A director of engineering is a prestigious position at any engineering firm. The road to becoming a director of engineering is a long and difficult one, however, some young adults have risen to this position. While this career is typically for people who have established themselves at engineering firms over the course of 10 or 20 years, there are certain cases when young people can achieve this position. The most important trait a young person must have for becoming a director of engineering is drive. A director of engineering is responsible for giving directions to lower level engineers. A director of engineering must also approve plans from lower level engineers. To become a director of engineering, one should have leadership skills and an ability to manage people.