for the full architectural and engineering management function, building organizational bench strength.
  10. Innovation culture leadership — champion the adoption of advanced technologies, knowledge management systems, and learning strategies that position the organization at the forefront of the profession.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted document review — uses an LLM to surface key clauses and requirements in project specifications and contract drafts, while personally verifying all technical and legal details before sign-off Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Basic report drafting support — submits raw project notes to an AI writing assistant to generate first-draft proposals and findings summaries, then edits for accuracy and client tone Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Technical integration synthesis — delegates the aggregation of cross-disciplinary engineering data to an AI assistant, then reviews the consolidated output against project requirements before presenting to stakeholders Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Budget and bid preparation — uses AI tools to model cost scenarios and populate bid templates from historical project data, retaining personal judgment over final figures and risk assumptions Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Client consultation preparation — prompts an LLM to generate negotiation briefings and specification checklists drawn from project scope documents, then stress-tests the output against client constraints personally WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Design-change impact analysis — directs an AI assistant to flag downstream consequences of proposed design changes across project documentation, then approves or rejects revisions based on that structured review Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Project coordination oversight — orchestrates AI-generated status summaries and schedule conflict reports across multiple engineering workstreams, integrating them into a unified management decision framework Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Presentation content generation — tasks an AI tool with drafting slide narratives and executive summaries from technical reports, then personally refines messaging for client audience alignment and strategic emphasis Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  4. Regulatory compliance scanning — routes project specifications through an AI reading-comprehension pipeline to identify code or standard conflicts, then applies professional judgment to resolve flagged issues Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Autonomous AI workflow governance — defines organisational protocols for which project tasks the AI assistant handles end-to-end versus which require manager sign-off, calibrated against the occupation's 95% collaboration rate and 3.17 autonomy index Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Cross-project knowledge orchestration — deploys AI agents to mine lessons-learned archives and surface pattern-based risk signals across a portfolio of architecture and engineering projects, then synthesises findings into strategic guidance for project leads Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Human-AI decision boundary design — architects the handoff rules between AI-generated technical analysis and human expert judgment within the Q2 augmented-skills context, ensuring that complex problem solving and client negotiation remain exclusively manager-directed Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  4. Time-savings quantification and reinvestment — measures AI-driven productivity gains against the 78.5% time-saved benchmark, then redistributes recovered capacity toward high-complexity client engagement and novel design challenges that resist automation Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 1169
Augment share: 95%
Time saved: 78.5%
AI autonomy: 3.17
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Reading Comprehension
Score: 45.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication14 statements
Emerging
  1. Project specification drafts — translates client requirements into preliminary written technical briefs for internal team review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder updates — delivers basic progress reports to project teams using standard engineering terminology Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Technical listening — records and paraphrases client concerns during initial project intake meetings to confirm understanding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Proposal documentation — writes structured project proposals and feasibility reports with clear technical rationale for client review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-functional briefings — conveys design or engineering constraints to marketing and production staff in accessible, non-technical language Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Client negotiation communication — articulates scope, timeline, and cost trade-offs during contract preparation discussions with clients O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Executive presentations — presents and defends project proposals, risk analyses, and findings to senior leadership and external clients with precision and authority Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Contract communication — authors and reviews contract language, cost estimates, and bid documents ensuring technical accuracy and legal clarity O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Multi-audience technical writing — produces design change directives, engineering reports, and regulatory submissions tailored to distinct technical and non-technical audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Conflict communication — mediates specification disputes between engineering, architecture, and client teams through structured dialogue and documented resolution Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational voice — establishes communication standards and templates for all project documentation, proposals, and client-facing materials across the division Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. High-stakes negotiation — leads complex, multi-party contract negotiations integrating technical, financial, and strategic considerations with measurable outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Mentored communication development — coaches junior engineers and architects on technical writing, client presentation, and active listening skills within live project contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Thought leadership communication — authors white papers, conference presentations, or industry submissions that advance organizational reputation in architecture and engineering Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership14 statements
Emerging
  1. Team task coordination — assigns and tracks individual engineering or architecture tasks within defined project phases under senior manager direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Initiative ownership — takes responsibility for a discrete project deliverable, such as a budget draft or design review, without prompting Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Team motivation — acknowledges team contributions and communicates project milestones to maintain engagement during routine project cycles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Project team direction — leads a cross-disciplinary team of engineers and architects through project phases, setting priorities and resolving task conflicts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Staff development — identifies skill gaps in engineering staff and assigns stretch assignments or training to build technical and professional capacity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Decision ownership — makes and documents project-level decisions on design changes and resource allocation within delegated authority Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Program leadership — manages overall coordination and integration of technical activities across multiple concurrent architecture or engineering projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Performance management — conducts structured performance reviews for engineering and architecture staff, linking individual goals to project and organizational outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Change leadership — directs teams through scope changes or design pivots, maintaining morale and productivity while communicating revised expectations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Vendor and contractor leadership — holds external engineering consultants and contractors accountable to project specifications, timelines, and quality standards O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Divisional leadership — defines strategic direction, staffing models, and capability-building plans for the entire architecture or engineering management division Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Leadership pipeline — identifies and formally develops high-potential engineers and architects into future project managers and technical leads Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis leadership — guides multi-disciplinary teams through major project failures, regulatory setbacks, or client crises with clarity and measurable recovery outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Culture building — establishes and sustains a leadership culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across the engineering organization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition11 statements
Emerging
  1. Decision reflection — identifies personal gaps in engineering domain knowledge before making project recommendations and seeks targeted input Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning awareness — recognizes when an unfamiliar technology or regulatory requirement requires dedicated study before project application Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Cognitive bias monitoring — examines own assumptions during project feasibility assessments to reduce anchoring on preferred technical solutions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Planning self-evaluation — reviews own project estimation accuracy after project close to calibrate future budgeting and scheduling judgments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Knowledge gap mapping — systematically identifies engineering or management knowledge deficiencies and plans professional development to address them Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Decision-making audit — evaluates the quality of own complex engineering and project decisions retrospectively, identifying systematic errors and adjusting future approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Strategic self-regulation — monitors own cognitive load across simultaneous projects and redistributes attention or delegates to maintain decision quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Learning transfer — consciously applies lessons from completed projects to the planning assumptions and risk models of new projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational metacognition — instills structured after-action review and lessons-learned processes across the engineering division to build collective cognitive improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentored self-reflection — coaches engineering managers and project leads to examine their own reasoning processes and decision quality within live project environments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Adaptive learning strategy — redesigns own and team's approach to knowledge acquisition in response to rapid changes in engineering technology or regulatory landscape Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking12 statements
Emerging
  1. Feasibility data review — evaluates basic technical data and resource availability to form an initial opinion on project viability under supervisor guidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assumption identification — surfaces unstated assumptions embedded in project briefs or client specifications during early project scoping Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Multi-criteria analysis — weighs technology options, cost implications, and market demand simultaneously to assess project feasibility and recommend approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Design review critique — systematically evaluates proposed design changes for technical soundness, code compliance, and cost impact before approval Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Bid analysis — scrutinizes contractor bids and cost estimates for inconsistencies, missing scope elements, and pricing anomalies O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Integrated risk judgment — applies structured analytical frameworks to evaluate technical, financial, and schedule risks across complex multi-discipline engineering projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Evidence-based decision making — bases project approval, design change, and contract decisions on verified data, engineering standards, and documented analysis rather than precedent alone Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Competing-hypothesis evaluation — considers multiple technical solutions for complex engineering problems before selecting the approach with the strongest evidence basis Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Regulatory and compliance analysis — critically evaluates project designs and specifications against applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systemic problem decomposition — breaks down organization-wide engineering or project delivery failures into root causes and designs structural remedies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Critical thinking culture — embeds peer review protocols, red-team exercises, and evidence standards into division-wide project approval processes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-domain synthesis — integrates insights from engineering, finance, law, and market analysis to form strategic judgments on major capital project investments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration11 statements
Emerging
  1. Interdisciplinary coordination — participates in cross-functional project meetings with architects, engineers, and client representatives, contributing technical input and recording action items Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Team integration — supports knowledge sharing between structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering sub-teams within a shared project framework Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Client-team collaboration — jointly develops project specifications with clients and internal design teams, reconciling differing technical and business priorities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Conflict navigation — facilitates resolution of technical disagreements between architecture and engineering disciplines without escalating to project delays Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. External partner coordination — works collaboratively with contractors, regulatory agencies, and specialty consultants to advance shared project milestones O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Project integration management — coordinates and integrates technical activities across all disciplines in a complex architecture or engineering project, ensuring alignment and accountability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-departmental collaboration — partners with production, marketing, and executive management to align project specifications with organizational strategy and operational capacity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Collaborative contract development — negotiates and co-authors contracts and project charters with clients and partners, incorporating input from legal, finance, and technical teams O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ecosystem collaboration — builds and sustains collaborative networks with industry partners, academic institutions, and regulatory bodies that advance the organization's technical capabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Collaboration system design — designs division-wide project collaboration structures, tools, and norms that improve integration quality across all architecture and engineering projects Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Mentored collaboration — coaches project managers and engineers to navigate complex multi-party collaboration challenges within high-stakes project environments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character11 statements
Emerging
  1. Professional accountability — accepts responsibility for errors in engineering estimates or design reviews and initiates corrective action promptly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical awareness — recognizes situations where client requests conflict with engineering codes of ethics or public safety standards and escalates appropriately Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Integrity in reporting — presents accurate project status, cost forecasts, and risk assessments to leadership and clients even when findings are unfavorable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Confidentiality stewardship — protects proprietary client design information, bid data, and contract terms in compliance with professional and organizational standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Equitable treatment — applies consistent standards in evaluating engineering staff performance, project assignments, and contract awards across all individuals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical decision authority — refuses or modifies project scope, design, or contract terms that violate engineering ethics, safety codes, or regulatory requirements, documenting the rationale Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Public safety commitment — prioritizes structural, environmental, and occupational safety in all design approvals and project decisions, even under client or schedule pressure O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional accountability at scale — accepts organizational accountability for project outcomes, including cost overruns, design failures, or compliance gaps, and drives systemic correction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethics leadership — establishes and enforces a division-wide code of professional conduct for engineering and architecture staff aligned with licensing board and organizational standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Integrity modeling — demonstrates transparent, principled decision-making in high-visibility, high-pressure project situations that sets the behavioral standard for the organization Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Whistleblower support — creates safe reporting channels and organizational norms that enable engineering staff to raise safety, ethics, or compliance concerns without retaliation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity11 statements
Emerging
  1. Alternative solution generation — proposes at least two technically distinct approaches to a design or engineering challenge during project planning for team consideration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Process improvement ideation — suggests incremental improvements to project workflow or documentation practices based on observed inefficiencies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Innovative feasibility framing — reframes client requirements to reveal novel technical solutions that reduce cost or schedule without sacrificing performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Technology exploration — investigates and evaluates emerging engineering tools, materials, or methodologies for potential application to current project challenges Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Creative problem structuring — designs custom analytical frameworks or project structures for projects that do not fit standard templates Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Design innovation leadership — directs teams to develop and evaluate creative engineering or architectural solutions that differentiate proposals from competitors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-domain ideation — applies engineering principles from adjacent industries or disciplines to generate novel solutions to complex project problems Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Experimental project piloting — champions and structures pilot projects to test unproven technical approaches within controlled scope before full deployment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Innovation strategy — develops and institutionalizes an R&D or design innovation pipeline that advances the organization's technical differentiation in the market Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Creative culture building — fosters an organizational environment where engineering and architecture teams routinely experiment, challenge conventions, and propose breakthrough solutions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Award-recognized innovation — leads or sponsors projects that achieve industry recognition for technical or design innovation, elevating organizational reputation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset11 statements
Emerging
  1. Technical learning engagement — pursues self-directed study in unfamiliar engineering domains or regulatory areas required by new project assignments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback receptivity — solicits and acts on critical feedback from senior managers and clients regarding project management and technical decision quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Setback reframing — responds to project delays, budget overruns, or design failures by analyzing contributing factors and revising processes rather than attributing blame Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Continuing education commitment — pursues professional development in engineering management, emerging technologies, and leadership to expand managerial competence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Stretch assignment acceptance — volunteers for technically demanding or organizationally complex projects that require development of new capabilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Learning culture promotion — normalizes post-project debriefs, peer feedback, and skill-building activities as standard practice within engineering project teams Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Persistent challenge navigation — maintains productive effort and constructive problem-solving orientation through multi-year, high-complexity projects with recurring obstacles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Adaptive strategy revision — updates project management methodologies and technical approaches in response to lessons learned, new standards, or stakeholder feedback Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational learning architecture — designs formal lessons-learned, knowledge management, and professional development systems that institutionalize growth across the engineering division Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Growth mindset modeling — publicly demonstrates learning from high-profile project failures, accelerating a culture where engineering staff view setbacks as developmental opportunities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. External knowledge integration — systematically imports insights from industry conferences, research publications, and peer organizations to drive continuous improvement in technical and managerial practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness11 statements
Emerging
  1. Meeting presence — maintains focused attention during technical design reviews and client meetings, avoiding distraction and capturing critical information accurately Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress signal recognition — identifies personal stress responses during high-pressure project milestones and applies basic regulation strategies to sustain decision quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Intentional prioritization — deliberately assesses competing project demands and allocates attention to highest-impact activities rather than reactive urgency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation in conflict — manages own emotional response during client disputes or team disagreements to maintain a constructive, solution-focused posture Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Deliberate decision pacing — pauses before committing to major project decisions—design approvals, contract terms, budget releases—to ensure full situational awareness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Sustained focus management — maintains cognitive clarity and analytical rigor across simultaneous complex engineering projects by structuring attention and recovery practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Team climate awareness — monitors team stress, disengagement, or interpersonal tension signals within engineering project teams and intervenes proactively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Intentional client engagement — approaches client negotiations and difficult conversations with deliberate attentiveness, reading non-verbal cues and adjusting communication in real time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindful leadership modeling — demonstrates consistent, intentional presence and emotional regulation in high-stakes organizational decisions, establishing behavioral norms for the division Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational wellbeing integration — advocates for and implements workload management, reflection practices, and psychological safety structures that sustain engineering team performance over project lifecycles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Crisis composure — maintains clear, calm, and deliberate leadership under conditions of major project failure, client escalation, or organizational uncertainty, enabling effective team response Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude11 statements
Emerging
  1. Deadline persistence — sustains productive work effort through extended project crunch periods without abandoning quality standards in engineering deliverables Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Ambiguity tolerance — continues project planning activities under conditions of incomplete client specifications or undefined regulatory requirements, iterating toward clarity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Setback recovery — rebounds from significant project setbacks—contractor failures, scope disputes, budget cuts—by rapidly restructuring plans and reengaging teams Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Sustained advocacy — persists in defending technically sound but organizationally unpopular engineering recommendations when evidence supports the position Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Uncertainty navigation — leads engineering teams through prolonged periods of project uncertainty, regulatory ambiguity, or market volatility without loss of team direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-project resilience — maintains strategic oversight, decision quality, and team morale across a portfolio of high-complexity projects under sustained resource and schedule pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous decision authority — makes and stands behind difficult project decisions—canceling infeasible projects, rejecting non-compliant designs—despite stakeholder resistance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Long-horizon perseverance — drives multi-year capital engineering programs to completion through repeated scope changes, funding interruptions, and technical obstacles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational resilience architecture — builds division-wide risk response protocols, contingency planning systems, and team support structures that sustain delivery capability through major disruptions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Fortitude modeling — demonstrates publicly visible perseverance through organizational crises—failed major contracts, regulatory sanctions, leadership transitions—inspiring confidence and continuity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Courageous organizational advocacy — challenges executive leadership or client organizations on fundamental engineering integrity, safety, or ethical issues with documented evidence and personal accountability Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Architect Manager · Architectural Project Manager · Civil Engineering Manager · Civil Project Manager (Civil PM) · Data Engineering Director · Data Engineering Manager · Electrical Engineering Director · Electrical Engineering Manager · Electrical Project Manager (Electrical PM) · Electronics Engineering Manager · Engineering Design Manager · Engineering Director
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingWritingSpeakingActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingMathematicsCritical ThinkingActive LearningTime ManagementCoordinationMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessLearning StrategiesManagement of Personnel ResourcesInstructingService OrientationPersuasionNegotiationSystems AnalysisQuality Control AnalysisSystems Evaluation
Knowledge domains
DesignEngineering and TechnologyMathematicsAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMechanicalComputers and ElectronicsProduction and ProcessingPhysicsAdministrativePublic Safety and SecurityBuilding and Construction
Abilities
Written ComprehensionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech ClarityProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningMathematical ReasoningWritten ExpressionFluency of Ideas
Work styles
Leadership OrientationDependabilityInnovationAttention to DetailIntellectual CuriosityIntegrity
Technology
Document management softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareData base management system softwareData base user interface and query softwareExpert system softwareObject or component oriented development softwareDevelopment environment softwareOperating system softwareProject management softwareContent workflow software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Manage the coordination and overall integration of technical activities in architecture or engineering projects.
  2. Direct, review, or approve project design changes.
  3. Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.
  4. Prepare budgets, bids, or contracts.
  5. Present and explain proposals, reports, or findings to clients.
  6. Confer with management, production, or marketing staff to discuss project specifications or procedures.
  7. Assess project feasibility by analyzing technology, resource needs, or market demand.
  8. Review, recommend, or approve contracts or cost estimates.
CIP education codes
04.020104.020204.030104.040104.040204.050104.060104.090214.010114.020114.020214.029914.030114.040114.050114.060114.070114.070214.079914.080114.080214.080314.080414.080514.089914.090114.090214.090314.099914.100114.100314.100414.109914.110114.120114.130114.140114.180114.190114.200114.210114.220114.230114.240114.250114.270114.280114.320114.330114.340114.350114.360114.380114.390114.400114.410114.420114.430114.440114.450114.470114.480114.480214.489914.999915.150115.150215.150340.100152.0216

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.