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. Rx7man

    Something every Mechanical Engineer should watch

    Here's a great video of what one guy has to say about what he learned at university.. He really hits the nail on the head.. My favourite point is with "safety factors".. If something failed under normal use, it's not because you chose a 1.2 safety factor instead of a 1.5 safety factor, it's...
  2. yecko

    Engineering Mechanical engineering or Aerospace engineer

    I am a year one student who is going to promote to year 2 in September, and I am required to choose between Mechanical engineering or Aerospace engineer within these few days (i just received the urgent message...) I believe I am better in memorization and language skill than mathematics...
  3. S

    Engineering Maximizing Your ME Degree for a Career in Robotics

    Hi all! Just recently discovered PF, loving the community. I'm a softmore Mechanical Engineering undergrad, who's been exploring careers and what comes next after I graduate. My question to you all is: What skills can I learn/focus on throughout the rest of my schooling to increase my chances of...
  4. R

    Engineering Electrician vs EE: Which Path is Right for Me?

    Hey guys I'm trying to figure out my path forward. I'm currently in an electrician apprenticeship which I enjoy a lot however I sense I have a stronger talent for engineering work. I've interviewed several EEs and it seems that my motivations for entering the fields are sound; however I don't...
  5. EEristavi

    Engineering Process Safety Engineer Job Description

    Hello everyone, I'm interested specifically what Process Safety Engineer's job is like. Like, what you must handle everyday at work, what knowledge is needed, do you find it interesting or not (and why) etc. Thank you for attention
  6. Connor

    Will I still be able to find a job as an engineer?

    I'm 21 years old and going to college for computer science. A year ago I got arrested and charged with a misdemeanor. To make a long story short when I went to court I was never convicted and the charge was dismissed and my record got expunged. I'm not looking to get a job at companies like...
  7. P

    Each day a quality engineer selects a random sample of 60 power supplies

    Homework Statement Each day a quality engineer selects a random sample of 60 power supplies from the day's production, measures their output voltages, and computes a 90% confidence interval for the mean output voltage of all the power supplies manufactured that day. What is the probability...
  8. Gigigifgof

    What job opportunities are available for Thai physics graduates in the USA?

    I am Thai and I have my applied physics degree from Thailand but I will be moving to USA and want to know what kind of jobs I can look for? and how employers will think about hiring someone with a degree from Thailand? I will have a green card and will not need to be sponsored by the company.
  9. N

    Engineering Is it a Career Mistake to Leave a Good Job for Personal Happiness?

    Hey forum, I'm looking for some career advice for myself and I'll try to keep this short and sweet. To give you some background I graduated with my BS in mech. engineering in May 2015. I was hired into a company's rotational program and started out as a LEAN engineer for about 16 months, then...
  10. Neven

    Engineering Mechanical engineer to aerospace engineer?

    HI I am a bit early for a 16years old and already think about it maybe but , my dream is to go in the space , which type of engineer goes in space? And can i start from a mechanical engineer to a aerospace engineer ?
  11. Neven

    Which Engineering Field is Best for Space Exploration?

    HI , I'm a bit early for those kind of questions but my passion is the space ,my dream is to go in the space so i was wondering which type of engineer goes in space and if its the AeroEngineer , is the mechanicalE turn into aerospaceE ? P.S I am not english first language sorry if i spelled...
  12. TheFlyingGandalf

    Physics A few questions about a theoretical physicist career

    Hello, I'm Michael, am 17 and uncertain about my future (as I'm sure anyone my age is). you see, I aim to be a theoretical physicist in the future and I am worried a bit: Yes, I know, you shouldn't pick a job just for the money, but I do worry about how much does a theoretical physicist make. do...
  13. S

    Need to interview a Mechanical Engineer

    I am a first-year Mechanical Engineering major at Cal Poly, and I need to interview a Mechanical Engineer for my Technical Writing class. If you have a few minutes and could answer these five questions, I would greatly appreciate it! What are common genres in the field of mechanical...
  14. J

    MHB Need help to reverse engineer a problem...........................

    I hoping that someone may help me find a formula for this problem... Starting with a specific, large-sum number (ex. 5,408,286,291), find 4, three or four digit numbers that, when multiplied, will arrive at this large-sum number. It could be 3 larger numbers or 4 smaller numbers. It doesn't...
  15. KaelanSong

    Can You Help Find a Mechanical Engineer for an Urgent Student Interview?

    One of classes needs me to interview an engineer with a degree of my same major (mechanical engr), preferably with 7+ years of experience in the field (we can lie about that, but deadlines are approaching and I've struck out everywhere), AND A BUSINESS CARD (used as proof to my professor that...
  16. T

    Exploring Alternate Models of Physics: A Software Engineer's Perspective

    I dabble in building software models of alternate physical theories
  17. R

    Mechanical Engineer vs. Computer Engineer

    Hello everyone, I am in my first year at University, and I have to choose what discipline to enter. I am passionate about designing, testing, and implementing various ways to solve problems, and I found I can do this in both disciplines just in different ways. From previous job experience, I...
  18. Patrick Jago

    Where Does the Energy Go in an Electric High Pressure Water Motor or Pump?

    In an electrical high pressure water motor or pump what is the main cause of energy loss. Originally I was thinking along the lines of 1st heat/electrical losses in motor. 2nd Friction of the water in pipes. 3rd noise. But I'm torn between the first 2 ? Tho
  19. Gjmdp

    Engineering Should I be an Aerospace engineer or an Astronomer?

    I have this conondrum since long ago, and it's really hurting me. I love both Aerospace engineering and Astronomy, and I know I can study both. The thing is I'll be an Aerospace engineer or an Astronomer. I know I can't be both. I really love Astronomy: Physics, Science, Mathematics; because I...
  20. Gjmdp

    Engineering Is it too much being an engineer & a scientist?

    I am talking about being both engineer and scientist: a PhD in Physics and a MS in engineering. Far too much? I hope not to be the case. These days is really hard to decide whether to choose engineering or science, and I'm not in a position to eliminate one of them "forever".
  21. Dheer Parikh

    Engineering Aerospace Engineer or Master of Physics in COSMOSES

    I want to go in ISRO or NASA accordingly.But for that I am confused that Should I do Master of Physics in cosmology or i should go with Aerospace Engineering.Pls give me suggestion which one of this is better
  22. Greg Bernhardt

    Insights Interview with Instrument Engineer Jim Hardy - Comments

    TheAdmin submitted a new PF Insights post Interview with Instrument Engineer Jim Hardy Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  23. Robert Sanchez

    How can a returning student succeed in challenging engineering courses?

    Hey y'all, I'm an old guy going back to school for the first time in 20 years for civil engineering. My next semester consists of calculus, physics and statics and strength of materials... I expect I'll need some help and advice and this looks like the place to be.
  24. G

    Analog Electrical Engineer Explores Physics & Astrophysics

    I am an analog electrical engineer by trade engaged in self teaching myself Analysis / Particle Physics and Astrophysics for the last couple of years. I have worked in the computer graphics field for almost 30 years, ranging from hardware / chip design / device drivers and compilers with 30...
  25. Labilana

    Engineering Can I handle Medical Physics as an Engineer?

    Hello everyone! I just finished my Chemical Engineering bachelors degree and after my study I developed a strong interest in nanomedicine, but because I would really like to be in direct contact with medicine and make an impact on people's lives, I'm seriously considering to continue my masters...
  26. Hamal_Arietis

    Engineering What Are the Job Opportunities for Nuclear Engineers?

    Hello I'm a student in university, my major is nuclear engineering, energy and nuclear electric. But in my country, nuclear electric company isn't build. I'm afraid that no jobs when I graduate. Besides working in company, what is the jobs for nuclear engineer? Thank you
  27. T

    Who has more prestige, a physicist or an engineer?

    To the common citizen, what profession is more estimated, physicist or engineering.
  28. R

    Engineering Mechanical engineer but experience only in startups

    Hi, I am a mechanical engineer who has worked only in start-ups, for past 3 years. Main experience is Mechanical design CAD with bit of FEA. Problem is I want to move to a more traditional company. I had had an interview with one of the largest oil and gas company for role of design engineer in...
  29. W

    I need to interview an engineer for a school project.

    For my engineering class I have to interview a person who is currently an engineer. I was hoping somebody could help answer some questions, it'd be greatly appreciated. • Please describe your engineering field. • What is your current job title? • Please describe your particular job and...
  30. T

    Engineering I want to be an engineer for the Navy

    Should i be a mechanical engineer or an electronics or an electric? I am not sure of the pros and cons of each,any tips or pointers? I am 15 will be 16 in nov and i want to go through NROTC
  31. S

    Engineering Keep working as an engineer or pursue the study of physics

    I’m 35 and I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and has worked some ten years as an embedded software/firmware engineer. I’m already in a senior position in charge of the whole product for a small electronics manufacturer. Everything seems fine to me, and I’m happy with...
  32. SteveeGeorge

    (Introduction) Steven George - Optical Engineer

    Hi all, I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Steven George, 22 years of age and from London, UK. I am a recent masters graduate of physics (July 2016), achieving a 1st class honors. Quickly after graduating, I found employment as an optical engineer for a company that specializes in laser...
  33. Parsifal1

    Engineering What type of engineer works in the most interesting places?

    I'm trying to decide which sort of engineering I want to do. I am leaning towards mechanical, what are examples of environments where mechanical engineers can work? Thanks.
  34. H

    Other Want to be an engineer, but do research on the side?

    So, I really want to be an Aerospace Engineer, but I also love chemistry, physics, math, and etcetera. Most of what I love tends to be application focused, rather than pure. Regarding chemistry, I really like synthetic physical organic stuff; especially geometrically strained compounds and...
  35. TheQuietOne

    Engineering Thinking of working towards being a Navy ME

    I am thinking of (working towards) being a GSM in the Navy, I'm only starting high school and love engineering. Any thoughts?
  36. S

    Engineering Physicist, Electrical Engineer, or physician

    Hi, I am a rising junior in high school. I have always wanted to be an engineer. I eventually found out that I loved electrical engineering, ever since then my career path was focused on engineering. I discovered that I love physics as well. Every time I learn about a new physics topic I get...
  37. P

    Other Can my wrists handle being an engineer?

    Due to an accident that tore up both my TFCCs and other damage, both my wrists are shot. They got cleaned up, but are just all frayed now and not much to do about it. Extended computer time causes me pain, especially when it includes a lot of shift/alt/ctrl with other key combos, such as for...
  38. C

    Programs Astronomy, Physics, Engineering

    Hey guys. I am in my last year of high school and I need to figure out what my major is going to be, since I will be applying to universities next summer. I am really interested in astronomy but I know I would not be able to get a job in my country with a degree in either astronomy or...
  39. L

    Studying Tips for information technology engineering (IT engineer)

    I had applied one month ago into some universities, with the aim of switching my university major. (I studied history). I went to the entrance exams for computer science and engineering oriented fields, and waited anxiously for 1 month. I was not sure whether or not my entrance exam score was...
  40. J

    Intro Physics Any suggestions on books? (Physics & Engineering)

    I just finished my A levels in math's/physics. I decided to take a year out before I start an engineering degree. I'm looking for books to study on my work break's and any down time I get. I was looking at the 'Physics for Scientists and Engineers' by authors like Feynman and Serway. They can...
  41. A

    What is Physicsforums and How Can It Help Me Explore Technology?

    Hi, I'm basically an Engineering student and love to explore technology. I was lurking and came across physicsforums. It happened many times that I got many of my questions solved here so I thought to make an account on it and start exploring physics at its full extent. That's all I can say.
  42. A

    Engineering Control Engineer in a Power Company?

    I am a first year student in MSc Automation and Control Engineering in Politecnico di Milano. I was working as a Power Protection Engineer before my company decided to send me to do my Masters in the above mentioned degree. The management thought it necessary to at least have someone specialized...
  43. R

    Other What to do over the summer - Future engineer

    I'm a few weeks into my summer, and I haven't really been doing anything. Most of my days are spent sitting on my computer bored or watching shows that I'm following. I'm in the process of setting up an internship, but at this point we're just waiting for the process to continue which might be a...
  44. Septenary

    Rebuilding Math Skills to Become a Mechanical/Aerospace Engineer

    I would love to learn math and become a great mechanical / aerospace engineer, but there is one huge problem! I dropped my math classes in the 10th grade because I was an idiot. Years ago I didn't want to learn math, I hated it but now I love learning. I love challenges, learning is truly my...
  45. V

    About Mech engineer soft skill required

    Hey guys, I am a freshmen planning to Major in Mechanical Engineering. After I graduate, I want to purse a career in the Aerospace industry coz Aviation is my interest. I was wondering what kind of computer programming skills and CAD designing skills should I acquire inorder to make myself more...
  46. A

    Engineering Is there a short path to becoming a nuclear engineer if...

    Is there a short path to becoming a nuclear engineer if you have a B.S in physics? Can you get into grad school and specialize in nuclear engineering?
  47. E

    Engineering Electrical and electronics Engineer

    Hello, What to do to get good job after Electrical and electronics Engineer?
  48. Weightofananvil

    Next step C coding for electrical engineer Stuff

    hi, I'm an electrical engineering student and have studied c programming. Everything I was doing however was just to familiarize myself with c and the language, therefore just executable programs that could create a database, or make an array or data to programs that aided me like a resistor...
  49. E

    Engineer hopeful- Does my IB Extended Essay topic matter?

    Homework Statement I'm currently trying to decide on a topic for my IB Extended Essay, which is essentially just a long-term essay I'll be working on for the next 8 months or so. The topic of the essay is limited to IB courses I've taken so far, in addition to a few other types of topics that...
  50. R

    Calculus What is a good book for learning rigorous calculus?

    I'm not sure if the title correctly says what I am looking for. I'm a few years out of college and I'm trying to review some electromagnetics topics. A lot of the "proofs" in my EM book seem to take a lot of shortcuts, or use "intuition" to explain why some calculus operation can be simplified...
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