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. R

    How does one become Tony Stark? (the Engineer, not the Iron

    If you were starting with no applicable background, no engineering degree, nothing except for a lot of free time and a moderate amount of money to spend, how would you become Tony Stark? No limits on time, whether it's 6 months or 60 years, how would you go from Joe the VCR clock programmer to...
  2. Ahmad Kishki

    How Can an Engineer Pursue Their Dream of Studying Physics?

    i was pressured into engineering, and not allowed to pursue physics. I see that every year (or even semester) that passes by, i am missing out on my dream. I wish to be a physicist, and even if it will mean that i will have to study it all myself. I just want you to recommend some self study...
  3. sunshine1025

    Food Chemist vs. Chemical Engineer- Help

    First, thank you for taking the time to read this. I need some guidance as I am inventing somewhat of a new edible product. Curious as to if someone can point me in the right direction for the type of chemist I should actually be looking for. At first I was under the impression that it would be...
  4. G

    Engineering Nuclear Engineer with B.S. in Physics?

    I have a B.S. in physics. Am I qualified for entry-level jobs in nuclear engineering?
  5. M

    Engineering I want to be a mechanical engineer, but I fear

    ...that I'm not smart enough. Yes, I know - hard work matters more than smarts. But I look at kids way younger than I am who are building things and have had a natural scientific curiosity, making physics for fun, doing differential equations since they were 8, etc. And I can't help but feel...
  6. B

    Engineering How to engineer? (and some other questions)

    So, technically I'm a physics major. However as of late I've been experienceing a growing appreciation for the engineer, and particular, the engineer mindset. My question for you all is how can someone develop the engineer mindset? Does one simply just start building things like levers and...
  7. Sakurasus

    Engineering Electrical engineer & physicist, advice on PhD astronomy

    Hello everyone, I have read a lot of the post here about being engineers and going on into astronomy or astrophysics. Thus, decided to join and ask for advice. I have a similar experience but I have a unique problem. I have an BSc in electrical engineering from a US university with focus on...
  8. Sakurasus

    Hello I'm an electrical engineer and a physicist

    Hello there, My name is Sara and I have an electrical engineering degree from an American university and a physics degree in the field of nanophysics from a United Kingdom university. I would like to move to the field of astronomy and astrophysics. I joined this forum to learn, share...
  9. T

    Engineering Becoming an engineer with no degree?

    So, I don't have a degree, but I was curious if companies would hire me as a process engineer. I understand calculus, diff. Eq, probability theory, statistics, and PDEs. I love thermodynamics, microbiology, immunology, as well as chemistry (above organic). I guess the problem for me is...
  10. T

    Find a Power System Engineer for Hydro Power Guidance

    Could somebody please suggest me a staff mentor, or perhaps anybody, preferably a power system engineer and into hydro power. i really need some help. thank you :)
  11. A

    Programs Aerospace Engineer Seeking Admission to Masters Program Abroad

    I am currently in my pre-final year of aerospace engineering at one of the top engineering institutes in India. Since my school days, I have been good at physics at math and was particularly fascinated with popular science books based on astronomy. I decided to join the general trend of studying...
  12. D

    Mechanical Engineer Needed for Interview Please

    Well, here it goes again, I am a senior in high school and my english teacher has assigned my class a research paper with the topic being a job that we are interested in. My last post got deleted due to this sites rules, so does anyone know where I can find a mechanical engineer that I could...
  13. C

    What are the alternative career options in astrophysics besides research?

    Hello everyone! I'm a junior at the University of Michigan, currently on a path to double major in Physics and Astronomy, which would be followed by grad school for a Ph.D. in astrophysics (if all goes well). My entire life I thought I wanted to be an astrophysicist, but I'm beginning to become...
  14. W

    What are the main areas of physics and mathematics for aerospace engineer?

    Hello. I'm not a mechanical or aerospace ingineer, but it's interesting for me. What are the main areas of physics and mathematics for aerospace engineer? It seems to me, that main areas of maths are calculus and differential equations, maybe some linear algebra. And I think, that main areas of...
  15. Vanessa Avila

    Engineering Questions about being a Software Engineering

    I am about to go to college, and I want to land on software developing as a career after college. I don't know exactly what kind of classes I need to take and I wonder if it revolves around more Computer Science and Programming or more Math and Physics? I searched online if Physics was...
  16. A

    Engineering Aerospace engineer as software developer?

    I am new here, and i really wanted to know if an aerospace engineer (today's aerospace engineers) have the ability or the skill to work as a software developer ? Thanks
  17. Phoenix Baldez

    Nuclear Engineer Looking into High Energy Physics Detectors

    So I am a senior nuclear engineer with a good GPA and I've actually taken some extra math (PDEs) and physics (nuclear physics and astrophysics) courses over the years. I am extremely interested in detection in general. I have worked at a national lab designing and building neutron detectors and...
  18. A

    Engineering Electrical engineer and mechatornics

    Hi, i am a freshman in engineering school and i want to be a power engineer, but for some reasons i can't join the electrical engineering major, but i can join the mechatornics major, can i take this major then maybe take grad studies in power systems or do i have to be an electrical...
  19. H

    Engineering American Engineer < H1B visa engineer. According most corporations

    http://theinstitute.ieee.org/ieee-roundup/opinions/ieee-roundup/are-engineers-really-in-demand I am concerned about this, is this true? Are engineers really not all that in demand? Is the hype about the shortage of engineers just a ploy to get more H1B Visa engineers?
  20. R

    Not even close to being an engineer, but got an engineering question

    Thanks in advance for indulging me. I was on another forum (a woodworkers forum) discussing bed design (I'm not really a carpenter either, sort of a intermediate woodworking hobbyist). My question there, and now here, has to do with figuring out the optimal placement for two posts holding up a...
  21. A

    Engineering What does a quant/sales engineer do?

    I was reading about quants and sales engineers and it interested me. Anyone has a idea of what they do, what you need to study to become one and the job market for them?
  22. M

    Where can i get a mechanical engineer for prototype

    I need a prototype built. The main design I have sorted out but need the engineer to tweak it here and there. I've tried googling it and the results are top companies which are very expensive, is there anywhere I could find an individual who can do this work for me? Or would any of yiu guys...
  23. vead

    Engineering Embedded Engineers: Roles & Responsibilities

    what is role in company for following engineer 1 Embedded system engineer 2embedded software engineer 3 embedded firmware engineer 4 test engineer
  24. S

    Engineering How Do Technologists, Technicians, and Engineers Differ in the Workplace?

    Hey people, don't know if this thread's been done to death but I was wondering if anyone has more info on technologists vs Engineers in what they actually do, salary comparisons and career advancement opportunities. Thanks
  25. R

    Advice for a mechanical engineer wanting to be an electrical engineer

    Hello, I'm a first year student going into mechanical engineering at the university of Waterloo in Canada. I initially chose this because I really wanted to work either with satellites or nuclear power plants and my teachers advised that a mechanical engineering degree would net me easy...
  26. H

    PhD in Semiconductor Nano Devices after undergrad in Computer Engineer

    I am getting an opportunity to do PhD in semiconductor devices. The professor is quite active in the field and publishing good research. I have no background in solid state physics. How difficult it could be with a computer science background? Also where should I start once enrolled in a...
  27. K

    Physics classes as a electrical engineer

    I am having trouble taking classes to get full time status because my college only offers electrical engineering courses at night. I am looking for some physics classes that will prove useful in my field. I've heard some PE's with masters in engineering physics say they can derive solutions to...
  28. F

    Engineering What is RF engineering and what job opportunities does it offer?

    I am currently in college for a 2 year EET degree. Now, before you all jump onto me saying that it is not an engineering degree I already know this. I am using this time to make sure I am prepared for EE in a 4 year university. I am going to take cal 1-3, diff eq, linear algebra, calculus based...
  29. T

    Electrical Engineer Software for Macintosh

    Hello all, I am starting my sophomore year in EE and am wondering if anyone can shed some light on the typical engineering software I may run into and whether or not it will run on a Macbook Pro. Currently I am using one of these as my personal and work computer. I have enough money saved...
  30. J

    Maximizing Solar Power: Understanding Circuit Ratings for Off-Grid Living

    I have a three circuit solar array. Live off the grid. Each is 48 volt rated but two are really 90 volt rated (3 x 250 watt x 24 volt which are really 30 volt). The other is more like 60 volt. (2 strings of 4 80 watt panels x 12 volt -really 17.5 volt - total 640 watts. I have three +...
  31. W

    Engineering Fresh Mechanical Engineer entering the pipeline installation industry

    Hi I'am a fresh graduate with a bachelors of engineering in mechanical engineering. During an interview for a job opportunity in crude oil pipeline installation, the interviewer warned me that if i got the job and entered this domain it will be really hard for me to enter another mechanical...
  32. D

    Is it realistic to want to become an Electrical Engineer at 45?

    Im 44 almost 45 and have returned to college to begin pursuing a degree as an Electrical Engineer. I know it will take a lot of work and a long time. Is this goal realistic?
  33. M

    Engineering Can an aeronautical engineer specialize in Robotics or AI ?

    Hello, first of all, sorry for my bad English.. I'm taking English courses to improve it :) I have a big question that nobody can answer yet.. I'm studying aeronautical engineering in Argentina, I love it, and I have very high grades, my university have a connection with the ISAE in Toulouse...
  34. E

    Engineering Easier to get programmer or engineer jobs with Physics/Math BS?

    I graduated with BS degrees in Physics and Applied Math and I then enrolled in a Physics PhD program. However, I took a leave of absence and am now looking for jobs I think I've only gotten a couple interviews for engineering positions, which were computer engineering/EE-related, but it...
  35. J

    Engineering What does it take to be an engineer?

    I've been trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my life since I'll be starting college this fall. I've been looking into the field of engineering, particularly environmental engineering. I took AP Calculus in high school and loved it, I've always been interested in science type...
  36. S

    Should I be a Mechanical Engineer or a Chemical Engineer?

    Hey guys, I'm 16 this year and I've already decided to be an engineer. it's just i don't know what type i want to become. I am leaning towards mechanical engineering more because i heard you get to break things apart and assemble them. and it's the most diverse engineering branch. i...
  37. K

    Engineering Structural engineer - vehicle structures after civil degree?

    Hi, I'm an engineering student in Civil/Structural engineering and am interested in structures. As well as fixed structures I am also interested in mobile structures like ships. Can I get a job designing vehicle structures after graduating from a degree focused on civil structures? Would the...
  38. K

    Is Age a Barrier for Pursuing a Career in Civil Engineering?

    I'm 40 yrs old, and it will still be another 3yrs before I can return to school, but I think I've finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up - a civil engineer. I'm using this time to relearn Physics and calculus. A part of me doesn't care if I'm too old, the same part that shrugs...
  39. L

    Robotics and automated systems, is it useful to a mechanical engineer?

    Hi i just finished my first year of general engineering and am on a 4 month break. If there are any senior engineering students or engineers out there, I just want to know if its useful to take a two month course in embedded systems and microcontrollers. Thanks
  40. E

    Hard decision to be an engineer --

    Hey and thank you in advance for taking the time to read and hopefully replying to this. I have been doing a lot of research into becoming a mechanical engineer the past few weeks and this is sort of the last step for me in deciding whether or not to apply to the schools and commit to it. I...
  41. P

    Engineering Professional Engineer Exam for Experimental Physicist

    Long story short: I have a B. Sc. in EE, and currently doing PhD in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics. I plan to go for industry. I found that it would not be difficult for me to pass the Electrical and Computer PE exam (both the "Computer Engineering" and the "Electrical and...
  42. A

    Engineering Engineer Transition: Physics/Math Teacher's Chances

    I am curious to know what my chances would be to transition into engineering after having taught physics and math at the high school level for about a decade. I have a BA in physics and math and have also accumulated a host of professional development hours, many in research. Is transitioning...
  43. A

    Engineering Protection Engineer: Choose Generation/T&D/Maint./Ops.

    Hello here, I am an Electrical Engineer. I am to be a Protection Engineer in a plant. Should I choose to be in the Generation Department or in the Transmission and Distribution Department? And between Maintenance and Operations which unit should I be, to be more operational? Thanks in advance...
  44. F

    Difference Engineering Physics, Applied Physics, traditional engineer

    Hi, what is the difference between engineering physics, applied physics, traditional engineering(mech E, elec E)? Thanks!
  45. B

    Am I missing out by being and electrical engineer?

    My goal and dream since I was 16 was to study engineering physics at a certain university. I just loved the idea of combining physics (both theoretical and experimental) with the practicality and applications that come with being an engineer. However, due to various factors which I won't get...
  46. S

    Need to interview an Engineer who uses Sketches

    Homework Statement I have to interview an engineer who uses sketches to convey ideas to others. I need to write a small essay based upon the response from such an engineer Homework Equations What tools do you use when Sketching? What type of sketch do you generally start with? How...
  47. E

    Best calculator for electrical engineer

    Hi I need best calculator for electrical engineer ( communication or computer networks) I think ti-89 for DE solver read about casio and hp but still need advance for pro. Thanks
  48. M

    Engineering Mechanical Engineer vs. Actuary: Which Career Path to Choose?

    hey pf! the title pretty much sums up my question: what are the differences between actuarial work and engineering? if you have experience OUTSIDE of academics, please share your insight, as i'd really appreciate it. my brief background: i have a double major in mathematics and economics...
  49. T

    Would like to discuss and idea with a material science engineer

    Hi there! Im new to this forum so pardon me if this is the wrong place to post my question. Basically, I have an idea with regards to doing some modification to phone screens. However, there is no such technology (yet) for this and I have zero knowledge and background pertaining to...
  50. A

    Exploring a Career as a Computer Engineer: Interview Questions and Insights

    I am a freshman in high school, and I need to conduct an interview for my English class of my future career. If any computer engineers out there could answer these questions, it would be much appreciated. I realize that these interviews are no longer allowed, so if I could get a PM that would be...
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