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. E

    If I want to be a Engineer with the same level knowledge as a physicist

    I want to one day become a Engineer but I also want to have the level of in depth knowledge about theoretical physics that a physicist would have I have applied to University and have so far been accepted for Medical Physics,(Ryerson) Electrical Engineering, (Ryerson) Space Engineering, (York)...
  2. J

    Learning a second language as an aerospace engineer

    Hopefully someone with some experience in the field can help me out here: I'm currently studying engineering and I'm going to use my liberal arts concentration to learn a second language. In the aerospace engineering field, i would think it would be beneficial to know Russian, Mandarin, or...
  3. B

    What Is the Life of an Engineer Like?

    hi everyone,im ben,my father has told me to study engineering,but i want to know more about career life of engineering. 1)what an engineer do 2)the challenge in this field?i hav check about it but many engineer say the challenge is relationship wth other ppl?is that engineering? 3)how is the...
  4. E

    Engineering Understanding the Role of a Professional Engineer: Explained in Detail

    what is a professional engineer?? with deatils please and thank you
  5. M

    What Career Paths Are Available for Engineering and Physics Majors?

    What does an engineer even do? So I have a problem that I know has to walk through this forum consistently. Basically, I really enjoy my math and physics classes (current experience: calc1-calc3, classical physics 1 and 2). I also really like designing and building things (go FIRST Robotics!)...
  6. C

    Engineering Should I become a chemical engineer?

    Right now I am in chemical engineering, as a freshman, and am taking my first ChE course which involves material and energy balances. I am right now, on my spring break, still trying to understand the topics because its just not coming to me. I am working problem after problem and I usually keep...
  7. C

    Should I become a chemical engineer?

    Right now I am in chemical engineering, as a freshman, and am taking my first ChE course which involves material and energy balances. I am right now, on my spring break, still trying to understand the topics because its just not coming to me. I am working problem after problem and I usually keep...
  8. M

    Engineering Am I cut out to be an electrical engineer?

    I'm really good at math, but I'm horrible at hands-on stuff. I can't build things; for example, I couldn't even assemble my bed without help. I had no idea how to do it even with a manual. My dream is to go into EE but I don't know If I can do it. I know I can do CS, but I'd rather do EE. Am...
  9. L

    Engineering Are My Struggles in Calculus I a Sign I'm Not Cut Out for Engineering?

    Hi, I am currently a freshman majoring in Mechanical Engineering in the nuclear track. I really like math, but I've been having a hard time with Calculus I this semester. My teacher isn't great, but I'm just worried I'm not cut out for engineering if I'm already having trouble with Calc I. I'm...
  10. N

    Programs Minor for a (chemical) engineer

    I am currently thinking of minoring in math because I really love solving the problems. It's only four extra classes, which would be easily incorporated into my curriculum. I'm also considering physics because it fascinates me. I'm not really enjoying my E&M class, but I did enjoy...
  11. S

    Engineering Is it too late to become a Engineer for me?

    Hi, I am 17 in my final year of high school. I was wondering if it is too late for me to change my focus and become a engineer... Since I was a child, I was always interested in designing and building things, always had a creative knack. But unfortunately I was basically raised with the...
  12. A

    How Much Natural Gas Is Needed to Produce One Tonne of Ammonia?

    Homework Statement Ammonia NH3 is made by the haber process: N2 + 3H2 --> 2NH3 The nitrogen required for this process is obtained from air by using the air to burn natural gas CH4 , thereby removing the oxygen from the air, leaving behind only nitrogen. The hydrogen required is obtained...
  13. T

    Interviewing an Engineer: Insights into the Field and Career

    Homework Statement I am a student that has been tasked with an assignment to interview an engineer. Please answer the following interview questions if possible. What is your name and job title? What field of engineering are you in? How long have you been an engineer? What made you want...
  14. E

    Math Skills Needed to Be an Engineer

    To be an engineer what kind of math skills do I need? What math classes will need to take? Do engineers need to understand mathematical proofs? If so which ones? Do I need to understand "proof by induction" really well?
  15. S

    What kind of engineers work on creating tangible and valuable products?

    So I'm a high school senior at the moment, and i LOVE mathematics, i love studying it, especially difficult and challenging problems, most of the stuff i breeze through but every now and then i run into problems that are tricky or challenging, i love these problems because to figure them out i...
  16. K

    Programs What is the difference between a computer science and software engineer major?

    So my friends try to explain it to me and everytime they do, i come to the conclusion that they're the same. I just don't understand. If somebody studies computer science, what do they learn? If somebody studies software engineer, what do they learn?
  17. J

    Mech Engineer, Electronic circuit noob

    Hi, I'm designing and building a mobile robot, however I have to find / design a circuit board that incorporates two motor outputs, and possibly 8-12 sensors. The circuit also has to be a PIC, to allow me to program the robot to carry out specific tasks autonomously. I have 0% knowledge on...
  18. G

    Astronautical/Aerospace Engineer Programs?

    To start off, let me say I am a long time lurker, first time poster :) I am currently a senior in high school and I think I have decided what I should do as my career. You probably guessed it, yes, I want to become an astronautical engineer. However, I have a few questions about this that I...
  19. K

    Math Degree to Electrical Engineering: 4 Years Ahead

    Let's say in 4 years i have a math degree and i decide that i want to do electrical engineering with my math degree. How difficult is the transitioning from a math or statistics degree?
  20. L

    Want to become an electrical engineer but have a few questions about hiring

    I enjoy computer gadgets like smart phones, ipods, computers etc. I would like to be part of the team that helps to design these devices, so i guess that would fall under a hardware design job title? also what's a good company to start at after college for this type of thing? i have found out...
  21. L

    Engineering Want to become an electrical engineer but have a few questions about hiring

    I enjoy computer gadgets like smart phones, ipods, computers etc. I would like to be part of the team that helps to design these devices, so i guess that would fall under a hardware design job title? also what's a good company to start at after college for this type of thing? i have found out...
  22. M

    Are Engineers' Car Shopping Preferences Different from Average Consumers?

    Hello everyone, I have a really strange question. I am currently shopping for a new truck and I've narrowed down my choices to the most obscure features. For example, between the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier; in the category of interior features I really like how the front pass. seat of...
  23. G

    Is it too late to become an engineer at 34?

    I would love some honest advice. I have a masters degree in international politics and economics and an undergraduate in law. Over the last few years however my interest in what's going on around me specifically in how things are made has grown immensly. I like the idea of working on real issues...
  24. D

    What are the prerequisites for pursuing multiple engineering disciplines?

    Thank you for reading this. I would like to know of the Prerequisites for Engineering. I mean, the Math and Science. For the Math part, I would like textbook names. Everything from Algebra I through Differential Equations. As for the Science part, I would like to know Physics based on...
  25. S

    Programs Questions about transferring from a PHD program in Physics to Audio Engineer

    Hi, I am a first year PHD student in physics at a top ten university. I finished my undergraduate degree at a Liberal Arts college (hence, my degree was a Bachelors of the Arts) in math and physics. I didn't do too poorly during my first semester (I got a B average), but I decided that I want...
  26. B

    What Are the Key Differences Between Pro Engineer Wildfire 3.0 and 4.0?

    I want to buy a book by a particular publication for Pro Engineer Wildfire 3.0 Unfortunately The book is available only for Pro Engineer Wildfire 5.0 Can anyone say me if there is any major difference between the two versions (Wildfire 3.0 and 4.0). Means the methodology used in Sketching...
  27. S

    Who Excels More, Physicist or Engineer: In Theory or Practice?

    Where does a physicist lag behind a engineer or vice versa? :)
  28. Useful nucleus

    How hard is it to be an engineer and pure mathematician?

    I was wondering whether it is possible for an engineer with a PhD to learn pure mathematcis in depth to a level that enables him/her to use some ideas or line of thinking from pure mathematics into engineering and vice versa (if the vice versa is actually possible). Or is it completely...
  29. F

    Civil Engineer needs help getting head round a graph

    Hi, new to the forum, although i have read some posts before. I am in the process of completing a structural mechanics report based upon buckling of a slender column. In the brief they asked us to plot a graph of Critical Buckling Load derived from Euler's Buckling Theory and actual (all...
  30. T

    Engineering Can a State Trooper Transition into a Career in Mechanical Engineering?

    I am currently a State Trooper that is working at becoming a crash reconstructionist (I love the technical side to this stuff!). I want to, in the next 10 years, retire from the State Patrol and pursue a career in mechanical engineering. I am only 28 years old now but I am deathly afraid of the...
  31. J

    Electrical, Electronics or Mechanical engineer?

    What career should I choose? I really don't know what I would like more and this is my first semester in college so I need two more years to learn about either of these field, however, I am taking a Basic Electric Circuits course for electronics engineering right now and well... most of is...
  32. S

    What kind of graduate program can an industrial engineer choose?

    I will graduate with a BA in Industrial engineering from a university in Peru. I was wondering what doors does my bachelors degree open? I really like science and engineering. So far i can only think of MBA, something to do with OR, stochastic simulation or statics. If i had to choose...
  33. T

    Enthusiastic Wannabe Engineer From Scotland

    Hi PF! i stumbled here through google and i must say i kind of like it here. well, a bit more about me then :-p I'm a non-educated wannabe engineer who is really into science and technology. I'm sure my stay here will be an educating one. i currently live and work in scotland but originated from...
  34. J

    Engineering How to Transition from an Application Engineer HVAC to an HVAC Design Engineer?

    I got a job as an Application Engineer HVAC.My duties include assisting the sales team,preparing tenders and conducting selection of AHU's.Please tell me the steps i have to take inorder to become an HVAC design Engineer.
  35. Z

    Insights from a Computer Engineer: Trine University Student Seeks Advice

    Hello, I attend Trine University in Angola, Indiana. I was wondering if a working Computer Engineer could help me out and answer a few questions. This would be greatly appreciated. 1. What is your name? 2. Where did you study to become an engineer? 3. Where you work after graduation? Where...
  36. M

    Engineering Career Guidance: Mechanical Engineer BS to Theoretical Physics

    Howdy everyone, I'm at the point were I have to make the decision on my career well actually I'm a semester late but I need help with this. First, my main goal, is to be a theoretical physicist or something along those lines because that's where my interest is but I need a Ph.D. for that and...
  37. P

    Hoping to interview an engineer

    hello i am a high school junior and have been interested in engineering for a while now. i was hoping that someone could answer a few questions for a career report i am working on thanks a lot 1. Please describe your engineering field. 2. What is your current job title? 3. Please...
  38. S

    Which Engineering Path Aligns Best with My Career and Lifestyle Goals?

    Chemical - 3 years left highest starting salary. Big city school i like Electrical - 2 years left 60k starting salary. Big city school i like Mining - 2.5 years left 65k starting salary. Small city meh I am interested in all three if you want to advise to chose the one I am most interested...
  39. G

    Programs Philosophy major wants to be an engineer

    I'm almost done with my major, but I don't have enough time to pick up another. I have about 5 semesters left. Do I need to be a science major in order to be admitted into a M.Eng program? If not, is there a general list of undergraduate courses that needs to be completed? Maybe someone can give...
  40. K

    Mechanical Engineer Class Interview

    Hello, I am a sophomore and I need to conduct an interview on an engineer in the field i wish to enter into one day, so i was looking for a mechanical engineer, so if someone could get back to me as soon as possible that would be great, thanks for your time, Kevin.Reid414
  41. S

    Engineering Recent Grad w/Computer Engineer Degree

    Hi, I really need some help. I have a B.S. in Computer Engineering but my GPA is not very high. I am looking for an engineering job, but I don't have any experience to get hired. The only interviews I get is usually IT base, but I don't really know much about networking. So I am trying to get...
  42. B

    Engineer needed to analyze a new invention

    I recently received a patent on a machine designed to convert gravity to mechanical energy. The patent # is 7770389, also there is a additional patent application. Publication # 20090084106. Both can be viewed at the U.S. patent office.
  43. I

    Engineer Interview Help: Ask Your Questions Here

    Engineer Interview! (Please Help!) Hi everyone. I'm supposed to do an interview for my Principles of Engineering class. If anyone wants to help out that'd be great! Interviewee Name: Interviewee's Specific Degree: Place of Employment: Email Address or Phone: Please describe your...
  44. maverick_starstrider

    Engineering Inspiring Mechanical Engineer - Books, Lectures, Videos

    Hi, my gf is a soon to be mechanical engineer who feels she lacks a certain passion for her field. I was wondering if anyone knew of any good books, lectures, online videos, whatever that you feel really ignite a passion for engineering (specifically mechanical engineering) or give one a...
  45. A

    Engineering I want to work with electric vehicles. Chemist or Electrical Engineer?

    I love Electric motors and vehicles, and i want to fully understand how electricity works and how is generated, i see that batteries have a lot of chemistry and the wires also have a lot of chemistry. So if i want to fully undertand how this things work should l go electrical engineering or...
  46. J

    Engineering Senior physics major to software engineer?

    Hello everyone! I have recently decided that I want to pursue a career in software engineering, but the problem is that I haven’t taken many courses in it. I’ll briefly describe where I’m at now: I’m a senior physics major, and I had originally planned on doing some sort of medical physics or...
  47. S

    Engineering Jobs in Japan: Moving Up the Ladder and Pay Comparisons

    So I'll be going to school soon to double in mechanical and electrical engineering. My question is this: I would like to live in Japan and work as an engineer however I don't know much about the state of business in relation to engineering jobs. Is the pay as competitive as it is in the...
  48. S

    LaTeX Im an Electric Engineer student, should i start learning latex?

    Im an Electric Engineer student, should i start learning latex?? Im an Electric Engineer student, should i start learning latex??
  49. E

    Engineering Can a Mechanical Engineer do this? Water Industry

    Can a Mechanical Engineer design: -Pump Stations -Water/Waste Treatment Plants -Piping design for water distribution system It seems like the mechanical engineer can only do like equipment selection and installation which sounds real boring. Can an ME design what i mentioned?
  50. S

    Engineering Future of Electrical Engineering: In-Demand Sub-Fields and Job Market Insights

    Which sub-fields of EE are the most in demand right now? How about for the next 10 years or so? I'll be graduating soon and want to best position myself for the job market.
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