scientist
uses a systematic approach of observation, study, and experimentation to expand what is known about the world around us. may not be concerned with real world application of new discoveries
engineer
the problem solver. takes the scientific discovery and determines how to apply it using real world constraints.
technologist and technician
works closely with the engineer. performs testing and troubleshooting. creates computer models. prepares documentation. helps with installation
skilled trades/craftsperson
works closely with the technologist and technician. fabricates and machines components. assembles the pieces
“ingeniator”
early title for the modern engineer. latin for one with ingenium (the ingenious one)
“engineer”
origin: middle english (denoting a designer and constructor of fortifications and weapons; formerly ingineer); in early use from old french engineor, from medieval lativ ingeniator, form ingeniare ‘contrive, devise’…
early engineering
the need for rulers to protect themselves and their belongings led to military engineering. the first modern engineers were military engineers. miliary engineering skills were soon adopted to solve daily problems. these engineers were called ‘ingegnere civile’
civil engineering
oldest branch of egg professions. involved the design, construction, and operation of the facilities that serve or needs. structures, transportation, water resources/reclamation. consulting or manufacturing firms, local state or fed gov’t agencies, private practice. professional registration is necessary
chemical engineering
deals with the chemical and physical principles that allow us to maintain a suitable environment. fuels, plastics &fertilizers, structural materials &fibers, health &food products. petroleum, semiconductor, pharmaceutical/biomedical industry
electrical engineering
currently the largest branch. fastest growing die to advances in tech assosiated w/ electronics &computers. system control, mircorelectronics, alternative energy. power generation/alternative energy, communications, semiconductor &electronic industries
aerospace engineering
involves the study of flight characteristcs of all types of vehicles in all environmental conditions. aircraft, missiles, space vehicles. aircraft companies, military contractors, fed gov’t
mechanical engineering
involves the analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. mechanical system design &control, energy utilization &conversion, manufacturing materials& process, aerospace, heating, ventilation and air conditioning automotive biomedical industry
research & development
sector where cutting edge tech and processes are developed. typically requires masters of doctors. must be able to understand new discovrey and determine how to apply it using real world constraints
design &testing
develops the first prototype or concept based on the results of the R&D group. needs to be creative and look to many possible solutions. performs tests to understand the characteristics of the prototype or concept
production/construction
develops the methods and tools to produce prototype or concept of the desing group. acts as the middle man between management and the workers on the production liine or construction site
operations
monitors daily functions and helps in the design of the facilities. oversees projects, determines if modifications need to be made
sales
acts as resource to the marketing team, answers technical questions of customers or end users. travels to the end user to provide training or technical help
management
oversee the younger engineers. typically transition in management as their careers progress
consulting
allows engineers to focus on area that they really enjoy, provides flexibility, typically requires experience and/or masters doctorates
teaching
allows engineers to share what they know, requires the ability to relate complex info and concepts in simple terms
