What is Engineer: Definition and 836 Discussions

Engineers, as practitioners of engineering, are professionals who invent, design, analyze, build and test machines, complex systems, structures, gadgets and materials to fulfill functional objectives and requirements while considering the limitations imposed by practicality, regulation, safety and cost. The word engineer (Latin ingeniator) is derived from the Latin words ingeniare ("to create, generate, contrive, devise") and ingenium ("cleverness"). The foundational qualifications of an engineer typically include a four-year bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, or in some jurisdictions, a master's degree in an engineering discipline plus four to six years of peer-reviewed professional practice (culminating in a project report or thesis) and passage of engineering board examinations.
The work of engineers forms the link between scientific discoveries and their subsequent applications to human and business needs and quality of life.

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  1. S

    EE vs. Applied Physics (different than become an engineer thread I think)

    EE vs. Applied Physics (different than "become an engineer thread" I think) Hello all, I read through the first few pages of the "So U want to Engineer" thread, but the gist was not quite was I was hoping. Ok, I am about to be a senior in an Applied Physics program in North Carolina. I...
  2. L

    Engineering Career and school advice for a recently graduated mechanical engineer

    This straddles the line between academic and career guidance, so I picked what I think it's more of. First, some background: I just received my BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland. I have good grades and (I think, at least) good summer job/research experience. Yet...
  3. T

    Changing from mech engineer to astronomy

    I am currently a mechanical engineer student in greece.I really don't find mech eng. that interesting so i am willing( when i finish my 5 year study) to change field and study graduate astronomy.WIll i be able to do that?Also i really don't want to study again in undergraduate level.I am...
  4. pairofstrings

    Embedded System Engineer vs. Programmer: What Sets Them Apart?

    Please tell me the differences between embedded system software engineer and embedded system programmer.
  5. pairofstrings

    Differences Between Embedded System Engineer, Programmer & Software Engineer

    Please tell me the differences between Embedded system engineer, Embedded system programmer and Embedded system software engineer.
  6. T

    How Can I Plan to Become a Universal Engineer?

    I would like to have job tasks that are as interdisciplinary as possible. I'm trying to avoid boring routine work; regularly growing my skills and knowledge. Could aerospace and chemical engineering accomplish this goal? Also, is it common to work as an interdisciplinary engineer after you pass...
  7. K

    Engineering Questions about software engineer

    Does higher level mathematics like stochastics, analysis, topology apply to software engineering? Do software engineers even use statistics/probability? Can I be a software engineer with a computer science degree? My friend said to be a software engineer, you need a software engineer degree...
  8. F

    Programs How to masters/PhD in physics for an electrical and electronics engineer?

    I am a graduate student studying in an engineering university in Electrical and electronic engineering for Bsc degree. After graduation I want to study/research in theoretical Physics(Postgraduate /masters/PhD). What should be my way ? I m very interested in Physics from school level and have a...
  9. E

    Engineering To be an engineer or not to be

    i just want to know is it ture that a person who is creative , is the guy who should become an engineer ? I am not creative I am book smart your thoughts
  10. E

    Engineering As some people know , i really like to become an engineer , and i will

    as some people know , i really like to become an engineer , and i will reach my goal by doing pure physics in lebanon , and then when i get at least the bachelor degree , i will travel to the country where i was born (australlia) . anyway i was talking with my parents and they like disagree...
  11. O

    Engineering Prospective biomedical(neural) engineer need career guidance

    I am currently a high school senior strongly considering becoming a biomedical engineer and working on research somewhere within neural-engineering. I have chosen an undergraduate program that I now find might not of been the best route for me, and would like a second opinion. I have...
  12. A

    Classical Mechanics for an Engineer?

    I'm an aerospace engineering major. I'm wondering if, in the future (perhaps after graduation), a treatment of classical mechanics under Taylor's book would be useful to me. I will be taking classes on statics and dynamics, but after that, there doesn't seem to be any further treatment of...
  13. K

    Engineering Technical Questions for an embedded software engineer at qualcomm?

    Hello all. I have a technical interview coming up for a job at qualcomm as an embedded software engineer. Could you PLEASE ask me some questions to help me study? It is an entry level position for a recent grad. Job is posted...
  14. J

    Advice for aspiring engineer student

    I don't have a car and the only engineering program in my area within bus limits is an associates in applied science program but i already have an AS in something else so what should I do? Devry has an ABET accredited electronic engineering program but I'm not sure if I should go there.
  15. Y

    Student, Looking for an engineer to exchange a few words with.

    Hello, my name is William Moore; I am aspiring to be an Aero-Nautical/Aerospace-Engineer when I have completed my educational career. I would like to know, under what other branch of Engineering; is engineering alternative fuel sources?
  16. R

    Engineering Medical Physicist or Biomedical engineer

    My daughter is 15 years old and soon to be 10th grader. She's considering what career field to go into. So far she's been looking at Pharmacist, Medical Physicist and Biomedical Engineer. She doesn't care for the memorization in Biology, thought that Honors Chem was okay, will be doing AP...
  17. C

    Engineering Engineer vs Teacher: Pros & Cons for College Junior

    Hello, I’m soon to be a junior in college, and so far have been majoring in biology. Unfortunately, I’ve realized that, while I like biology, the two careers that appeal the most to me right now are physics teacher or biomedical engineer. The biggest unknown for me is engineering. I think...
  18. T

    Engineering Civil Engineer wanting to pursue a PhD in physics or astrophysics

    Hi everybody, I'm in somewhat of a career conundrum. I'm 24, I've graduated from the University of Maryland in May of 2010 with a BS in Civil Engineering. I've been working for the past year for a fairly prestigious engineering firm, and while I do like my work, I've come to decide over the...
  19. K

    Design Engineer: Role & Skills Explained

    Hi guys. I am doing a post grad course in Mechanical Design. I haven't had any industrial experience till now. Having said that I want to know the role of design engineer in an industry. What his job etc.. Also what are the critical skills required by the design engineer so that he can...
  20. J

    Particle Accelerator Engineer: Bachelor in Engineering Physics

    I am wondering what academic path is ideal for becoming a particle accelerator engineer. Would pursing a masters in particle physics be an effective use of my time? Are there any accelerator engineering programs out there? I currently have a bachelor in engineering physics. Thanks
  21. S

    A language for an electrical engineer

    With China being an up and coming world power I am considering taking Chinese as a minor during my undergrad studies. Some of my friends think that this will be distracting and may take focus away from my other intense courses but I figure that the language is only 3 credit hours boosting my...
  22. B

    Engineering Working half time as an engineer?

    Can an engineer find work half time? I mean work 4 days a week for example? You already make enough money anyway. Could one work half time for a consultancy bureau?
  23. E

    Electrical Engineer Academic Disciplines

    Hello everyone! I am studying electrical & computer engineering and I have to choose a sector to specialize in. I am 100% sure that I like mostly the lessons considering energy distribution systems, telecommunication systems and electronics. So I decided to choose the subdisciplines of...
  24. E

    Engineering Can I become an engineer and a physicist?

    I want to become a theoretical physicist, but the job outlook is not as great as I would wish it to be. However, I still want to study theoretical physics as I find it extremely interesting. So what I am thinking is that I get a BA in electronic engineering, and then seek employment in that...
  25. L

    Engineering Starting Off as an Electrical Engineer: Roles and Responsibilities

    Hey guys, I was wondering after you graduate with a bachelors in Electrical Engineering, what do you do in the field starting off in general. Do you just test software, design...?
  26. J

    Engineering Instrumentation and Controls Engineer

    Good day every1, I am considering a path in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering but I am not 100% of the job availably and which industries they are likely to work. Could someone please give me a briefing on what Exactly Instrumentation and Controls Engineering is about?
  27. Y

    How to 'convert' from physicist to electrical engineer

    Here's the situation. I finished my bachelors in physics last year, and I want to ‘convert’ from a physicist to an electrical engineer. Now that I’ve got grad school offers (MS) in electrical engineering, how do I actually go about converting myself to an electrical engineer? I’m planning to...
  28. E

    What good will having a second language be for an Engineer?

    I'm considering trying to learn a second language by either joining the military or attending a language school. If I join the military I will most likely learn Arabic or Chinese, probably Arabic I'm guessing. I'm currently studying at UNF to become an electrical engineer. What benefit would...
  29. J

    Mechanical / Control Engineer applying for Electrical roles?

    Hi, I assume this forum is not only for help with engineering problems, but also a community of experienced industrial engineers of all areas. I'm graduating this year, with a mixture of knowledge from mechanical / control engineering, some of this has consisted of PLC and Matlab programming...
  30. A

    Which type of engineer should I be?

    Hi, I am a Sophomore in High School. I take all honors and AP classes and do fairly well in them. Math has seemed to come extremely easy to me and I am at the top of my classes In Physics and Math. By the time I will have finished high school i will have finished at least calculus. And I have...
  31. J

    Engineering What does it takes to be a physicist compared to an engineer?

    I am a High school student in Ontario Canada, and I am currently completing my final year in High school. Recently I received acceptance to University of Toronto Mathematical and Physical sciences along with their prestigious engineering science program. My parents, though not forcing me to go...
  32. O

    Engineering Aeronautic engineer, what's the link with B.ed Physcis?

    Hello everyone, i just graduated from a Nigerian university with B.ed in Physics,but am more interested in becoming an aeronautic engineer. How is this possible? Though am very good with calculations (both in maths & physics) but has not had any tactical skills to that effect. I want to know...
  33. S

    Probably getting a C in Calc 2. Can I still become a chemical engineer?

    I am really starting to doubt myself, which sucks because it's what I want to do. Should I retake? Can I move on and be ok? (I did fine in the integrating part, but not so much in series/sequences)
  34. N

    Electrical or Mechanical Engineer

    Hi All, There have probably been topics similar to this already, but I just want to see what people's advice is given my cirumstances. I already have a BSc in math, went to grad school in math for a year and didn't like it, so have gone back to undergrad for ME, which I will be starting...
  35. E

    Engineering Master's in Professional Engineering: The Newest Route for Bachelor's in Physics

    is having a master degree in professional engineer the newest way in becoming an engineer with a bahcelor degree in physics and which major is better these days in your own opinion and thanks
  36. A

    Aspiring to become a Mechanical Engineer

    Hello PF users: First off, I would like to say how excited I am to be part of the PF community. I just wanted to make a brief introduction of myself to 'break the ice'. I am a 19 year old student aspiring to become a Mechanical Engineer. I love learning how things work and how to...
  37. D

    Need help for INTERVIEW an environmental engineer of technology

    Need help for INTERVIEW an environmental engineer of technology! Hello everyone! I am a college student. I need somebody who is an environmental engineer of technology help me to answer some interview question for my project of career class. I wonder if somebody there help me out. Here are...
  38. E

    If I want to be a Engineer with the same level knowledge as a physicist

    I want to one day become a Engineer but I also want to have the level of in depth knowledge about theoretical physics that a physicist would have I have applied to University and have so far been accepted for Medical Physics,(Ryerson) Electrical Engineering, (Ryerson) Space Engineering, (York)...
  39. J

    Learning a second language as an aerospace engineer

    Hopefully someone with some experience in the field can help me out here: I'm currently studying engineering and I'm going to use my liberal arts concentration to learn a second language. In the aerospace engineering field, i would think it would be beneficial to know Russian, Mandarin, or...
  40. B

    How is the life of an engineer?

    hi everyone,im ben,my father has told me to study engineering,but i want to know more about career life of engineering. 1)what an engineer do 2)the challenge in this field?i hav check about it but many engineer say the challenge is relationship wth other ppl?is that engineering? 3)how is the...
  41. E

    Engineering Understanding the Role of a Professional Engineer: Explained in Detail

    what is a professional engineer?? with deatils please and thank you
  42. M

    What does an engineer even do?

    What does an engineer even do? So I have a problem that I know has to walk through this forum consistently. Basically, I really enjoy my math and physics classes (current experience: calc1-calc3, classical physics 1 and 2). I also really like designing and building things (go FIRST Robotics!)...
  43. C

    Engineering Should I become a chemical engineer?

    Right now I am in chemical engineering, as a freshman, and am taking my first ChE course which involves material and energy balances. I am right now, on my spring break, still trying to understand the topics because its just not coming to me. I am working problem after problem and I usually keep...
  44. C

    Should I become a chemical engineer?

    Right now I am in chemical engineering, as a freshman, and am taking my first ChE course which involves material and energy balances. I am right now, on my spring break, still trying to understand the topics because its just not coming to me. I am working problem after problem and I usually keep...
  45. M

    Engineering Am I cut out to be an electrical engineer?

    I'm really good at math, but I'm horrible at hands-on stuff. I can't build things; for example, I couldn't even assemble my bed without help. I had no idea how to do it even with a manual. My dream is to go into EE but I don't know If I can do it. I know I can do CS, but I'd rather do EE. Am...
  46. L

    Engineering Am I cut out to be an engineer?

    Hi, I am currently a freshman majoring in Mechanical Engineering in the nuclear track. I really like math, but I've been having a hard time with Calculus I this semester. My teacher isn't great, but I'm just worried I'm not cut out for engineering if I'm already having trouble with Calc I. I'm...
  47. N

    Programs Minor for a (chemical) engineer

    I am currently thinking of minoring in math because I really love solving the problems. It's only four extra classes, which would be easily incorporated into my curriculum. I'm also considering physics because it fascinates me. I'm not really enjoying my E&M class, but I did enjoy...
  48. S

    Engineering Is it too late to become a Engineer for me?

    Hi, I am 17 in my final year of high school. I was wondering if it is too late for me to change my focus and become a engineer... Since I was a child, I was always interested in designing and building things, always had a creative knack. But unfortunately I was basically raised with the...
  49. A

    Chemical Engineer Ammonia Problem

    Homework Statement Ammonia NH3 is made by the haber process: N2 + 3H2 --> 2NH3 The nitrogen required for this process is obtained from air by using the air to burn natural gas CH4 , thereby removing the oxygen from the air, leaving behind only nitrogen. The hydrogen required is obtained...
  50. T

    Interviewing an Engineer: Insights into the Field and Career

    Homework Statement I am a student that has been tasked with an assignment to interview an engineer. Please answer the following interview questions if possible. What is your name and job title? What field of engineering are you in? How long have you been an engineer? What made you want...
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