Answering Engineering Leadership Interview Questions in 2024

Did you know that in 2024, the demand for engineering managers surged by 25% across tech companies?

In fact, a report by LinkedIn states that engineering manager roles are among the fastest-growing leadership positions, with companies demanding those who can align technical teams and business goals.

But landing one of these coveted roles isn’t as simple as having great programming skills.

Think about it: you’re not just coding anymore. You’re managing people, projects, and expectations.

It’s not just about building great software or products; it’s about leading teams with empathy, creativity, and strategy. And those are exactly the skills interviewers want to see.

Observing the lack of engineering manager interviews resources, we have compiled this blog at Design Gurus to help you prepare for the engineering manager position.

In this guide, we will walk you through the latest engineering manager interview questions and techniques used by top companies to assess future engineering leaders.

Let's quickly discuss the topic!

Role of an Engineering Manager: Key Responsibilities

An engineering manager’s job is simply to balance between technical expertise and leadership skills.

You’re no longer just the person behind the screen—you’re the one ensuring that the team is delivering high-quality work, staying on track, and continuously improving.

Here are the key responsibilities that engineering managers need to master:

1. Team Leadership

As an engineering manager, you’re responsible for guiding your team.

It’s about more than just delegating tasks—you’ll be developing your team members, incorporating team-building activities, and supporting their professional growth.

This requires sharp leadership to inspire and encourage team members to improve the team's performance.

2. Technical Oversight

Even though you may not be coding every day, your technical expertise is still important.

You will be expected to make high-level technical decisions, review architecture designs, and ensure that the team is using the right tools and technologies.

Your role is to make sure that the team’s work is aligned with the overall business goals and that the quality remains top-notch.

3. Project Management

Juggling multiple projects and meeting deadlines is part of the engineering manager's job.

You will need to set clear expectations and realistic timelines, track progress for continuous improvement, and ensure effective resource allocation for cost optimization.

Additionally, when engineering managers streamline processes, setting the data pipeline becomes easier.

This means keeping an eye on the big picture while managing the day-to-day tasks and removing any obstacles that might slow your engineering team down.

4. Communication Skills

Engineering managers are the bridge between the technical/engineering team and the rest of the company.

Your communication needs to be sharp for your career growth.

You will often explain complex technical details to non-technical stakeholders, and at the same time, translate business goals into technical plans for your team.

Clear, concise communication is key to keeping everyone on the same page.

Learn about the 6 top soft skills required to clear tech interviews.

Common Engineering Manager Interview Questions

If you are prepping for an engineering manager interview, you’re probably wondering what kind of questions to expect.

Spoiler alert: it's not just about your technical skillset.

Interviewers want to know how you lead, communicate, and solve problems, too.

Here’s a breakdown of the common engineering manager interview questions you will face.

1. Technical Leadership Interview Questions

As a technical manager leading a team, you still need a solid foundation in technology.

Mostly, the engineering manager interview questions focus on how you make technical decisions and guide your team.

Moreover, top tech companies want to know if you can make solid technical decisions, guide the team through tricky problems with your problem-solving abilities, and maintain the overall quality of engineering work.

But many technical managers face the challenge of balancing technical work with people management.

Here are five common technical leadership questions that tech leads may get asked:

• How do you ensure code quality in your team?
  This question tests how you balance delivering features quickly without sacrificing quality.

• Can you describe a time when you had to make a tough technical decision?
  They want to see how you handle difficult choices when the stakes are high.

• How do you approach technical debt?
  This helps them understand if you have a long-term vision for your team’s work while keeping immediate goals and successful outcomes in mind.

• How do you stay updated on new technologies and decide when to adopt them?
  Companies want to know if you are proactive about staying current and how you assess whether a new tool or tech is worth introducing to the team.

• What’s one of the most complex systems you have managed, and what challenges did you face?
  This question digs into your technical experience with large-scale systems and how you navigated the complexities.

2. Team Management and Leadership Style Interview Questions

Being an engineering manager is all about leading people.

Interviewers want to see how you manage different personalities, handle conflicts, and encourage your team members.

Here, understanding your team dynamics is important to managing people and maintaining harmony.

Therefore, this category of engineering manager interview questions mainly tests your management skills.

Here are five common questions about management and leadership style:

• How do you motivate a team, especially during tough projects?
  They want to understand how you keep morale high, even when things get challenging.

• Describe your management style. How do you adapt it for different team members?
  This question probes how flexible you are and how well you tailor your approach based on individual needs.

• How do you handle conflicts within your team?
  Interviewers are looking to see how you address disagreements and maintain a healthy team dynamic.

• What is your approach to mentoring junior engineers?
  They want to know if you prioritize team development and how you nurture the next generation of leaders.

• Can you give an example of how you gave constructive feedback to someone who was struggling?
  This reveals your ability to handle sensitive situations while maintaining a positive environment and providing constructive feedback.

3. Project and Program Management Questions

Among the engineering manager interview questions, you’ll often hear, ‘How do you prioritize tasks in complex projects?'.

Managing projects effectively is a big part of the engineering manager’s job.

And the hiring managers will want to see how you balance timelines, resources, and team dynamics while meeting deadlines.

Here are five top questions you might be asked:

• How do you prioritize tasks when you have multiple projects running simultaneously?
  This question checks your ability to juggle projects and set priorities that align with business goals.

• Can you give an example of a project that didn’t go as planned? How did you manage the situation?
  They want to see how you handle challenges and setbacks, especially under pressure.

• How do you ensure your team meets project deadlines and milestones?
  This helps them understand your project management style and whether you keep things running smoothly.

• What process do you follow for resource allocation and estimating time for a project?
  They’re probing how accurate and reliable your planning is.

• How do you handle scope changes or last-minute requests from stakeholders?
  Interviewers want to know if you can remain flexible if the client doesn't provide clear expectations.

Your problem-solving abilities and strong decision-making skills can help you with unexpected challenges.

4. Communication and Stakeholder Management Questions

As an engineering manager, you will be the go-between for your engineering team and the rest of the company.

One of the engineering manager interview questions often revolves around how you handle stakeholder expectations.

Communication skills are key, and interviewers want to know how well you work with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Here are five common communication-focused questions:

• How do you explain complex technical issues to non-technical stakeholders?
  This checks if you can simplify technical jargon into something everyone can understand.

• Describe a time when you had to manage conflicting expectations from different stakeholders. How did you handle it?
  They’re looking for how well you navigate competing demands and keep everyone happy.

• How do you keep your team informed about business goals and priorities?
  This question digs into how well you connect your team’s work with the broader business strategy.

• Can you give an example of a time you had to deliver bad news to senior management? How did you communicate it?
  They want to see how you handle tough conversations and manage expectations.

• How do you gather feedback from your team, and how do you act on it?
  Interviewers are looking for your approach to listening to your team and making improvements based on their input.

5. Behavioral and Situational Questions

These questions are designed to dig into how you behave in real-life situations. They focus on your past experiences and how you have handled challenges, setbacks, or successes.

Expect questions on how your people management style adapts to different team dynamics.

Here are five common behavioral questions:

• Tell me about a time you failed as a leader. What did you learn from the experience?
  They want to see if you take ownership of your mistakes and learn from them.

• Describe a situation where you had to make a decision with incomplete information. How did you handle it?
  This question tests how comfortable you are making decisions under uncertainty.

• Can you give an example of a time when you had to manage stress, both for yourself and your team?
  They are looking at how well you manage your own stress while keeping your team motivated.

• Tell me about a time when you had to convince your team to change direction.
  This tests your ability to lead through change and get buy-in from your team.

• How do you ensure diversity of thought in your team when solving problems?
  Interviewers want to know if you create an inclusive environment where different perspectives are valued.

Read our complete guide on mastering the art of answering behavioral questions in tech interviews.

How to Answer Interview Questions for Engineering Manager Role

Preparing for an engineering manager interview can feel overwhelming, but there are some simple strategies that can help you tackle even the toughest questions.

To help you out, here are some key techniques that will guide you in crafting solid, thoughtful answers.

1. Use the STAR Method

The STAR method is a tried-and-true way to structure your answers, especially for behavioral questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Here's how you can use it:

• Situation: Start by briefly describing the context or challenge you faced.

• Task: Explain what your responsibility was in that situation.

• Action: Talk about the steps you took to address the issue or complete the task.

• Result: End with the outcome of your actions, ideally highlighting a positive impact or lesson learned.

For example, if they ask, “Tell me about a time when you had to resolve conflict within your team,” don’t just say, “I talked to both parties and fixed it.”

Instead, paint a clear picture of the situation, what the issue was, how you addressed it, and what happened afterward.

2. Highlight Both Technical and Leadership Skills

As an engineering manager, you're expected to balance technical skillset and leadership.

So, when you're asked a question, don’t just focus on the technical details. Bring in your leadership skills, too.

For instance, if you’re talking about a time when you solved a complex problem as a software engineer, also mention how you guided your team through it or how you helped someone on your team learn from the experience.

This shows interviewers that you’re not just a strong software engineer—you’re also a capable leader with great decision-making capabilities.

3. Be Honest About What You Don’t Know

Nobody expects you to have all the answers.

So, if you are asked something you are not entirely sure about, it's better to admit it than to fumble through a guess.

But don't just stop there—talk about how you would approach finding the answer or solving the problem.

For example, if they ask about a technology you're not familiar with, you could say something like, “I haven’t had direct experience with that yet, but I would start by researching best practices and consulting with experts who have worked with it. I have been in similar situations before and found that a collaborative approach works best.”

This shows you are resourceful and willing to learn as a tech lead, which is exactly what they want to see.

4. Tailor Your Answers to the Company’s Needs

One of the best ways to impress an interviewer is to show that you have done your homework.

Try to research the company before the interview—its products, culture, and challenges.

Then, when you answer questions, tailor your responses to what you know about the company.

Also, try to align your responses with the company's mission to show your understanding of their goals.

For example, if you know the company is big on innovation, highlight how you’ve driven innovation in your previous roles.

Or if they value cross-functional collaboration, talk about how you’ve worked across different teams to get things done.

This not only shows that you’re genuinely interested in the company but also that you understand what they are looking for.

5. Be Specific and Avoid Generalities

When you answer a question, try to provide specific examples from your experience.

Saying things like, “I am great at managing teams” or “I have handled tough projects before” doesn’t give interviewers much to work with.

Instead, say something like, “In my previous role, I led a team of 10 engineers working on a high-stakes project with a tight deadline. To make sure we stayed on track, I implemented weekly check-ins and identified blockers early, which helped us deliver the project two weeks ahead of schedule.”

In this way, specific examples not only back up your claims but also make your answers more memorable.

6. Show Your Thought Process

Interviewers aren’t just interested in your final decision—they want to see how you think.

So, when answering questions, walk them through your thought process.

For instance, if you’re asked, “How would you handle a project that’s falling behind schedule?” don’t jump straight to the solution. Talk about how you would assess the situation, what factors you would consider, and the steps you would take to get things back on track.

This demonstrates that you have a logical, thoughtful approach to problem-solving, which is key for any engineering manager's role.

7. Stay Calm and Collected

Interviews can be stressful, but how you handle that pressure says a lot about how you will handle stress on the job.

If you get a tough question, take a moment to think before answering. It's perfectly okay to pause for a few seconds to gather your thoughts—it shows you’re careful and considerate in your responses.

Also, if you make a mistake or feel like you fumbled an answer, don’t panic. Take a breath, correct yourself if needed, and move on.

The way you handle the situation can sometimes impress interviewers more than the answer itself.

Check out our Grokking Engineering Leadership interviews course for more details.

How to Prepare for an Engineering Manager Interview in 2024

Preparing for an engineering manager interview isn’t just about brushing up on your technical skillset anymore.

It's 2024 and companies are looking for leaders who can balance technology, leadership, and communication while navigating an ever-evolving workplace.

So, how do you get ready for this?

Here are some practical tips to help you ace your interview and stand out as the ideal engineering manager candidate.

1. Know the Company Inside and Out

Before you step into the engineering interviews, take time to thoroughly research the company. Understand their products, culture, tech stack, and even their leadership. Also, look for recent projects or initiatives they have launched.

It’s not just about what you know—it’s about showing why you want to be part of their team.

This knowledge will not only help you tailor your answers to their needs but also show your genuine interest in the company.

For example, if you are interviewing with a company that’s heavily invested in cloud infrastructure, be ready to discuss your experience with cloud technologies and how you have led teams through similar projects.

2. Brush Up on Both Leadership and Technical Skills

Engineering managers need to juggle both technical expertise and team leadership.

Today, companies are still looking for someone who can do both, but the bar has been raised.

You don’t have to know everything, but you should be comfortable discussing key technologies, architectural decisions, and problem-solving approaches relevant to your field.

Equally important, be ready to demonstrate how you have managed teams—whether it’s leading them through a technical challenge, mentoring junior engineers, or resolving conflicts.

Companies want to see how you will balance keeping the codebase clean and delivering projects on time while making sure your team thrives.

3. Prepare for Behavioral and Situational Questions

Expect interviewers to dig into how you handle real-world challenges.

Behavioral and situational questions have become a staple in engineering manager interviews, and they are designed to reveal how you think, lead, and react under pressure.

You will likely get questions like:

• “Tell me about a time you had to manage a project that was falling behind schedule.”

• “Describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict between team members.”

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help you structure your answers in a clear and impactful way.

Practice giving real examples from your experience that highlight how you have led teams and solved problems with your decision-making capabilities.

4. Get Comfortable with Remote or Hybrid Interview Formats

With the rise of remote teams and hybrid work, interviews in 2024 may still happen virtually.

Therefore, make sure you're comfortable with video interviews, which come with their own set of challenges.

Also, test your setup—check your internet connection, camera, and microphone to avoid any technical problems.

When interviewing remotely, it's even more important to keep your answers clear and concise, as virtual meetings can sometimes make communication feel a bit less natural.

Don't forget to make eye contact with the camera (not the screen), and stay engaged throughout.

5. Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Industry Trends

As technology continues to evolve, companies are looking for engineering managers who stay current with the latest trends, invest in continuous learning, and adapt easily to challenging future projects.

Some of the current hot topics you will need to be familiar with include:

• Cloud-native architectures

• DevOps and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD)

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)

• Data security and privacy concerns

Even if you're not deeply involved with these areas, having a basic understanding and being able to speak intelligently about them can set you apart. It shows that you’re proactive about staying informed and ready to lead teams into the future.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice

Finally, don’t walk into your interview cold.

The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel. Run through common questions with a friend or colleague, or consider doing mock interviews with people who have experience in engineering management roles.

This will help you refine your answers and get feedback on how you come across.

We offer specialized 1-to-1 mock interview sessions at DesignGurus.io.

Learn how tech mock interviews work.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Engineering Manager Interviews

When you are interviewing for an engineering manager's position, it’s easy to fall into certain traps that can hurt your chances, even if you’re well-qualified.

To help you stand out and make a strong impression, here are some common mistakes to avoid during the interview process.

1. Over-Focusing on Technical Details

Yes, you’re an engineering manager, so your technical skills are important.

But focusing too much on the technical side of things and forgetting to highlight your leadership and soft skills can be a big mistake.

Interviewers want to know how well you lead a team, mentor others, and solve interpersonal issues—not just how well you understand system architectures or write code.

Tip: Make sure to balance your answers by discussing both your technical skills and your ability to lead and manage people.

When answering technical questions, try to include a bit of leadership context. For example, “Here’s how I solved this technical problem and how I guided my team members through it.”

2. Not Showing Enough Emotional Intelligence

Leadership is about more than managing projects; it’s also about managing people.

Many candidates forget to demonstrate their emotional intelligence—the ability to understand and manage their emotions and those of others. This is key in resolving conflicts, keeping team morale high, and ensuring a healthy work environment.

Tip: In your answers, highlight situations where you used empathy, active listening, or conflict resolution to help your team.

Show interviewers that you care about the human side of leadership, not just the technical side.

3. Failing to Provide Examples

Generic answers like “I’m a strong leader” or “I can manage teams well” won’t cut it.

Without concrete examples, these statements can feel hollow.

Interviewers are looking for real-world situations where you have demonstrated the skills you are talking about.

Try to recall your technical background in software development and come up with examples.

Tip: Always back up your claims with examples from your experience.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

This not only makes your answers more credible but also helps the interviewer visualize your leadership in action.

4. Ignoring the Importance of Communication Skills

Communication is one of the most important soft skills for an engineering manager.

Whether it’s explaining complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders with your engineering knowledge or keeping your team members informed and aligned, how well you communicate can make or break your effectiveness as a manager.

Some candidates, however, underestimate the importance of this during interviews.

Tip: Be prepared to discuss how you have effectively communicated in past roles. You can talk about how you have led team meetings, provided feedback, or managed difficult conversations with both your team and stakeholders. Make sure you emphasize the importance of clear, open communication in your answers.

5. Lack of Preparation for Leadership and Behavioral Questions

Many candidates walk into an engineering manager interview prepared to talk about technology but overlook the leadership and behavioral questions that interviewers almost always ask.

Questions like, “How do you handle team conflicts?” or “Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision” are designed to see how you operate as a leader, and being unprepared for these can cost you the role.

Tip: Spend just as much time preparing for leadership and behavioral questions as you do for technical ones.

Think through specific examples where you demonstrated leadership, resolved conflicts, or made tough decisions.

Practice answering these questions using frameworks like the STAR method to keep your responses structured and clear.

Check out our Grokking the Modern Behavioral Interview course to prepare for these questions.

6. Being Overly Negative About Past Experiences

It's easy to fall into the trap of speaking negatively about past roles, teams, or managers when discussing challenges or failures.

While you may feel that certain past experiences weren’t ideal, focusing too much on the negatives can paint you in a bad light.

Tip: If you are asked about a difficult situation or a failure, frame it as a learning experience.

Show how you grew from the challenge or what steps you took to improve. Keep the focus on how you handle adversity, not the adversity itself.

7. Not Asking Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, you will usually have the chance to ask your own questions.

This is your opportunity to show your interest in the role and the company.

Some candidates miss this chance by asking generic questions or none at all, which can make them seem disinterested.

Tip: Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the team, company culture, or the specific challenges the engineering team is facing.

This shows that you have done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.

Avoiding common mistakes in engineering manager interviews can make a strong impression on hiring managers.

Conclusion - Embracing the Engineering Team

Stepping into an engineering manager position is a major career move, and getting through the interview process is your first big challenge.

But with the right preparation, you can show interviewers that you’re ready to lead teams, solve problems, and make a real impact.

Therefore, focus on your experiences, highlight your leadership capabilities, and communicate clearly and confidently.

Remember, every interview is a chance to learn and improve. So, try to stay calm, be yourself, and approach each question with thoughtfulness and you’ll be in a great position to land the job and achieve your career goals.