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. D

    Electrician to Electrical Engineer

    Hello everyone, I am a 36 year old Master Electrician and I'm thinking about going to to for Electrical Engineering. Is there anyone who may have any information on a transition such as this? I guess I'm looking to do as much of this as I can online, if that's even feasible? What classes should...
  2. B

    Engineering Advice For An Engineer Working In Automotive Manufacturing

    Hi, Im about to start work for an electrical component and wire harnessing manufacturing company. I am joining the company on a graduate scheme and was looking for some advice on what to expect from the job. Also if there's any background reading or knowledge i could obtain before i start...
  3. B

    Can I be a successful engineer even if I struggle with math?

    I, unlike most people here, grew up not knowing much about math or science. Within the last two years I've started to become more interested in engineering, and am now working towards a degree in mechanical engineering. The thing is I really, really want to become an engineer but the math is not...
  4. L

    Engineer stumped by pure math, need to find some way to get started

    Hi guys, I am reading some paper on Mellin Transform and its application in signal processing and I am totally stumped by phrases such as lebesgue space, square integrable, isometry, automorphism, measurable and essential supreme and such. Of course, when I look them up one by one I sort of...
  5. B

    Engineering Job Prospects for a Physicist and an Aerospace Engineer

    How difficult is it to acquire a job in these professions? Which would you recommend? I have discovered that the career prospects for a physicist (who works in research- astronomy, particle physics etc) are bleak but what about for an aerospace engineer? Also, I live in the UK and yield a...
  6. O

    Grad Dip in Science (Physics) for an Electrical Engineer?

    I graduated with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Commerce from a good-ranking Australian university in 2010. I've been in the workforce for 18 months – found it to be not nearly as stimulating as the uni environment, so I'm contemplating the possibility of pursuing a masters or PhD...
  7. A

    Need guidance - RF engineer/DSP engineer interview

    Please guide me how to prepare for interviews for the post of RF engineer and/or DSP engineer. I finished my masters in electrical engineering and am looking for a job in these two fields. Topics and concepts that I must prepare and also the practical skills one must possesses (I have...
  8. A

    Engineering Control and signal processing engineer

    I want to what is the actual job of a Control and signal processing engineer. And does he/she has any kind of job type in power plants or energy supplies? hope to get an answer as soon as possible. Airer
  9. T

    Do I need to go to a college to become an engineer?

    It sounds like a very stupid question but i was recently told that I could become an engineer without college. I don't know why this statement is getting to me. So I am asking if there is another way to become an engineer? (I am thinking of becoming a mechanical or electrical engineer) Thank...
  10. V

    Engineering Mechanical Engineer at a Nuclear Power Plant

    Can anyone tell me who is a Mechanical Engineer and works in a Nuclear Power Plant, just what their daily duties include? How they like the work environment and such. I'm interested in knowing because as a student, my university has a Co-op program. Recently, I sent out my resume to FirstEnergy...
  11. O

    Engineering Degree recommendations to be a weapons engineer

    Hello Fellow physicist. I have a vision to be an aspiring weapons engineer, not just any form of weapons engineering though. But state of the art military weaponry or something along those lines. As of now, I'm applying to a double degree course in the following specialisations...
  12. A

    Work from home as a mechanical engineer?

    is there any work from home as a mechanical engineer?
  13. T

    What does the job of an Engineer actually involve?

    Hey guys. Could you give me a list of some of the things you have had to do during your time as an Engineer? I want to know the good bits as well as the bad bits. I have looked at videos on Youtube but i feel as though Youtube may give the idea that Engineering is all pro's and no con's...
  14. T

    Do i really want to be an engineer?

    Hey guys, i want a bit of help. I recently found a great interest in engineering. I have a friend who did engineering at college for 2 years but then decided to drop out so I've been speaking to him a bit. I don't have any qualifications apart from the basic maths and science that i left...
  15. S

    Engineering If you are an irrigation engineer ,tell me a little about your work please

    stuff like -What degree did you study -What a typical day is like for you -How closely you get involved in what is being irrigated (plants ,trees...) -What advice you would give me (a mechanical engineering student who wants to work in a profession related to agriculture
  16. B

    Engineering How to go from being a physicist to be a mechanical engineer?

    hello all, I am a new here. I just graduated as a physicist. I know that my bachelor on physics will not give me a good job, I am thinking to go from being physicist to be a mechanical engineer. Is that easy? does anyone tried that? what courses do I have to take? and the most important, is this...
  17. W

    Programs Aspiring Aerospace Engineer BS ME minor applied math?

    I am currently in school for an undergrad degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in aerospace (i.e. Aerodynamics instead of fluid dynamics, propulsion instead of applied thermo, and some aerospace electives). I have hopes after to work for an aviation company such as Boeing...
  18. R

    Can I Become An Engineer With a Family?

    Hi, I am in the Air Force as an enlistee and I am currently undertaking a great task of pursuing a degree as an Electrical Engineer while also playing the role of husband and father. I am 25, almost 26 years old. I have not applied to the university yet, nor have I completed all pre-req'd...
  19. P

    26 years journalist needs advise to become an aerospace engineer

    Yeah, it sounds impossible for me too, but I'm very committed to do it and I'm a hard worker. I need some guidance. Please be as kind as possible. the thing is that after working in an industry I choose when I was 16 without knowing myself very much I am ready for a career change...
  20. T

    Electro-Mechanical Engineer College Info Help

    Hey I am 20 years old and I am signing up for college and i want to become some sort of robotics engineer. I am having a difficulty finding colleges with degree programs for robotics around here. i found a program for an advanced diploma in electro-mechanical engineering technology a 3 year...
  21. C

    Engineering Nuclear engineer graduate, need advice

    I am going to graduate soon of a 5 year long major. The major was a general engineering with specialization in nuclear engineering. Now I have to look for a job, but I don't know exactly what to look for. Should I look for jobs in the nuclear field, or try to broaden the search and look for...
  22. W

    Engineering Looking for a Mechanical Engineer to Interview for High School

    Hi, I'm a high-school student and for a Careers assignement we need to interview someone who has a job in a career area we wish to pursue. So, I'm hoping to find a person who a mechnaical engineer who's willing to give answers with some depth and though. An automotive engineer would be even...
  23. E

    Electrical Engineer Career in Airport: Areas & Qualifications

    I want to know in which area can an Electrical Engineer work in an Airport? and What would someone special on to be better in any of the areas in an Airport? Hope to hear from you soon! thanks
  24. I

    How do I become a Aerospace engineer?

    One day I would love to design aircraft. I have my private pilots license but I find myself more interested in the systems of the airplanes I fly, and the designs of airplanes than actually flying them. Would I need to get my bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, or would I have to specialize?
  25. T

    Engineering Low GPA, beef up resume-mechanical engineer

    Okay, I will be graduating soon with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering, but I don't have a good, respectable GPA. So without retaking my classes, what things could I do, to beef up my resume? Like short courses in something, CPR and first aid certificate... Is there anything I could...
  26. Femme_physics

    Mechatronics = Mechanical engineer who knows some electronics?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechatronics According to the defintion, "Mechatronics is the combination of Mechanical engineering, Electronic engineering, Computer engineering, Software engineering, Control engineering, and Systems Design engineering in order to design, and manufacture useful...
  27. P

    Engineering Aspiring Engineer: Choosing the Right Engineering Career Path

    I am a person who enjoys math and physics in high school as well as chemistry but my preferred subject is physics since I find it the most interesting. An obstacle is that I am not doing well in math currently because my mom threw out an important lab material by accident and I had to pull all...
  28. V

    Engineering What to choose: physicist, engineer, or something else?

    What to choose: physicist, engineer, or something else?? To those who read this post, thank you first for reading this I really need help as soon as possible. Currently I'm a freshman majoring in materials engineering. I chose that major because I thought it's a combination of chemistry and...
  29. A

    Engineering Changing career path of an electrical engineer?

    Hey all, I am looking for some advice on what my options are to change career path. I will graduate this summer with a degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering and have already secured a graduate job within a very reputable power engineering company. The job is everything I could have...
  30. C

    Engineering Going from Soldier to Engineer

    Basically, I've been an Infantryman for the past 6 years, ever science I was 17, and what with the way the army is going I've decided to get out and use the GI bill to do something productive with my life. Space has always interested me a lot but in early life I never considered myself smart...
  31. D

    Questions for a Mechanical Engineer from a High School Student

    Hello, I am a high school student and am trying to complete an assignment to interview someone in a career field I am interested in - mechanical engineering. Would anyone be willing to answer these questions for me? A PM would be fine if you can. I really appreciate it! What are your...
  32. S

    Exploring the Path from Engineer to Aerospace Management Role

    It is my understanding that some engineers working in aerospace find that a role in management best suits them and seek to climb the ladder of the company they are working for, where as others focus entirely on the technical, R&D side of things, content to stay in the same position indefinitely...
  33. L

    Engineering The suitable options for a fresh graduate Mechanical Engineer

    Dear Gentlemen, I am a fresh graduate mechanical engineer and I live in Bahrain (middle east) and usually, the positions required in the companies are limited. I want to ask you which of the given positions is preferred for a fresh Mechanical Engineer, most applicable for what I studied, because...
  34. S

    How often does a civil engineer use vectors?

    Title says it, I was discussing this today with my buddy in physics lecture today. We just moved onto kinetic energy and universal gravitation and they seem to do the same thing a lot better and more efficient. As a civil engineering major, when will I ever use vectors in my line of work?
  35. T

    Questions on the responsibilities of a mechanical engineer.

    Hello, my name is Thomas and I am very interested in becoming a mechanical engineer. I am an engine tranny tech at a automotive shop and I am very mechanically inclined. I was wondering if there are any mechanical or electrical engineers that could give me a detailed description of what they...
  36. H

    Engineering Manufacturing design / process engineer - hands on or sit on yer butt?

    Manufacturing design / process engineer -- hands on or sit on yer butt? I've heard that manufacturing process design engineers (not sure if that's exactly the right title, basically designing the things you see on "how its made") have much more "hands on" experiences than other engineering...
  37. D

    Engineering Is a physicist as capable as engineer

    can a physicist do everything that an engineer can do or both of them are on separate boats, I am interested in physics,electronics and in computer science. What am I supposed to do?
  38. streeters

    Engineering Somehow I've ended up a Corrosion engineer. Is this an ok field?

    I was chatting with my undergrad supervisor and they sorted out a PhD project for me doing corrosion science, split between my university and a synchrotron. Is corrosion a good field? I'm finishing a Materials Science degree and always pictured myself making alloys for a car or aircraft...
  39. A

    A Confused New Undergraduate Aerospace Engineer need some advice

    Hi everyone, I am a new Undergraduate, enrolled in the Aerospace engineering program at the University Of Balamand in Lebanon. In my country (Lebanon), jobs in this field of Engineering are almost destitute ! Aerospace engineering is in my Veins, It is Everything I've always dreamed of being...
  40. K

    Engineering As an Engineer, will you just sit on your butt?

    I want to become a Mechanical Engineer. I'm going to the University of Akron next fall to study Mechanical Engineering. So I'm still in High School. But I've always wondered how things work like (Gears,Engines, Turbines, Robots, etc.) I knew I always wanted to become an Engineer. But now...
  41. M

    Chartered Engineer (CEng) UK Assistance

    I was conferred my Doctor of Engineering (EngD) in Nov. 2011. I am now planning to apply for Chartership in the UK; however I live in the U.S. and do not know any other CEng's in the UK to be my Proposer! Any advice?
  42. I

    Difference between Mechanical and Electrical engineer?

    Hey I want to study Engineering in college, but I'm not sure which field to go into.. Can you list some differences between the two, such as strengths needed, what each type does, etc...
  43. E

    Engineering Electrical and Biomedical Engineer

    I want to know if someone with a BSc in Electrical Engineering can work as a Biomedical Engineer? If yes, how possible? Can you give me the work outline of a Biomedical Engineer please and what particular things should an Electrical Engineer study to be able to work as a Biomedical Engineer...
  44. R

    What type of Engineer do I need?

    Hello, I currently have an idea to initiate for my start-up business. Therefore, I do not have the skill to do it. Will it be feasible to hire an engineer? The project consists to build a tablet with few built-in that are not currently in the market. We have found several suppliers, like LG...
  45. J

    Need to interview a hardware engineer

    Hello I am a senior in high school and I am working on a research paper on hardware engineering. I need someone working or has worked in this career to answer some questions for me. 1. How long have you been working in this career? 2. What is your exact title? 3. Where did you get your...
  46. C

    Engineering Computer Engineer going into Simulation and Modelling

    Hey all. I feel as if I've dug myself into a dead end and I'd appreciate some career advice. I'm a senior computer engineering student with a 3.8 GPA at a decent engineering school. I chose the major to further understand the mysteries of computers. I enjoyed learning what I did, because now I...
  47. S

    Renewable energy/water treatment engineer wanna-be

    Hi, I am a third-year physics major at a liberal arts college in USA. I decided to study Physics because I want to be involved in renewable energy field or water treatment field. I want to go to engineering school for master's or Ph.D for either of above fields. For renewable energy, I only...
  48. M

    (Stressed Electrical Engineer) How Do You Learn to Design Circuits?

    This is probably an extremely awful question to pose at this point, but I feel lost. I'm in my Junior year at 4 year uni after transferring from 2yr college and the jump seems so huge. One of things that is giving me headaches a lot this semester is learning how to design with extremely little...
  49. A

    Engineer Technical Letter Request

    As part of a research project on Dam Safety I am making some calculations for wave runup an wind setup on a existing embankment dam. Looking for information, I found a citation of the US Army Corps of Engineers related to my research topic, but I have not been able to find this document on the...
  50. C

    Programs Are minor math mistakes a major problem for engineering students?

    If I'm making minor errors on my math tests, is it wise to continue majoring in engineering? With these small mistakes?
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