What is technical project management?
Technical project management involves planning, organizing, and overseeing technical projects to ensure successful completion. It combines project management principles with technical expertise to manage resources, timelines, and risks.
What is a technical project manager?
A technical project manager (TPM) is a professional who oversees the technical aspects of a project. hey use methodologies like Agile or Waterfall to guide projects from initiation to closure, adapting to changes and mitigating risks along the way. TPMs are important in the tech & engineering sector because they possess the communication skills of a PM along with the technical proficiency required to guide a team through technical projects. In times of need, TPMs also mentor the engineering teams to ensure teams adopt best practices to resolve any potential issues.
Technical project manager vs project manager
TPMs and PMs are two essential roles in project management. Here are some key differences between the positions:
Technical Project Manager (TPM) | Project Manager (PM) |
Possess technical and technological expertise | Have a basic knowledge of the technical aspects, while relying on technical experts in the field |
Focus on addressing the project’s technical aspects | Focus is on the project’s fundamental aspects |
Serve as a communication bridge between the technical teams and the stakeholders | Communicate with various stakeholders |
Collaborate with technical personnel, such as engineers, developers, etc. | Collaborate with different departments, such as marketing, operations, etc. |
Technical project manager skills
An efficient technical project manager possesses a specified set of skills that help them in steering technical projects:
Data analysis
Decision-making
Strong leadership skills
Aptitude for problem-solving
Technical expertise in a specific field
Data analysis
As a technical project manager, you’re tasked with managing large amounts of data. The ability to analyze and extract meaningful insights is a necessary skill for any TMP. This helps in making informed decisions about the projects, streamlining processes, and ensuring project efficiency.
Decision-making
Technical projects have high stakes. One wrong decision can lead to costly delays and subpar deliverables. For this reason, a TPM should have a strong capacity for decision-making.
Strong leadership skills
Technical project manager's have multiple tech teams under their supervision. With such diverse teams, a TMP’s leadership serves as a binding force. They coordinate with teams, address team concerns, and maintain a collaborative work environment.
Aptitude for problem-solving
Technical projects often present unexpected challenges, such as performance bottlenecks, software glitches, and broken code. In the face of such issues, problem-solving is a crucial skill for any technical project manager.
Technical expertise in a specific field
Directing a technical team necessitates possessing strong technical knowledge. A technical project manager needs to be able to address technical issues, and that is only possible when the TPM knows the intricate details of the project.
How to become a technical project manager?
There is no defined path to becoming a technical project manager. Most TPMs generally have a career in one field and then make a career shift after gaining technical expertise and polishing their leadership skills. We’ve crafted a list of specific steps that you can follow to pave the way for a career as a technical project manager:
Earn a bachelor’s degree in a tech/engineering field
Take courses to equip you with the necessary skills
Pursue project management courses to demonstrate your specialized skills
Take on technical projects to showcase your skills
Secure a place in an organization, gain experience in the field, and work your way up the ladder
What is the technical project manager's salary?
The salary of a technical project manager can vary widely based on factors such as location, industry, level of experience, and the specific company's compensation structure. As of recent data, the average annual salary for a technical project manager in the United States ranges from $85,000 to $130,000. Senior technical project managers or those working in high-demand industries like technology or finance can earn upwards of $150,000 or more. Bonuses, benefits, and other forms of compensation can also significantly impact total earnings.
Final Word
Technical project managers play a crucial role in the completion of technical projects. Their blend of technical skills and leadership skills helps them to navigate through technical hurdles in projects. Without TPMs, tech teams would find it hard to juggle tasks and manage timelines, and they would also struggle with resource allocation. It’s the TPMs that link the technical details of the project with the broader goals of the organization.
Free Resources
