Calling yourself an engineer without a PE, is that ever OK even in fields that don't have PEs?
Calling yourself an engineer without a PE, is that ever OK even in fields that don't have PEs?
(OP)
I'm sure this has come up before, but none of the search attempts I made dug up anything, so here goes:
I was having a discussion on another forum where someone claimed to be a "self-taught engineer". While I don't think you should call yourself an engineer without a bachelor's degree, many people were insisting that only PEs should be called engineers. I understand the reason for this in state-regulated fields like civil/HVAC/etc., but what about automotive, aerospace, product development, etc with bachelor's degrees? I design consumer products (nothing particularly dangerous) and PEs certainly do not exist in my field, so can I not say I'm an engineer regardless? I would never represent myself as an engineer in a civil/structural/HVAC situation as I don't have experience or licensing to do so, but am I not still an engineer in the sense that I ensure products are structurally sound, capable of being manufactured and assembled, and do durability testing to ensure it meets longevity requirements? If not, what else would I call myself? I would especially like to hear from people in fields like aerospace and automotive to see what they call themselves.
I was having a discussion on another forum where someone claimed to be a "self-taught engineer". While I don't think you should call yourself an engineer without a bachelor's degree, many people were insisting that only PEs should be called engineers. I understand the reason for this in state-regulated fields like civil/HVAC/etc., but what about automotive, aerospace, product development, etc with bachelor's degrees? I design consumer products (nothing particularly dangerous) and PEs certainly do not exist in my field, so can I not say I'm an engineer regardless? I would never represent myself as an engineer in a civil/structural/HVAC situation as I don't have experience or licensing to do so, but am I not still an engineer in the sense that I ensure products are structurally sound, capable of being manufactured and assembled, and do durability testing to ensure it meets longevity requirements? If not, what else would I call myself? I would especially like to hear from people in fields like aerospace and automotive to see what they call themselves.





RE: Calling yourself an engineer without a PE, is that ever OK even in fields that don't have PEs?
So, the bottom line is you can use the title "Engineer" when employed by an industrial company and the work does not result in selling of consulting or engineering services or involvement with projects where stamping is required.
RE: Calling yourself an engineer without a PE, is that ever OK even in fields that don't have PEs?
RE: Calling yourself an engineer without a PE, is that ever OK even in fields that don't have PEs?
I will tell you this if I was on the PE Board, I would not allow it. You need to be mindful of the use engineering services, and what this means to the general public. Again, check with your state regulatory board.
RE: Calling yourself an engineer without a PE, is that ever OK even in fields that don't have PEs?
Bottom line, if you are working for a company you can do and be called whatever they like. I worked for a British company that attached the term 'engineer' to just about every white collar job there; sales engineers, tendering engineers, service engineers, parts engineers, sanitary engineers, (well, that one wasn't white collar) etc. Very few engineering degrees amongst that bunch.
If you have an engineering degree and do engineering work, have no hesitancy to call yourself an engineer - you are one. You are protected by virtue of the fact that you work for a company that is selling to the public and the liability for the product is theirs.
If on the other hand, you are selling your services directly to the public, you have to be registered as a PE in that jurisdiction or face the legal consequenses.
rmw
RE: Calling yourself an engineer without a PE, is that ever OK even in fields that don't have PEs?
Patricia Lougheed
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RE: Calling yourself an engineer without a PE, is that ever OK even in fields that don't have PEs?
thread730-152809: Definition of an Engineer
thread765-235838: Are You An Engineer If You Don't Pass The P.E.?
thread731-62892: Would required licensure be better for US engineers?
thread731-126817: Titles: Engineer vs. Designer
www.eng-tips.com/search.cfm?pid=292&action=Search&q=definition+of+engineer&t=&h=&searchSite=2&searchArea=1&d=1&s=1
However, if is a bit of a
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?