The Importance of Hands-On Skills for Research Engineers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the significance of hands-on skills for individuals pursuing a career as Research Engineers. Participants explore the relationship between practical skills and theoretical knowledge, considering the implications for problem-solving and engineering design.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that hands-on skills are important for Research Engineers, while others suggest they are not essential, emphasizing the necessity of strong problem-solving and mathematical abilities.
  • One participant shares a personal experience indicating that engineers with practical experience tend to have a broader perspective on engineering challenges, potentially leading to better problem-solving.
  • Another participant illustrates a scenario where a theoretically sound design failed to account for practical machining considerations, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience in understanding real-world applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of hands-on skills, with some advocating for their importance and others questioning their essentiality in favor of theoretical knowledge.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on personal experiences and may not account for all engineering disciplines or contexts. The discussion does not resolve the varying perspectives on the role of hands-on skills versus theoretical knowledge.

redgoat
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Is hand-on skill very important for those whose career is Research Engineer?
 
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redgoat said:
Is hand-on skill very important for those whose career is Research Engineer?

hand-on skills? Do you mean practical skills (in the physical manner)? :confused:
 
Bladibla said:
hand-on skills? Do you mean practical skills (in the physical manner)? :confused:
Yes.What do you think?
 
To be quite simple, yes, it is important, but not essential. What IS essential is good problemsolving and math skills.
 
It has been my experience that the best engineers are those that have turned wrenches. It expands your mindset to possibly think about things others may not.

Put it you this way...hands on will never, ever hurt you.
 
I've come across a lot of engineers who were academically brilliant, but those without hands-on experience with whatever they're dealing with often don't appreciate a lot of the issues involved. For example, one guy had done all the calculations involved in the design of a gearbox such that the ratios were perfect, the bearings were all selected properly, there were no crazy stress concentrations, and all the axial forces balanced out, it was beautiful. His design then required a rectangular, blind slot be machined into one of the components on a mill...
 

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