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. A

    It is Fun to be a Mechanical Engineer?

    I only left 3 month to choose a career, i love physics and math in overall science and sci-fi. So do you see a lot of physics and science in mechanical engineering? How useful is mechanical engineerng for society?.
  2. K

    Engineering ME: Engineer Looking to Avoid Pigeonholing | Find Companies to Target

    This is what I want to avoid becoming. I do not want to be a person that comes in plays with the same widget and goes home. I want to do a variety of things and stuff changes day to day. What type of companies should I target. I heard that vendors and utilties are not the way to go for this... I...
  3. A

    Indian engineer claims the nobel process is flawed

    Not sure if it belongs here, if not then please move it. So basically an indian engineer is nominated for a nobel prize, and doesn't get it. He http://news.indiainfo.com/2003/07/07/07nri.html claiming the process is flawed. Any merit to this, or is he just being a sore loser? Thoughts?
  4. A

    Mechanical engineer and physicist?

    Well i would to have a career that have a lot of physics and that one is mechanical engineerng. But i also want to se some day quantum mechanics or something like that, but i don't go in the career of physicist becouse of the low job oportunities, especially here in my country. So it viable to...
  5. D

    Mechanical or Chemical Engineer?

    Hey guys, I've been going back and forth through all possible physical science majors (math, physics, ALL engineering disciplines, etc.) and I think I've narrowed my choice down to two possibilities. As you can tell from the title, they are Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering...
  6. W

    Engineering Want to become a mechanical engineer

    Hey, everyone I finally made up my mind on what carreer path I want to get into, but the problem is that it deals with a great deal of math. The same math I rejected as a child. I'm now 20 and since I'm not good at math as of right now I must start from the basic does anyone known the best...
  7. A

    Engineering Why are so many civil engineer unhappy ?

    I talked to some civil engineers who has bee practicing more than 10 years. Most of them seemed unhappy with their job... , except this one guy who has done a lot of design. Is this same in other civil engineering related companies or firm ? BTW: they all recommend me taht I study...
  8. A

    Engineering How long can you work as an engineer ?

    I heard that engineering such as software or electrical demands younger age and older one gets fired around 50... . The reason is that th techology and new programming develops rapidly; therefore, old ppl tend to go ad new ppl come often. But I think civil enigineers can work longer if...
  9. T

    What it takes to be an engineer?

    Hello everyone, I'm new here, as you can probably tell (even though I think I signed up a while ago, I never really posted anything). I've been through two years in college, studying for Mechanical Engineering. I've taken all the basic classes, Calc, Diff Eq, Physics, Chem, etc. and the...
  10. J

    Engineering What job should I get before I become an Electrical Engineer?

    I am currently in the academic process of becoming an electrical engineer. I have not gotten my AA yet. My question is, What job or type of job should I get while getting my degree in electrical engineering? I am a full time worker so higher paying job in the field of E.E. would be preferred...
  11. D

    Engineering Physics major vs. mechanical engineer undergrad degree to become an engineer

    physics vs. mechanical engineering undergrad degree to become an engineer hi-- i am an intended mechanical engineering major (undergrad) since that's where i would like to end up professionally. I'm still relatively early on in my education, but upon taking physics I'm struck by how much more...
  12. K

    Is This Artist's Use of Programming in Light Sculptures Revolutionary?

    I found this video of an Artist who is programming lightings to make sculpture. Thought this would interest some of you. Go to Leo Villereal's http://www.nga.gov/podcasts/NGAMedia.shtm" . WOuld be very helpful to know what you guys think. I wish to write a blog post around it...
  13. O

    What career opportunities are available for physicists beyond academia?

    Hey All, I am here to ask a very different but important (for me and many more) thing...which field is better in terms of career opportunities, excellence and ofcourse money.
  14. D

    Engineering Can one work as an engineer without an engineering degree (canada)?

    I'm currently closing in on the end of an undergraduate degree in Physics (from UBC if it matters to anyone). But it's painfully clear to me that I really want to work as an engineer. I'll save a lengthy story, but the bottom line is that I'm nearly thirty years old, and frankly very excited...
  15. thrill3rnit3

    Engineering Prospects of a Computer Engineer

    How are the prospects looking for someone who has a degree in Computer Engineering? I figured that since technology improves by the minute, that a computer engineers are never going to be obsolete and there are going to be jobs available that actually pay well. Is that statement misguided or is...
  16. K

    Schools Cousin wants to be a civil engineer but local university problems

    Hey my cousin wanted to be a civil engineer instead of an electrical. He got his electrical engineer at Carleton University http://www.carleton.ca/ . Anyway, when he asked them if any of his credits would transfer to civil engineer, they said "no" because and that he would have to do a civil...
  17. M

    Engineering Mechanical Design Engineer vs. Technical Support Engineer

    This is my first post. My name is John. I'm an undergraduate Physics and Mechanical Engineering student and I'm still unsure of the types of jobs that could be available for me once I graduate. Particularly jobs prior to grad school. After graduating I'll have a Bachelor's degree in Physics from...
  18. P

    A mechanical engineer told me Science isn't useful?

    I talked to a mechanical engineer the other day, and he said "Science and physics isn't all that useful." :confused::confused: I'm curious what a good response to that would be? He said when he works on his projects, the "big picture" is the project, and Science and other aspects are only...
  19. D

    Are Nuclear Engineers Still Innovating Despite Few New Plants Being Built?

    Where does a nuclear engineer work? At a nuclear plant? Out of an office? There have not been any new nuclear plants built in the US in many, many years. So is there any new designing/innovation going on or is it just maintaining day-to-day operations (checking dials, running diagnostics and...
  20. L

    Engineering Need to interview a Civil Engineer

    1. What made you choose this type of engineering? 2. What type of equipment do you work with on a day to day basis? 3. What is your educational back ground? 4. What is your favorite part of the job? 5. What is you least favorite part of the job? 6. Do you need a...
  21. O

    MATLAB Should a Mechanical Engineer focus on MATLAB or broaden his horizons?

    I am currently a junior year mechanical engineering major. I have always been interested in programming and throughout the years read books on C and Java. I recently started focusing on MATLAB. We've always had to use it in some of our classes, but I never really dedicated myself to learning...
  22. I

    My Journey: A 25 Y/O Physics and Math Student to Computer Engineer

    hi all, A little bit about myself: I am a sophomore at a small private university. I am about to finish my last quarter. My major is Physics and Mathematics. I plan on moving back home: Florida, to pursue a Computer Engineering degree. I am 25 years old. I graduated from a good High...
  23. E

    Engineering Mech. Engineer Salary Question

    Hello Everyone, I am beginning the coursework enroute to a BS in Mechanical Engineering. I would like to know if anyone can help me with a question about the profession. To get to the $80,000 salary and above mark, does one need to earn atleast a MS or PhD? Thank You
  24. B

    Programs I am a Software Engineer planning for a Math PhD

    Hi, I am 30 years of age and am currently working as a Software Engineer at a major software company. I have an MS and BS in Computer Science. From childhood, I have always been attracted to math, especially pure math. I have participated in numerous regional Olympiads and stood in the top-3...
  25. G

    Interview an electrical engineer for a presentation

    I need to interview an electrical engineer for a presentation. I need to ask them about their job experience and education. If anyone knows an electrical engineer and can give me their number or email, that would be appreciated. thanks.
  26. J

    Can I become an Engineer or physicists?

    Hey guys for the first to years of high school I totally ignored science and maths as I figures I could never achieve a whole lot in those (although I usually got high grades). Then my cousin got his Ph.D. in Mechanical engineering, and after some long conversation with him I discovered that I...
  27. S

    Engineering Career Question of engineer in aviation industry

    Hello, everyone. I come from hong kong. I am still barely a fresh graduate (1.5yr after grad.)with good grades in school. currently, I am working as an asst. mechanical engineer. However, I am willing to become an engineer in aviation industry. I am wondering what would be a possible way...
  28. G

    Engineering Becoming an Engineer with a Criminal Record

    I'm 28 and in my freshman year at community college en route to becoming an engineer (mechanical or electrical, not sure yet). When I was younger (around 18-22), I partied a little too much and was arrested a few times. I have three misdemeanors: a DWI, a 2nd Degree Aggravated Harrassment (for a...
  29. F

    Engineering Electromedical engineer interview

    Hi guys! I have an interview tomorrow for the post of an electromedical engineer where the job would deal with installation + maintenance and repair of medical imaging machines like CT scan, X-ray machine, Ultrasound, MRI etc. It is an entry level job & training would be provided if...
  30. P

    Looking to interview an engineer

    Hi guys, I am looking to interview someone for general questions. This is a intro course into engineering for Florida Atlantic University. I'll post the questions below. Thanks in advance for any help! 1. A brief career and education biography of the engineer. (Name and the individual...
  31. I

    How much biology as a computer/electrial engineer?

    How many biology courses on average should i expect to take if i plan on majoring in either computer or electrical engineer? I know every college has their own requirements but do i need to go really in depth with bio or will an AP biology credit get biology out of the way as far as...
  32. G

    Engineering Jobs for an Electronic Engineer graduate?

    What kind of career opportunities are there for EE graduates which are dynamic, have decent pay and not repetitive?
  33. T

    Engineering Computer engineer vs Mechanic engineer

    Hi I want to be a engineer when i grow up,I'm 13 years old and don't know which one to choose.Can I be both?
  34. T

    Becoming a mechanical engineer?

    Since graduating high school in 2007 I've been kind of moping around my parents' house. It's starting to look a little pathetic at this point, so I've decided to attend college this year. Somehow waking up to find that three years has already past by has put me in an unusually motivated mood...
  35. T

    Can anybody tell me what the life of a aerospace engineer is like

    can anybody tell me what the life of a aerospace engineer is like
  36. N

    Engineering Which Engineer Actually Uses the Most Math?

    Hey all. I am really interested in using math/physics/economics (maybe chem/bio too) to solve practical problems. However, I am not sure which engineering field to enter. I find certain specialties in all of the "big four" interesting. I don't care who makes the most (and I am insulted that...
  37. M

    Why did you choose to be an Engineer?

    Tell us why did you choose to be an engineer? Click Link and Leave your reply < link deleted > Regards,
  38. J

    Is it normal to have to take computer science to be able to become an engineer

    (to get a B.S. in electr. eng.)? at a 2 year college, but how are these related to the electrical engineering major and would there be MORE computer science classes after transfer to a university ? (Are the required courses at the 2 year college possibly based on which university one plans on...
  39. D

    Where can I find resources for becoming an HVAC engineer?

    Hey all, I am beginning my first job out of college this coming January. I will be working for an architectural/engineering firm as an entry level mechanical engineer designing HVAC systems. I have interned with them for two summers so the company is not completely foreign to me. However, I'd...
  40. O

    Necessary computer softwares for electrical engineer

    As we know, Electrical technology deals with generation of Electricity, it's transmission and utilization. so my humble question is what are the necessary computer softwares that a Electrical engineer should learn? thanks
  41. C

    Need to interview a Computer Hardware Engineer for school project

    Hi. I'm new here, so sorry if I posted this in the wrong place. Wasn't sure if I needed to post this in the Homework section, but this is basically something for an in-school project. I need to interview a Computer Hardware Engineer for my Principles of Engineering class at my high school. If...
  42. U

    Academic areas to focus on to become a radar engineer

    Hi, This is my first post but I've perused the forums often enough before (usually while I should be studying instead!). I'm 26 and in my second year of a 4 year Electrical Engineering degree (late starter). I am currently intrigued by radar and how to engineer machines to detect and track an...
  43. R

    Choosing Engineering: Personal Motivations and Paths to Success

    have any of you become engineers just because that just happened to be the most practical choice your first undergrad year? i am just wondering if most engineers became so because they always wanted to since they could remember versus the ones who decided they wanted to be engineers during...
  44. Vectronix

    Engineering Should I attempt to be a physicist or an engineer?

    hi... Okay, here's the problem. I am interested in studying physics in school, and most of the engineering courses don't appeal to me. Sometimes I dream about being like the next Einstein or something. lol :) But after I were to publish/research a theory in physics, I imagine that I'd...
  45. J

    Interview a MECHANICAL ENGINEER

    Hi, I need to interview a mechanical engineer for a school career project, and I was wondering if a mechanical engineer would be kind enough to answer some questions. I am really interested in studying to be one. I'm currently a junior in high school. Here are some questions, and I was wondering...
  46. S

    Physicist, mathematician and engineer jokes.

    Found this while lurking around, thought I'd share: http://www.cs.northwestern.edu/~riesbeck/mathphyseng.html Bai bai.
  47. C

    What's a good home built gift for an aerospace engineer?

    Hi, I've got a friend who's birthday is coming up. She's an aerospace engineer and I was thinking it would be fun to build a small project for her but I'm not sure what. I want it to be specifically aerospace related. I've seen designs for how to build a pocket jet engine, but I wasn't so...
  48. O

    Engineering Whats the difference between what an engineer and a scientist do every day?

    I was just reading this post : https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=337568&highlight=aerospace+engineering+physics+double+major "What does an aerospace engineer actually "Do"". I'm pretty much back and forth between physics and aerospace as a major, or possibly both (I'm a junior so...
  49. M

    Distance Math MS for old engineer

    Hi all, This question is about pursuing a MS/PhD in Math. I'm kind of old (31). I have a BS is in mechanical engineering and MBA and I've worked in the power industry for 9 years. Getting an MS/PhD in engineering was a goal of mine back in my early 20's, but I never did it. I am in a...
  50. B

    Can an engineer answer these interview questions, please?

    My name is Edith and I need to interview an engineer for my engineering class. Here are the questions, and thank you in advanced for answering them. Please include what kind of engineer you are. 1. Why did you choose to become an engineer? 2. What kind of classes did you take to become an...
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