Is it possible to start engineering firm without engineering degree?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the legal implications and feasibility of starting an engineering firm in the US without an engineering degree. Participants explore the regulatory landscape, the definition of "engineering," and the requirements for establishing such a business, particularly in relation to high-performance product design and development.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the term "engineer" is legally protected in the US, and its use may require a degree or certification, depending on state regulations.
  • Others argue that anyone can start an engineering firm if they have the financial resources to hire qualified engineers, implying that a degree may not be strictly necessary for ownership.
  • A participant notes that historically, it was possible to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) registration without a degree, but recent trends indicate that this option is being restricted.
  • Some contributions emphasize that while formal education is valuable, practical experience can be equally important in the engineering field.
  • There is a suggestion that starting a design and manufacturing firm might be a viable alternative to establishing an engineering firm, as it may avoid some regulatory complexities.
  • One participant mentions that in Canada, becoming a Professional Engineer is typically mandatory to start an engineering firm, highlighting differences in regulations between countries.
  • Another participant reiterates that while starting a company does not require a degree, there are regulations that must be adhered to, which apply regardless of educational background.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of views on the necessity of an engineering degree to start an engineering firm, with some asserting that it is not legally required while others highlight regulatory restrictions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific legal requirements and implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that regulations vary by state and that consulting legal experts or regulatory bodies is advisable for accurate guidance. There is also a recognition of the evolving nature of professional engineering requirements.

EntropicLove
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If I were to engineer specific high-performance product and establish an engineering firm would this be legal in US without a degree for engineering?

This product would be somewhat benign, for example an intake.

Also any suggestions or side thoughts are welcome.

Thank you!
 
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That would be a legal question - you should consult a lawyer.

In general, and not to constitute legal advise, the word "engineer" is protected in the USA - like "doctor" and "lawyer". The exact protection depends on the state - there is usually a regulatory body.

[edit]update: you do usually need to get a degree as a first step.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulation_and_licensure_in_engineering#United_States

caveat: wikipedia is not a substitute for consulting a lawyer or the appropriate regulatory body.
 


Sure, anyone with enough money to hire engineers can start an "engineering firm".

Also, to "engineer" (design and develop) a high-performance product does not require an engineering degree. If you can do it and prove it works then a degree is generally not necessary. The exceptions are areas in which a PE certification is required but generally these fall under civil engineering fields.
 
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There was a time when you could get a PE registration without taking the EIT or getting a degree as long as you could document something like 12 years of work experience under the tutelage of a registered PE. From what I've seen, the NCEES is attempting to close that option across the United States.

Personally, I think that's a bad idea. Formal education is nice, but there are some damned smart auto-didactic people out there. We should remember that this is a field where experience counts at least as much, if not more so, as formal learning and knowledge.

That said, if you are not a registered PE or employ a registered PE, it is usually illegal to have the protected term "Engineering" in the company name.
 


EntropicLove said:
If I were to engineer specific high-performance product and establish an engineering firm would this be legal in US without a degree for engineering?

This product would be somewhat benign, for example an intake.

Also any suggestions or side thoughts are welcome.

Thank you!


I've never heard of a law that requires anyone to have degrees to start a company. There are regulations that such a business would need to follow, but that would apply regardless of whether or not you had an engineering degree.
 


aquitaine said:
I've never heard of a law that requires anyone to have degrees to start a company. There are regulations that such a business would need to follow, but that would apply regardless of whether or not you had an engineering degree.

I believe, in Canada, one needs to be Professional Engineer in order to start an engineering firm. The P.Eng gives the o.k. to society saying they can be responsible for the safety of the public.

To become a P.Eng, it is pretty much mandatory to have a degree in engineering, as far as I know.
 


I've never heard of a law that requires anyone to have degrees to start a company.
You don't need a degree to start a company - just like you don't have to be an MD to start a medical practice or an LLB to start a law firm - but that's not really the question is it?

You can start "a firm that does engineering" but there are restrictions on how you can market yourself and the firm. In the US, this varies from state to state so OP is best advised to seek out the appropriate authority and/or a lawyer. The next question is "why bother with being an engineering firm?" Why not just be a design and manufacturing firm? You know - people wot build stuff ... if your stuff is in demand, then people will buy it. Big deal. Engineering firms usually hire out engineering expertise as their core business but OP want to "engineer" in the sense of "manufacture" something.

But I think that's pretty much what everyone is saying - time to hear from OP: does that answer the question?
 


Thank you all very much for your information and thought.

It is a slow process in the beginning, I'm using engineers assess design process. I'm getting that it doesn't really set too many limitations.
 
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