Engineer Definition and 849 Threads

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. 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...
  2. 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...
  3. 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...
  4. 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?
  5. 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...
  6. 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...
  7. 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...
  8. 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...
  9. 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...
  10. 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...
  11. 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...
  12. 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...
  13. 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?
  14. D

    Engineering Career as a Civil Engineer, or as a Physician

    Hello everyone, I am relatively new to this forum. My name is Domn, I am seventeen, and will be graduating from a community college this June with my AA, and my high school diploma. During my two years at junior college I took a lot of math classes, and am currently in Calculus 2. My math...
  15. Ackbach

    MHB My Favorite Engineer, Physicist, Mathematician Joke

    An engineer, a physicist, and a mathematician are each asked to compute the volume of a little red rubber ball. The mathematician find the equation of the surface, performs a triple integral, and computes the volume. The physicist dunks the ball in a pool of water, and measures the volume of the...
  16. C

    Nuclear Engineer, Astrophysicist, or both?

    Hi, I am currently attending UTK and studying in their nuclear engineering program. I think this is a great program of study that will pay off well, even with just a bachelors degree. However, I am really interested in astrophysics. The job market in astrophysics is a little riskier than the...
  17. N

    Expert Engineer Interview: Tips and Insights for a Successful Career Path"

    Homework Statement First off hi.I'm new here so I don't know if this is the right place for this, but it is an homework assignment. I need an interview with a engineer current in the field. I'm looking for either a computer or electrical engineer to answer some questions if possible...
  18. W

    Mathematics for electronics engineer

    Hello all, I am currently working on modelling organic FETs. I would like to know if there exists any book that can help me in modelling i.e. I have a curve and I need a method or approach as to how this can be represented using an eqn. Also I need some literature recommendation for...
  19. I

    I need to interview an engineer, asking him questions about his or her career.

    About a week ago, I was given an assignment to interview an engineer, asking things such as why he started his career and what his proffesion was. However, there is a problem. I do not know any engineers, I failed to find any engineers in my family or through any of my families friends. So I am...
  20. H

    Health-Related Topic for Electrical Engineer

    Hello everyone I'm glad to type my the first post in this great forum. I'm about to write a report (1800 words) about a health topic this is related to electrical engineering. So, do you have any suggestions?
  21. M

    I think I can be an engineer but mom doesn't

    I am currently a high school grad spending a gap year abroad. After much thought I've decided that I would like to become an engineer (electrical, aerospace, or civil most likely). I really like math and physics and I want to help build the future. In high school I took calculus BC and generally...
  22. D

    Engineer vs Scientist: Differences Explained

    Scientist Vs Engineer hello What is the difference between an Engineer and a Scientist?
  23. D

    Being an Engineer : Essential - and interesting - mathematics and tools.

    So, its a long post and I feel I've been pushing this thing further and further without considering it properly. Here's the background: I am doing a 5 year B. Tech. + M. Tech. Integrated course in Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering. There's one major issue though. My curriculum doesn't...
  24. T

    Engineering Career Query-Mechanical Engineer with 3.5+ years of experience

    Hi I had done my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and had been working at a construction company through campus placement since last 3.5+ years. During this period, I had been trying hard to switch from construction industry but couldn't make it. I wanted to switch over to Design-CAD/CAM...
  25. S

    Engineering Physicist or Petroleum Engineer?

    I'm currently in a dilemma on which career I should pursue. I am a college undergraduate with an undecided major. I'm pretty proficient in math and science, so academics is not the problem. The problem is, I come from a pretty poor family, and I want to get a career as soon as I can to help...
  26. A

    Engineering Procrastinator with ambitions (I want to be a Computer Engineer)

    Hi there. I'm currently in grade 11. I'm taking courses like physics, chemistry, math and computer science. I do very well in school when I put in the effort but lately I've just been procrastinating and being sort of apathetic about everything except technology. I am very addicted to the...
  27. H

    Engineering Description of Control and instrumentation engineer

    Hello, I am an undergraduate in EE, for the last year I have taken two control courses (classical control theory, and digital control) which I find very interesting and considering taking an Msc in this subject. Are any of you a control engineer and could you describe what kind of job you do...
  28. K

    Interview with a mechanical engineer

    Hello, I wasn't sure where to put this questionnaire, because it says on top do not post homework, but then again, I need to ask real engineers and the other forum is for undergraduates ( I think). Anyway I need to interview a mechanical engineer for my careers class, and I had been hoping that...
  29. K

    If I didn't do well in calculus will I be a lousy electrical engineer?

    So I'm currently a second-year college student, and I plan to transfer into an EE program at a four-year institution next spring. Overall I've done well on my math, but I struggled a lot in calculus with series and multi-variable integration. I also just finished a linear algebra class, and it...
  30. M

    Engineering Instrumentation and Control Engineer

    Any one interested in a job in the wild and woolly world of Instrumentation and Control Engineering? If so ask away.
  31. T

    Engineering Linking physics interest with civil engineer [2 out of 1]

    Dear friends, I am completing my bachelors in engineering in civil engineering this year. I always had a inclination towards physics from childhood but followed the most usual path of engineering due to family. Now, my plan is to go into a field which is similar to physics or requires...
  32. C

    55 yr old man, homeless. Has degree in electrical engineer and physics

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2011/08/10/maurice-johnson-homeless_n_922800.html He obtained his degrees in Purdue University in electrical engineering and in physics. How can Mr. Johnson be homeless? I think there's more to it than it meets the eye. Do we still have a shot for us...
  33. B

    I need to interview an Electrical engineer

    What made you choose to be an electrical engineer? What area of electrical engineering do you specialize? What University did you go to and why did you choose that one? What types of courses did you take in college? How quickly were you able to find a career after college? What is...
  34. S

    Engineering Whats the difference between an engineer and experimental physicist?

    Apart from the obvious that one has a PHD and spent more time in school. When it comes to skillsets and capabilities, can one do more than the other? What about an engineer with a phd? Perhaps my idea of what a physicist does is that they just do very abstract work, can an...
  35. Z

    Schools What to do about grad school? What does an engineer do on a day to day basis?

    I’m currently a physics/math major. I work very hard and am proud of my 4.0 GPA. However, as my peers and professors begin to talk about grad school I realize I don’t have a clue what I'm supposed to do. My goal is to go to Penn State for an advanced degree in some type of engineering or...
  36. J

    Best engineering books for an undergraduate engineer

    I'm an engineering first year and I am looking for the best books relevant to my subject. My course is split up into five components: Maths, Electrical, Electronical, Materials, and Energy. By best books I mean that I am looking for books that explain most of what I need to know in a clear and...
  37. J

    Should I give up on becoming an engineer?

    I'm 19, I am about to try to pass physics with a 60%(I might try to retake the course) but will most likely fail.. I have a 2.2 GPA and it's probably about to go down to 2.0 after this semester is over. I have no problems with the material in the classes I'm taking, I can usually do the...
  38. Y

    Path to becoming software engineer?

    I am one semester away from graduating with an operations research major. I only learned programming when I was in university, but grew to love it very much. Since I am currently considering my future, I realized that I am nowhere qualified for a job in the technology sector, so my first job...
  39. S

    Aspiring automotive engineer looking for advanced information.

    Hello there, (Sorry, I hope not to come on here too forward or over anyone's head). I am 25 years old (Junior), I seek information and am super hungry for it. I seek how to design cars, and all aspects thereof. I have decided to pursue establishing my own automotive engineering firm, and...
  40. B

    Any tips for a struggling Engineer major?

    I'm currently doing Electrical Engineering. My main problem is math, and it's mostly my fault. I did the minimum work I needed in calculus 1 and 2 and it's kicking my butt in calculus 3 (I have failed it once before). I don't remember the basic stuff from calculus 1 and 2 is the big problem...
  41. C

    What math is needed in Electrical Engineer

    Specifically I'm looking at linear algebra, which topics in a first course of that class is useful to an electrical engineer. I'm taking the class right now and it feels like all the useful stuff (solving equations, matrix manipulation, etc) I already knew prior to this class. All the other...
  42. Y

    RF Engineer from China Give Advice

    Hello. Yangman here. I come here write an advice. Do not study digital field in EE. Every day I meet some digital circuit chump who call himself engineer because he understand AND NOR NAND NOR and verilog. Just because you can make LED blink on Arduino do not make you real engineer. I give...
  43. H

    Pros and Cons to taking the FE Exam as an Electrical Engineer?

    So a lot of my engineering friends not in EE are required to take the FE exam, but I noticed that it was not required for my major. I am graduating in December, and so far out of the dozens of companies I have applied to only 1 has asked me to take the exam. I guess I am wondering is why...
  44. C

    How to engineer specialized headphones

    Hello, I'm a newby at audio electrical engineering. I would like to build headphones that can do double duty as room speakers (in both situations they would be plugged into an ipod headphone jack). What I mean is, I would like to incorporate speakers that are sufficient for playing music...
  45. L

    Engineering IP Design Engineer in Electrical Engineering: Skill Set

    In Electrical Engineering does a "soft ip" Design Engineer have a superior skill set then other Design Engineers
  46. M

    Engineering Need help understanding Electrical Engineer

    I need help understanding electrical engineering. I want to know if i go with EE i will experience the same level of creativity and beauty that i would doing mechanical eng. or chemical eng... I like to build stuff - like if its was lego - but i have this idea about EE that the major is only...
  47. P

    What are the multifunctional roles of engineers?

    Can anyone please help me with my assignment, my English teacher ask me to report all about On Engineering. the module says how an engineer functions as a designer, a supervisor, a contractor, an operator, an investigator and an adviser? i don't have a good idea.. I'm not an engineering...
  48. L

    Engineering What is a impressive salary for an Electrical Engineer

    what would you consider an impressive and or respectable salary (range) for an Electrical Engineer with 12 years of experience?
  49. A

    Nuclear Engineer - job description

    Hi there, I've been wondering for some time what the nuclear engineer job exactly looks like. I am particulary interested in one question: is there a place in the field of nuclear engineering for guys who would rather do the math and equations than build anything? Are there jobs for power...
  50. A

    Engineering Power Engineer - job description

    Hi there, I've been wondering for some time what the power engineer job exactly looks like. I am particulary interested in one question: is there a place in the field of power engineering for guys who would rather do the math and equations than build anything? Are there jobs for power...
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