Wednesday, July 16, 2008

The Role of Engineers

The Role of Engineers

In the public mind, the term "engineering" is frequently lost between the more popular words "science" and "technology". This contributes to an inadequate understanding of the role that the profession of engineering plays in society.

Engineering is a career based on logical, systematic problem solving, generally in high-tech, industrial, or scientific fields. Engineers are often the crucial link between goals and reality. Once a company or government agency decides that it needs a certain product or process, the next step is for an engineer or team of engineers to create it as efficiently as possible within a budget. Engineers can have a hand in all phases of development, from idea conception, design and development, implementation, testing, production, and maintenance to sales and customer support.

Manufacturers employ engineers to design and develop products such as consumefabricated metals, machine tools, chemical compounds, transportation equipment, aircraft, communication equipment, and space vehicles. Engineers also develop the production processes necessary to create those products, from designing the machinery to designing the factories where the machinery is operated.

Besides manufacturing, some engineers test and inspect products and structures to increase cost-effectiveness or safety. Such engineers typically engage in more service-oriented careers, often working for firms that contract their services to other businesses or government agencies. For instance, engineers may be hired to test the stress limits of metal used in automobiles, evaluate the structural integrity of buildings, or develop a cheaper process for producing corrective lenses.

Besides manufacturing, some engineers test and inspect products and structures to increase cost-effectiveness or safety. Such engineers typically engage in more service-oriented careers, often working for firms that contract their services to other businesses or government agencies. For instance, engineers may be hired to test the stress limits of metal used in automobiles, evaluate the structural integrity of buildings, or develop a cheaper process for producing corrective lenses.

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