High School Engineering/What Makes an Engineer?

Engineers solve problems using math, science, and technology. They also design products that are useful for humans. To become an engineer you need a degree in engineering that will provide you with a broad background in math, science, and technology, as engineers use these skills to solve problems on a daily basis. Besides the broad background, engineering students also choose a specialization in some branch of engineering. Engineers in each branch have knowledge and skills that can be applied to many fields and can contribute to solving many different types of problems. Since many engineering projects encompass multiple problems to solve, engineers in one field often work closely with specialists in other fields, including scientists, other engineers, and business leaders.

Engineering Specializations

Most engineering specializations have emerged over the past 200 years as scientific knowledge in various fields has grown. Prior to that, engineering focused primarily on the construction of roads, bridges, canals, or military structures and devices.

Activity

To better understand the breadth of engineering specializations it is time to make another list. This time you do not need to do any research. Simply make a list of all of the engineering specializations or types of engineers you can think of, and write a brief description of one of those specializations. Refer to the list of engineering societies that represent different engineering specializations at the end of this lesson. How many were you able to name? Are there others that you did not write down? Was your description of the engineering specialization similar to the description listed? You may want to spend some time reading all of the descriptions to better understand the various engineering specializations.

Activity

Now that you are familiar with some of the different engineering specializations and the major societies that represent engineering, let us see if you can match an engineering design project with an engineering specialization.

An aircraft manufacturer wants to design and manufacture the world's largest airplane. What type of engineer(s) should they hire?

From reading the list of engineering specializations at the end of the lesson, your first response might be an aerospace engineer. However, did you know that there are miles of electrical wiring and thousands of electronic devices inside of an airplane such as the Airbus A380 shown in Figure 5? Therefore, it might be a good idea to hire an engineer with some knowledge of electrical systems (perhaps an electrical engineer). We probably do not want the aircraft to break into pieces under the weight of the hundreds of people or thousands of pounds of cargo inside the aircraft, so it might be a good idea to hire structural engineers or civil engineers. Today there are thousands of different materials that can be used to manufacture products so we might want to hire engineers with specialized knowledge of materials (materials engineer). Pilots need to be able to operate the very specialized equipment that controls an airplane, so you might want to hire engineers who specialize in human-computer interaction (industrial engineer). It might also be a good idea to hire systems engineers who have specialized knowledge of how the different parts of the aircraft (mechanical, electrical, structural, materials, human-computer interaction) fit and work together.

Enrichment Activity (Quick)

Select one of the engineer profiles in the beginning of the chapter. Write a brief report that explains what type of engineering specialization, if any, you think the engineer has.

Enrichment Activity (Medium)

To better understand the engineering specializations, go to the websites of one or more or the professional societies and read about the specialization. Write a report that describes the engineering specialization you selected.

Engineering Skills

Many employers hire engineers because of particular skills, and not because of a particular discipline, degree, or specialization. Let us explore the range of engineering skills and educational degrees that employers look for in their employees. Job advertisements usually describe a position and list the skills, experience, and education required or desired for the position. Engineering skills can be highly technical, and may include the ability to use certain types of math and science, the ability to use certain types of instruments, the ability to operate certain types of computer programs, or the ability to apply certain areas of specialized engineering knowledge.

Activity

At the end of the lesson you will find several engineering job advertisements that were posted on the Internet in 2007. As you read them, you may notice terms that are new or unfamiliar to you, particularly if the ad is describing a specialized technical skill. You may also see terms that you do understand. Read each of the job descriptions and requirements carefully. Make a list of the degree requirements for each position, the experience required for each position, and the skill requirements that you understand. Did you notice that an engineering degree was listed as a requirement in all three ads? You might have also noticed that none of the positions required a specific engineering specialization.

About half of all engineering job advertisements today do not require a discipline-specific engineering degree. Rather they require an engineering degree coupled with a set of specific skills or experience.

Two of the ads list a desired number of years of experience, and all of the ads list specific types of experience. Below you will find one example from each of the ads.

Ad 1: Experience in managing complex, high-profile projects.
Ad 2: Familiarity or experience in one or more of the following areas: product development, program management, imaging and printing.
Ad 3: Experience in injection molding plastics.

Experience is a very important qualification for most engineering jobs. Many engineering students gain experience while they are in school through internships and/or through part-time employment. Others gain employment experience after school and progress to new positions as they gain more experience.

Let us now look at some of the engineering skills with which you are probably more familiar. Did you notice that all three ads require good communication skills?

Ad 1: Demonstrates strong communication skills by clearly documenting activities and presenting information, technical content and ideas through spoken and written words; listens well.
Ad 2: Good communication skills.
Ad 3: Strong communication skills with the ability to initiate establish and maintain positive relationships with internal and external customers. Clean, accurate, precise work, and documentation.

Engineers must be able to communicate their ideas to others. Engineers often make presentations, write technical reports, and interact with customers and other technical experts.

One of the ads uses the following words: "clean, accurate, precise work, and documentation". Many engineers keep detailed notebooks of their work. This helps them remember how they solved a problem, or why they chose to design a product a certain way. Do you think the Wright Brothers kept good notes while they were trying to design the world's first airplane? They recorded every experiment, every failure, and every success. Sometimes engineering notes are used to apply for patents that can be quite valuable. Sometimes engineers must defend their designs when problems occur. Why do you think it would be important to have engineering notes and documentation in the case of an engineering failure, such as the collapse of a bridge or a building? One answer is that notes and documentation help engineers find the causes of failure, which ultimately leads to improved designs. Another answer is that good documentation can protect engineers against lawsuits.

All three ads also required good organizational skills.

Ad 1: Defines and prioritizes realistic, specific goals; able to complete scheduled tasks in the face of changing priorities.
Ad 2: Good organizational skills, multitask ability, teamwork ability a must, self-directed.
Ad 3: Detail-oriented, strong organization skills, time management (time lines), and deadline driven. Self-starter, motivated, and proactive.

Engineers frequently work on multiple projects simultaneously (multitasking), and most of those projects have different tasks and corresponding deadlines. Engineers also usually work with one or more teams simultaneously, where each team member has different skills and responsibilities. Task deadlines are critical to the success of most projects. Sometimes missing a deadline can cause an entire project to be cancelled, or may result in the loss of significant revenue. For example, imagine that you are on a team designing a new video game controller. If you do not finish the design, testing and manufacture of the product, your company may miss the holiday season in which the majority of product sales will occur. Or perhaps your company knows that another firm is also designing a new video game controller and that the first company to get their product to market is likely to acquire the most customers.

Enrichment Activity (Medium)

Look at five engineering job openings on a job posting website or in the newspaper and list the specific qualifications of those five positions. Are there qualifications that they all have in common?

Enrichment Activity (Medium)

Identify one or two engineering skills from the advertisements below that interest you, and do some research to explain the nature and details of that skill.

One ad listed the following requirement:

Ad 1: Uses a logical, systematic approach to solving problems through analysis and evaluation of alternate solutions.

Engineers learn to solve problems using a careful systematic problem-solving approach. Note that the requirement also states, "…and evaluation of alternative solutions". Usually, there is more than one solution to a problem.

Activity

A fire has been burning in a coal mine for several years in the northeastern United States. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the fire is completely underground; smoke rises through cracks in the ground in some areas and the ground has collapsed in several locations. There are many potential solutions to this problem: we could fill the mine with water; we could try to smother the fire by cutting off oxygen; or we could just let it burn.

**Figure 2.6**: A fire in an underground coal mine in Centralia, Pennsylvania, has been burning since 1962.

There are many possible solutions to most problems, and in order to ensure the best solution is selected it is important that engineers evaluate each and every alternative. In the situation above, which of the solution to the mine fire do you think would cost the most? Which solution would cause the most harm to the environment or to the people that live in the area? Which solution is most likely to actually put out the fire? These are the sorts of questions engineers must answer to arrive at an optimal solution. The solution that was actually chosen for the mine fire was to let the fire continue to burn.

Engineering Education

In 2006 there were approximately 350 engineering colleges or schools in the United States and Canada. There are hundreds more in other countries. Most engineering colleges or schools have multiple engineering programs that offer degrees in different engineering specializations. For example, Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe and Mesa, Arizona, offers the following 12 engineering and engineering technology degrees. In addition, within many of these degrees are specialized concentrations or focus areas.

Aerospace Engineering
Bioengineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronics Engineering Technology
Engineering (multidisciplinary)
Industrial Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Engineering programs are usually accredited by an organization outside of the university. Accreditation is like a stamp of approval, indicating that the engineering program has been evaluated, and that it meets standards for a quality process, adequate resources, and an appropriate engineering curriculum. The largest accreditation organization for engineering programs is ABET. In 2007, ABET accredited more than 2,700 different programs in engineering, technology, applied science, and computing.

ABET requires that all engineering programs demonstrate that their students attain the outcomes shown below. These outcomes are quite general, and are needed by almost any engineer. In addition to these outcomes, there are specific outcomes required by each engineering discipline. Thus, electrical engineering students must demonstrate the ability to design complex electrical and electronic systems; mechanical engineering students must demonstrate the ability to design and realize thermal and mechanical systems. Finally, each engineering program may have outcomes that are specific to the program; for example, these outcomes may address the needs of companies or industries that hire the program's graduates. If you study engineering in an ABET-accredited program, you will spend part of your time pursuing each of these different outcomes.

an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data;
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams;
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
an ability to communicate effectively;
the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
a knowledge of contemporary issues;
an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

To prepare to study engineering in college, you should get a good foundation in high school in math and science. Look at outcome number 1 (an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering). In most college engineering programs, students study chemistry, physics, higher math (either calculus or discrete mathematics), and possibly biology; so you need to be prepared to enter into college-level study in these areas. You will be best prepared if you take high school courses in all of these areas. In addition, it is helpful if you are ready to start calculus while in your first year in college.

Completing an engineering curriculum can be challenging and will probably require many hours of study outside of the classroom. Most undergraduate engineering programs are designed so that you can complete a bachelor's degree in four years. Because they were not well prepared in high school or do not stay on track as a full-time student, many students, however, take five or more years to complete their degrees.

Completing an engineering degree with good grades opens up many possible gratifying career paths. A engineering degree provides the foundation for the types of careers discussed in the profiles in the section "Some Practicing Engineers" of the previous lesson. Many graduates of engineering programs also move into technical sales or engineering management positions within the first ten years of their careers. In addition, an engineering degree provides an excellent starting point for graduate education. Many people with a bachelor’s degree in engineering choose to pursue a master's degree in an engineering specialization to gain advanced and deep knowledge. A bachelor's degree in engineering also provides a good foundation for an advanced degree in law, business, or even medicine.

Enrichment Activity (Long)

Identify two different university engineering programs, preferably at different schools. Research the admission requirements and the classes you would be expected to take in the first two years of the program. How many of these courses are math, science, and engineering courses? See if you can identify the courses in each of these areas.

Engineering Licensure

Many engineers choose to become licensed as a professional engineer (PE). While licensure is not required for the majority of engineering careers, only licensed professionals are allowed to offer their services to the public and sign and seal plans for the public. Some engineers who are not required to hold a professional license choose to do so for other reasons; for example, some do it to demonstrate that they have accomplished a recognized standard. It may also be advantageous when seeking or changing employment opportunities, as the PE certification sets a candidate apart from other nonlicensed engineers.

The requirements for engineering licensure are determined by each state, and therefore vary somewhat from state to state. Despite the variations, there is a standard process. The first step is to graduate from an ABET-accredited engineering program. The second step is to take the engineering fundamentals exam (FE) that covers the fundamental engineering sciences that are studied in engineering school. The third step is to acquire experience through employment, the criteria for which varies from state to state. The final step is to take the engineering professional examination.

Sample Engineering Job Opportunities

Each of the following engineering job opportunities was posted on the Internet in August 2007.

Engineer, Manufacturing

Specific Duties:

Develops, implements and maintains methods, operation sequence and processes in the manufacture or fabrication of parts, components, subassemblies and final assemblies.
Interfaces with design engineering in coordinating the release of new products.
Estimates manufacturing cost, determines time standards and makes recommendations for tooling and process requirements of new or existing product lines.
Maintains records and reporting systems for coordination of manufacturing operations.

Other Requirements:

Uses a logical, systematic approach to solving problems through analysis and evaluation of alternate solutions.
Acts in a professional manner even when dealing with time demands and/or interpersonal conflict.
Maintains a flexible approach toward task scheduling.
Demonstrates strong communication skills by clearly documenting activities and presenting information, technical content and ideas through spoken and written words; listens well.
Follows through on tasks to completion.
Defines and prioritizes realistic, specific goals; able to complete scheduled tasks in the face of changing priorities.

Qualifications:

BS in Engineering plus related experience; two years for Eng; four years for Sr. Eng.
Sound knowledge of manufacturing techniques and process control.
Familiarity with the process of integrating technical designs into a production environment.
LEAN Six Sigma implementation experience.
Experience in managing complex, high profile projects.
Knowledge of SAP applications is a plus.

Media R&D Engineer (Electronics Industry)

Job Description:

Technical position specializing in large format printing & LF Media development and testing. This person will be responsible for R&D deliverables during the New Product development process and also be in charge of the Large Format Image Permanence Activity.
New Product Development is driven by cross-functional teams and requires the ability to work cooperatively and coordinate activities across the organization. This position will interact often with marketing, sales, manufacturing, Printer development teams, strategic manufacturing sites, and customers, as well as other internal personnel in conducting product and application training.
Max. 25% travel.

Requirements/Qualifications:

Musts:

Self-motivated, success oriented, and the will to deliver against goals
Strong team interaction ability.
Strong technical skills.
Familiarity or experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Product development
- Program management
- Imaging and printing
- Image permanence (fade and durability testing)
- Imaging materials manufacturing and testing
BS degree in an engineering discipline
Large format printing experience - large format printing, graphic production processes, applications testing and materials selection
Demonstrated test development, specification establishment and troubleshooting experience
Intermediate computer/digital workflow skills
Good communication skills
Good organizational skills
Multi-task ability
Self-directed
High energy
Teamwork ability a must

Strongly Desired:

Ability to operate large format printers is desired. Ability to develop application relevant test methods and make recommendations for improvements is a plus.
Demonstrated ability to work well across cultural boundaries as well as multiple geographical sites and time-zones.

Eyewear Test and Development Engineer

Description:

Interface with Designers, Research Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers and Quality in testing raw materials, prototypes and pre-production samples for manufacturing process implementation and production hand-off.
Define, track, and execute testing deliverables to ensure timely test results based on product timelines.
Support the field-testing program which provides detailed, meaningful feedback from real-world testing.
Be able to identify and troubleshoot processes of experimentation, redesign experiments accordingly, and design valid experiments to ensure "killer" data.
Identify and solve problems found through materials, product, and process testing.
Research on materials and material specifications, process technology, concepts, and new testing equipment and methods.
Support the research, testing, and implementation of manufacturing processes and parameters with appropriate work instructions and documentation.
Identify critical process variables and parameters to develop and design experiments accordingly.
Work in R&D lab on designing and/or implementing tests on mechanical and physical properties as well as performance properties on all related raw materials. Raw materials include: polymers, coatings, and metal alloys.
Document all testing, results, and other information pertinent to product development.
Responsible for Design of Experiment (DOE).
Collect data.
Set-up test methods.
Take ownership and manage project from beginning to end under the direction of the R&D manager.
Responsible for full product testing.

Requirements:

Degree in technical field (i.e. mechanical engineering, physics, chemistry, polymer/materials science) and 3–5 years of related work experience OR 6–10 years related work experience with formal technical training/certification.
Strong communication skills with the ability to initiate, establish, and maintain positive relationships with internal and external customers.
Experience in researching, developing, and manufacturing plastics, coatings, and metal alloys.
Experience in injection molding plastics.
Experience with forming, casting, injecting, coating and testing metal alloys.
Experience in mechanical and physical testing procedures to apply results to final decision making.
Experience in executing field-testing during product development for "real world" feedback.
Requires minimal direction in executing test, experiments, test parameters, and collection of data and research.
Detail oriented, strong organization skills, time management (timelines), and deadline driven.
Clean, accurate, precise work, and documentation.
Self-starter, motivated, and proactive.
Natural inclination to think outside the box.
Knowledge of statistics, mathematics, physics, and critical thinking skills.

Major Engineering Societies

Table 2.1
Society	Society Information
Aerospace Engineering: http://www.aiaa.org American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)	AIAA is a leading advocate for aerospace among government decision-makers—and a trusted information resource for the media on all subjects relating to aerospace technology. Since 1972, AIAA has contributed extensive technical expertise and policy guidance to Congress and the Executive Branch. We testify before the House and Senate on the full spectrum of aerospace issues.
Agricultural Engineering: http://www.asabe.org American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)	ASABE is an educational and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems. Agricultural, food, and biological engineers develop efficient and environmentally sensitive methods of producing food, fiber, timber, and renewable energy sources for an ever-increasing world population.
Architectural Engineering: http://content.aeinstitute.org/inside/intro.html Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI, part of ASCE)	AEI is the home for all professionals in the building industry. They provide a multidisciplinary national forum for members of but not limited to the architectural engineering, structural, mechanical, electrical, and architectural communities. Recognizing the necessity for a place to examine issues and exchange views and information with one another. AEI works to facilitate the crucial communication among members of the building team, both on a technical basis and in the professional arena.
Automotive Engineering: http://www.sae.org/servlets/index Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)	SAE was founded for the purpose of advancing mobility on land, sea, air, and space. Many years ago, SAE noticed that graduating engineers were well versed in textbook knowledge and engineering theory. Surprisingly, however, college engineering curricula provided no ways for students to gain practical experience with manufacturing and production of their designs. Since this type of experience is vital for success on the job, SAE began to organize and sponsor competitions which emphasize a hands-on approach to the engineering.
Biomedical Engineering: http://www.bmes.org Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)	In response to a manifest need to provide a society that gave equal status to representatives of both biomedical and engineering interests, BMES was incorporated in Illinois on February 1, 1968. The purpose of the Society is to promote the increase of biomedical engineering knowledge and its utilization.
Chemical Engineering: http://www.aiche.org American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)	AIChE is a nonprofit professional association that provides leadership in advancing the chemical engineering profession. Through its many programs and services, AIChE helps its members access and apply the latest and most accurate technical information; offers concise, targeted award-winning technical publications; conducts annual conferences to promote information sharing and the advancement of the field; provides opportunities for its members to gain leadership experience and network with their peers in industry, academia, and government; and offers members attractive and affordable insurance programs.
Civil Engineering: http://www.asce.org/asce.cfm American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)	Today's civil engineer uses every advantage to meet the demands of their profession. That is why ASCE pioneers new programs, policies, educational activities, and professional resources to help them successfully compete in their business. That is why today's civil engineer has a home at ASCE.
Computer Engineering: http://www.computer.org/portal/site/ieeecs/index.jsp IEEE Computer Society	The IEEE Computer Society's vision is to be the leading provider of technical information, community services, and personalized services to the world's computing professionals. The Society is dedicated to advancing the theory, practice, and application of computer and information processing technology.
Electrical Engineering: http://www.ieee.org/portal/site Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)	Through its global membership, the IEEE is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics among others. Members rely on the IEEE as a source of technical and professional information, resources, and services. To foster an interest in the engineering profession, the IEEE also serves student members in colleges and universities around the world.
Environmental Engineering: http://www.aaee.net American Academy of Environmental Engineers (AAEE)	AAEE is dedicated to excellence in the practice of environmental engineering to ensure the public health, safety, and welfare to enable humans to coexist in harmony with nature.
Geological Engineering: http://rock.geosociety.org/egd/index.html Geological Society of America, Engineering Geology Division	The Engineering Geology Division promotes education, research, outreach, and application of engineering geologic knowledge toward betterment of human society by adopting sound design of buildings, structures, and facilities that assure public safety and a healthy environment.
Industrial Engineering: http://www.iienet2.org/Default.aspx Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE)	IIE is the world's largest professional society dedicated solely to the support of the industrial engineering profession and individuals involved with improving quality and productivity. IIE is an international, nonprofit association that provides leadership for the application, education, training, research, and development of industrial engineering. IIE's primary mission is to meet the ever-changing needs of industrial engineers, which includes undergraduate and graduate students, engineering practitioners and consultants in all industries, engineering managers, and engineers in education, research, and government.
Marine Engineering: http://www.sname.org Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME)	SNAME is an internationally recognized nonprofit, technical, professional society of individual members serving the maritime and offshore industries and their suppliers. SNAME is dedicated to advancing the art, science, and practice of naval architecture, shipbuilding, and marine engineering, encouraging the exchange and recording of information, sponsoring applied research, offering career guidance and supporting education, and enhancing the professional status and integrity of its membership.
Mechanical Engineering: http://www.asme.org American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)	Today's ASME promotes the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences around the globe. ASME codes and standards strive to be the world leader in mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering codes, standards, conformity assessment programs, and related products and services.
Mining Engineering: http://www.aimeny.org American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers (AIME)	The goal of AIME today is to advance the knowledge of engineering and the arts and sciences involved in the production and use of minerals, metals, materials, and energy resources, while disseminating significant developments in these areas of technology.
Nuclear Engineering: http://www.ans.org American Nuclear Society (ANS)	ANS is a not-for-profit, international, scientific and educational organization. The core purpose of ANS is to promote the awareness and understanding of the application of nuclear science and technology.
Petroleum Engineering: http://www.spe.org Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)	The mission of SPE is to collect, disseminate, and exchange technical knowledge concerning the exploration, development and production of oil and gas resources, and related technologies for the public benefit; and to provide opportunities for professionals to enhance their technical and professional competence. The vision is to be a society of professional excellence, providing its members the highest quality lifelong learning, and continuous personal and professional growth.
Systems Engineering: http://www.incose.org International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)	INCOSE is a not-for-profit membership organization. Its mission is to advance the state-of-the-art and practice of systems engineering in industry, academia, and government by promoting interdisciplinary, scaleable approaches to produce technologically appropriate solutions that meet societal needs.

Review Questions

The following questions will help you assess your understanding of the What Makes an Engineer? section. There may be one, two, three, or even four correct answers to each question. To demonstrate your understanding, you should find all of the correct answers.

Review Answers

a, b
c
a, b, c, d
b
d
b, c
a, c
d
a, b
c
d
a, b, c, d
b
d
b
a, b, c, d

← Discovering Engineering · Global and Societal Impact of Engineering →

	there were too many people in one field of engineering
	the space program needed more inventions
	knowledge of science and technology has increased
	they could make more money as a specialist

	the same as an engineering specialty or discipline
	the ability to use certain kinds of instruments
	the degrees you have earned such as a master's degree
	the number of years you have worked at an engineering firm

	taking extra courses
	reading outside of class
	taking things apart at home
	internships

	data to gain a patent
	data for lawsuits
	information to review their designs when problems occur
	data to prove hours worked

	only in very large companies
	only with other engineers
	almost always alone
	in one or more teams

	Structural
	Electrical
	Aerospace
	Material

	ENGG
	ASU
	NSF
	ABET

	calculus
	physics
	chemistry
	biology