Engineering Career

 What is engineering?
 Where does the engineer fit into the
technical spectrum?
 How are engineers educated?
 What is meant by professionalism and
engineering ethics?
 What have engineers done in the past?
 What are engineers doing now? What will
engineers do in the future?
 What are the workplace competencies
needed to be a successful engineer?
Definition of Engineering

“Scientists explore what is,

engineers create what never has
been”

Quote from Theodore von Karman

Aeronautical engineer
Definition of Engineering

“Engineering is the profession in which a

knowledge of the mathematical and
natural sciences gained by study,
experience, and practice is applied
with judgment to develop ways to
utilize, economically, the materials and
forces of nature for the benefit of
mankind”

ABET Inc.
Definition of Engineering

“It is a great profession. There is the

fascination of watching a figment of the
imagination emerge, through the aid of
science, to a plan on paper. Then it brings
jobs and homes to men. Then elevates the
standards of living and adds to the
comforts of life . That is the engineer’s
high privilege”

Quote from Herbert Hoover

31st President & Engineer
Definition of Engineering

“It is not very important whether

engineering is called a craft, a
profession, or an art: under any
name this study of man’s needs and
of God’s gifts that they may be
brought together is broad enough for
a lifetime”

Quote from Professor Hardy Cross

The Technology Team
 Scientist
 Engineer
 Technologist and Technician
 Skilled Tradesperson/Craftspersons
The Technology Team
 Scientist
Scientist have as their prime objective
increased knowledge of nature

1. Formulate a hypothesis to explain natural phenomenon

2. Conceive and execute experiments to test the
hypothesis
3. Analyze test results and state conclusions
4. Generalize the hypothesis to the form of a law or theory
5. Publish the new knowledge
The Technology Team
 Engineer
Engineering takes the knowledge of mathematics and
natural science and applies this knowledge with
judgment to develop ways to utilize the materials and
forces for the benefit of all humans

1. Define the problem

2. Acquire and assemble pertinent data
3. Identity solution constraints and criteria
4. Develop alternate solutions
5. Select a solution based on analysis of alternatives
6. Communicate the results
The Technology Team
 Technologist and Technician

Much of the actual work of converting the

ideas of the scientists and engineers into
tangible results is performed by technologist
and technician
The Technology Team
 Skilled Tradesperson/Craftspersons

Skilled trades possess the skills necessary

to produce parts specified by the scientists,
engineers, technologist and technician
Functions of the Engineer
 Research  Operations
 Development  Sales
 Design  Management
 Production &  Consulting
Test  Teaching
 Construction
Functions of the Engineer

Research:

The research engineer seeks new findings,

as does the scientist; but one must keep in
mind that the research engineer also seeks
a way to use the discovery
Functions of the Engineer
Development:

Using existing knowledge and new

discoveries from research, the
development engineer attempts to produce
a device, structure, or process that is
functional.
Functions of the Engineer

Design:

The development engineer produces a

concept or model that is passed on to the
design engineer for converting into a
device, process or structure
Functions of the Engineer

Production and Testing:

When research, development, and design

have created a device for use by the public,
the production and testing facilities are
geared for mass production
Functions of the Engineer

Construction:

The counterpart to the production engineer

in manufacturing is the construction
engineer in the building industry
Functions of the Engineer

Operations:

Operations or Plant Engineer has the major

responsibility of supplying all facilities, such
as offices, laboratories, and production
facilities
Functions of the Engineer

Sales:

Sales Engineering means finding or

creating a market for a product
Functions of the Engineer

Management:

There is a need for people in management

with knowledge and experience in
engineering to use company facilities to
produce economically feasible products
Functions of the Engineer

Consulting:

Consulting engineers operate alone or in a

partnership furnishing specialized help to
clients who request it
Functions of the Engineer
Teaching:

The engineering teacher must possess an

ability to communicate abstract principles
and engineering experiences in a manner
that young people can understand and
appreciate.