The true purpose of an engineering manager is to be a Directly Responsible Individual for the output of the team. Someone who makes sure day-to-day operations g

The true purpose of an engineering manager is to be a Directly Responsible Individual for the output of the team. Someone who makes sure day-to-day operations go smoothly, sure, but is also looking ahead for future business needs and making sure resourcing, training, etc line up. Almost all tasks an EM does can be delegated many different ways (Engineers. Tech leads. Product managers. Project managers. HR. etc...), but the EM will either make sure that each role is being handled or will take care of it themselves. They patch together a functional result from a patchwork of people joining, training, leaving, and going out of office or burning out. EMs, like most managers, are typically paid more than most engineers. The reason why is very simple: They've sold their soul to the company, and that is, in fact, fairly valuable.