What is Engineer: Definition and 837 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. N

    Engineering Field engineer in schlumberger?

    Is Schlumberger a good company? I talked with their rep at my school yesterday, and they sound really awesome. Especially I liked their field "engineers"; traveling around the world, looking for oil, spending long hours in remote locations.. Sounds really adventurous and romantic, very much my...
  2. Pattonias

    Has anyone started a business out of college as a mechanical engineer?

    I am starting a engineering business with some friends while I am still in college. I graduated this past December and I am now working on my Masters. I was curious if anyone else has had a similar experience and what technological field you were in. We are designing an automated welding machine...
  3. J

    Most useful programming language for an Electronic Engineer?

    So I'm quite new to this field but I'm trying to learn and absorb as much knowledge as I can while I study. I was casually looking on a few job sites the other day and a lot the vacancies require an engineer with at least basic programming skills. The languages listed were; VHDL, Embedded C...
  4. S

    Engineering Electrical Engineer: Job Satisfaction, Location, and Family Life

    Hello! I'm looking into getting an electrical engineering degree. I understand that there is a very wide variety of electrical engineers, located all over the world, but my questions are a little more specific. I noticed there's a demand for electrical engineers in Texas and surrounding...
  5. M

    Engineering How can a newly graduated mechanical engineer find job opportunities?

    Hey PF! I am a masters student in mechanical engineering, and I am doing really well. However, once I finish my thesis and graduate, what is the typical way to find a job. Are you head hunted or will I send out resumes? Should I talk with my advisers? My uncle works with Boeing and has...
  6. C

    Engineering Which is better, being an aerospace engineer or a pilot?

    So i have a best friend and we're both taking this course what you call BS in Aeronautical Engineering. However, the difficulty of math subjects made him decide to plan to shift to BS in Air Transportation (Pilot) but he doesn't have money. He's inviting me to join him in a business but the...
  7. Jewish_Vulcan

    Engineering Career as a satelite engineer?

    I would like some good colleges for satelite engineering also can I have a job description including the salary of a satelite engineer.
  8. K

    Engineering Confused Mech Engineer - what to do for the rest of my life?

    Hi all, I think this is a self help question, but I still need some advice. I am a Post Graduate Mechanical Engineer and started a job from past 6 months. Initially I enjoyed Engineering because I liked to be with passionate people and building some things. In addition I enjoyed learning...
  9. J

    Electrical engineer interview

    I need to interview an electrical engineer for a school project and I've been looking on the internet for days how to do it. I need someone who has graduated from college and is working as an engineer, I would really appreciate it! What engineering skills have you developed in the past year...
  10. P

    Aerospace Engineer interview for PLTW

    I am a high school student in an engineering course. One of the main portions of my course is interviewing a professional in the field of my choosing, which is aerospace engineering. It would be great if someone would answer these question in order to broaden my knowledge about this field. 1...
  11. C

    Why does my roommate's engineer claim bother me so much?

    Hello all, I would really like to get some opinions from other people on the following situation. The university I attend is not ABET accredited. To get around this, engineering 'tracks' are offered in our physics department. Outside of the physics program there is another program in the...
  12. I

    Engineering Correction to my academic plan to become a Drilling engineer

    I am currently a transfer student doing a BA in physics and two minors in business. At this time I cannot change my major unless it is advisable to go back and complete a BS in physics instead of completing a BA. I want to be able to secure my chances of landing a entry level Drilling...
  13. R

    I am a Civil engineer, and I want to study something else need advice

    Hi guys hope all of you are doing well. I am a 24 year old guy, I recently graduated with my Bachelors in civil engineering. I have been working in Construction logistics and as a building permit reviewer for the local municipality for about 2 years. I find civil engineering a nice field to work...
  14. W

    Interview With A Nuclear Engineer

    I am a high school sophomore, and a year-long project for my engineering class involves a series of five or six interview questions with a nuclear engineer. I don't know if this is in the right category, but please reply if you can help. The file is attached to prove my point.
  15. C

    Self Study for Physics for a mechanical engineer

    I am a mechanical engineer with 2 1/2years working experience. I have a Bachelor degree in Science (Mechanical Engineering). Physics is one of my favorite subject when I was in high school. Even though I already graduated from University, during my free time, I will self study Physics. I have an...
  16. Alpharup

    How to Become a Successful Electronics Engineer: Tips and Advice"

    I'am doing my undergrad first year in Electronics and communication engineering..I want to know what are all the practices which will make me a good electronics engineer...I usually like solving tough problems and I also try to learn the depth of my subject..If mathematical rigor is what makes...
  17. N

    Engineering Work Environment of an Electrical Engineer

    One thing I always enjoyed about doing work is working with your hands and getting "dirty" so to say. I like putting in a hard day's work that has a physical aspect to it. But I also really like doing the math and thinking critically and solving hard and complex problems using a more mental and...
  18. wilsont23274

    Electrical Engineer that struggles in remedial algebra?

    Hello! When I was young, I had absolutely no issues with Math. We moved to a different state that was much further behind on their coursework and as such when we moved back 5 years later, I was very behind. English and Social Studies were easy to catch up on because...well...I never really have...
  19. D

    Engineer who wants to do Mathematical Modelling.

    Hello! I am on my last year of study for my bachelor degree in Mechatronics. Looking back at my courses I can say that what I want to do with my life is mathematical modelling of systems (Be they technical, financial, whatever). My favorite courses so far were the mathematical ones and the...
  20. B

    Possible to engineer an ecosystem with only symbiotic relationships?

    I was imagining in the future with technological and moral advancement, there might be a drive to engineer an ecosystem without conflict an pain i.e. no predatory or parasitical relationships. It would only be a natural progression from veganism to wish to stop animals from causing pain to...
  21. A

    What Are the duties of an Aerospace Engineer in Practical Life (Job)?

    Hello Everyone, First I would like to thank you for allowing me to post in this community and Would like to Give a brief background about me: BEng (Hons) Degree: Aerospace Engineering from UK MSc Degree: Advanced methods of Aeronautical Engineering from UK Basically a Fresh Graduate...
  22. M

    I Need To Interview a Computer Engineer for My Engineering Class

    Homework Statement Hi, I am currently a high school freshman enrolled in an Engineering program for the next 4 years. I applied for this program because I've been fascinated by Science and Technology for practically my whole life. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't use some sort of...
  23. H

    Engineering How do you tell if you are smart enough to become an engineer?

    I have been preparing to enter an engineering program for next year, a program that splits the first year of a real engineering program into 2 years allowing an easier transition in the full program. I am still uncertain of whether or not I am smart enough to become a competent engineer, I...
  24. B

    Propulsion Engineer: Pursuing a Career in the Space Industry

    Hi guys, I'm a mathematics graduate who will be going back to university in 2015 to study mechanical engineering, but have a question that I hope can be answered here. I feel that the financial industry that I'm currently working in is not the place for me, as it's quite soulless and...
  25. M

    Choosing the Right Master Degree for an Electronics Engineer

    I am an Electronics Engineer and is heavily troubling my mind for one year already what master degree to pick up,i know i have to make a wise choice.This is how i define wise choice: 1.A master degree should be a respected degree(obviously and the university) to a strict employer's eye.A...
  26. G

    Future Engineer: Advice on Choices at UoAuckland

    Hi there, I am currently in my last year of high school in New Zealand and looking to become and engineer or a surgeon. I am interested in all types of engineering and the college that I will be going to next year ( The University of Auckland ) offers many types of engineering. Should I pursue...
  27. U

    Did you become a chemical engineer for the money?

    I've posted questions on other forums asking people why they became engineers, and the majority of people claimed they did it because of a passion for building things, interested in how things work, etc. However, when doing a search on this forum, I stumbled upon this thread...
  28. L

    Websites to put an ad to hire a temporary chemical engineer

    I would like to know if you can tell me the name of websites where I can put an ad to recruit a temporary chemical engineer. I am looking for an alcohol technologist who can make the drawings of a small distillery for the production of extra neutral alcohol at 96.2% for beverages. The raw...
  29. I

    Advice Regarding Becoming An Engineer

    Hello. I currently hold a B.Sc in Chemistry with a double minor in Math and Business Administration. I have had great marks throughout my degree and qualify for Graduate Studies. Upon conducting research into pursuing a masters-phD in Chemistry, I have decided against it and will be furthering...
  30. D

    Questions for a professional Electrical Engineer

    I have a list of questions I'd like to ask an electrical engineer. Not only is this for an assignment, but I truly would like to see why the responding electrical engineer chose this path. If you would please leave your email after responding to all the questions that would be great. You won't...
  31. A

    Engineering Engineer who stutters needs advice

    Hello. I need some advice from people who might stutter or have dealt with a situation where someone stutters at their work. I graduated with a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering last May (2012). I stutter and it gets worse during phone calls and interviews from potential employers and...
  32. M

    Junior Engineer Seeking Help Designing Gearbox for 25:1 Reduction

    Hello good people, I'm a junior engineer currently studying in an Adv.Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. I have been tasked with the project of designing a gearbox and I'm having a bit of difficulty getting started as I'm not that experienced with gears. The client requires a 25:1 reduction...
  33. A

    Engineering Can someone help a young engineer out.

    This is probably really bold by some members standards, but I would like some help. If I send someone who has engineering experience my resume would you mind critiquing it...please :) I'll return the favor somehow.
  34. M

    Engineering Can an electrical engineer be a software engineer and vice versa?

    Or are differences in how one engineer is trained such that you either become one or the other but not both?
  35. G

    Should I become an electrical engineer?

    Good evening to the PF members! I am -once again for those who remember my thread a couple months ago- confused about what to study after high school. I applied for electrical engineering, because even though my passion is physics, seeing the bad economical situation worsening, I decided I...
  36. 8

    Mechanical Engineer with a decent pGRE

    Hi all, I've got a question about PhD programs: I have a BS in Mechanical Engineering, good GPA, and have been working for 4 years since. I will have strong rec's and plan to mostly apply to Materials Science and Engineering PhD programs. I did take the pGRE this spring and scored an 850...
  37. S

    Engineering Life as a Physicist or Engineer

    I am a college freshman, and I was just wondering what the work environment and nature of work was like for a physicist and an engineer. I am most interested in hearing about all types of physicists (but I find particle physics fascinating) and electrical and mechanical engineer but all other...
  38. T

    Aspiring to be a Bio-medical engineer with a M.E background

    Hey guys I have recently finished my B.S in Mechanical Engineering and am about to enroll in my M.S in M.E . However , I have recently discovered Bio-medical Engineering and I'm pretty sure that is where I want to be .If I wish to finish my M.S in M.E (necessary to become a professional...
  39. L

    Corrosion Engineering Degree | Scholarships in Oil/Gas

    Hi! I would like to ask if there is a university which offers a graduate degree in Corrosion engineering and have scholarships available? I am currently working as a Piping Materials Engineer in a Japanese company and I would like to pursue the field of corrosion engineering specially that it is...
  40. S

    What is the average day of an Engineer?

    I am interested in going into engineering. I enjoy literally using the scientific method to solve my problems in my life, I also have a knack for creativity and enjoy doing things efficiently. My problem is that, I still do not have an appropriate level of understanding or conception of...
  41. D

    What hands on trade would benefit an electrical engineer?

    I'm going into my second year of a 2 year electrical technology diploma (technologists are like middle men between engineers and technicians), and got hooked on discovery channels' show "biggest brain theory" recently. More than anything, the documenting of the contestants' work in the workshops...
  42. Whitestar

    Engineer Wants To Build A Real Starship Enterprise

    I'm not sure if this has been addressed previously, but there is an engineer who goes by the name of Dan who claims he can build a real starship Enterprise within the next 20 years. All he requires is the necessary funding, which is about $50 billion for each year, which I think is insane...
  43. D

    Can a foreigner work in American airlines as an engineer?

    I'm from China and I am studying AE in University of Illinois in the US. I would like to work in the US after graduate. It's clear that an American citizenship is necessary to find a job in some companies on designing and manufacturing, like Boeing and Locked Martin. I want to know whether I...
  44. J

    Electronics engineer vs Electrical engineer?

    My major interest is in electronics. I have my college admission counselling in two days, and I'm stuck with this dilemma of which branch to choose. I also have Computer Science engineering as an option. These vacations I took up C++ and it's going well. Question 1 Can I do my masters in...
  45. T

    Engineering What job opportunities are available for computer engineers in Toronto?

    While doing my co-op in the downtown core of Toronto this summer, it struck me all of a sudden that all the big buildings here were related to finance/economics. According to wikipedia, it is even called a financial district. How screwed am I if I want to stay in Toronto and want a career...
  46. U

    Engineering Why did you decide to become an engineer?

    As opposed to entering fields such as medicine, law, finance, accounting, actuarial science, etc.?
  47. V

    Engineering Computational Skills of a Nuclear Engineer

    This Fall I will be joining my university for MS Nuclear Engineering. My undergraduate major is Mechanical Engineering. I have a few questions. 1. How important is computational physics in Nuclear Engineering? 2. How to go about learning and practicing it in the context of nuclear engineering...
  48. J

    Is civil engin. the lowest of the lowest when it comes to engineer?

    Hello there! I’m still a high school student. My classmates and I were talking about what we course we’ll take for college. Most of my classmates want to become electronics and communications engineers but I think it’d be cool if I become a civil engineer. When I told them that I want to become...
  49. I

    Former engineer, currently upgrading in physics

    Greetings, I did a degree in electrical engineering a few years ago from ottawa university, and due to some immaturity and life circumstances (got a nasty bout of mono in my first year and barely made it through) graduated with an atrocious 2.5 GPA. I've always had a love and...
  50. N

    Engineering Is finance a viable career for a simple engineer?

    Hi. What job could a guy with a MSc. in technical physics (engineering-physics) do if he chose to pursue a career in finance/economics? Typical math stuff like modelling and analysing? What are the work hours and wages compared to a job in the tech industry? Finally, does taking a phD pay-off...
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