ENGINEERING FUCNTIONS

What happens to an engineer when they graduate?

they will be assigned to a functional team performing a specific area such as research, design, management or sales

In what scenario would an engineer work in multiple functions?

small company

What is the difference in between engineering disciplines and engineering functions?

disciplines are the subject area of a problem, functions are the jobs needed to produce a product

Research Engineer

key qualities: perceptiveness, patience, self confidence

-most students who want to be a research engineer will pursue master's/doctor's degree in order to develop intellectual abilities and necessary research skills

Development Engineer

-attempts to produce functional device, structure, or process

-building and testing scale/pilot models is primary means by which they evaluate new ideas

Design Engineer

-converts the development engineer's concept or model into a full scale device, process, or structure

-evaluates many design options,keeping in mind cost of manufacture, ease of production, availability of materials, and performance requirements

Testing Engineer

-responsible for designing/implementing tests that verify integrity and reliability of a product before it is introduced to the public

-work closely w/ development engineers to evaluate prototypes by simulating conditions under which product will operate

-challenges include having reliable conditions and data which includes fitting devices w/ data collection instruments

Production Engineer

-once research, development, design, and testing is complete, they are responsible for gearing up for mass production

-will order raw materials, set up assembly lines, and handle shipping the finished product

Construction Engineer

-in building industry, same as production engineer in manufacturing

-estimates material, labor, and overhead costs for a building

-if bid is successful, may coordinate all of the project/big projects, only individual segments such as structure, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical

Operations Engineer

-responsible for supplying all facilities for the plant such as offices, labs or production floors

-once plant is operational, responsible for maintenance and modifications as requirements and growth demand increases

Sales Engineers

-responsible for finding and developing a market for a product

-liaison between company and customer, very important part of influencing company's reputation

Management Engineer

-main function is to use facilities to produce an economically feasible product

-often making decisions affecting thousands of people, millions of dollars over the years

-in the past, typically business degrees in management, but w/ increase in technology & complexity of manufacture, more engineers filling these positions

Consulting Engineer

-someone interested in self-employment

-operate alone/partnerships to provide specialized help to clients who need it

-must possess professional engineer's license before beginning practice in some fields

Teaching Engineer

-interested in helping others become engineers

-must be able to communicate abstract principles/experiences in manner that students enjoy

-emphasis in classrooms today is to empower students to take charge of their own education