References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
(OP)
Hey all,
Since I'm soon reaching 5 years of experience as a mechanical engineer doing R%D work for a down-hole technology company, I called the Texas Board of Professional Engineers to know the requirements to obtain a PE licence and my current roadblock is the lack of PE references that I have, which is 0 out of 3; since my whole professional experience has been in smaller companies.
That being said, does any of you hit the same obstacle on this process? and if so, how did you overcame it? I started going to more meetings and conferences on the SPE but I am not meeting enough people with relevant background to the type of work that I do. I'd love to show my work and explain and go through the motions of getting a current PE to recommend me as a reference, but do you guys know where to start?
I'd appreciate all your replies. Thanks!
Since I'm soon reaching 5 years of experience as a mechanical engineer doing R%D work for a down-hole technology company, I called the Texas Board of Professional Engineers to know the requirements to obtain a PE licence and my current roadblock is the lack of PE references that I have, which is 0 out of 3; since my whole professional experience has been in smaller companies.
That being said, does any of you hit the same obstacle on this process? and if so, how did you overcame it? I started going to more meetings and conferences on the SPE but I am not meeting enough people with relevant background to the type of work that I do. I'd love to show my work and explain and go through the motions of getting a current PE to recommend me as a reference, but do you guys know where to start?
I'd appreciate all your replies. Thanks!





RE: References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
My point is that the boards have considerable latitude and will occasionally be almost human.
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"
RE: References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
Now back on topic, the lady from the Texas board was very insistent that my 3 references would have to be PE's, no exceptions, and this is while taking the exam.
I'm, thinking of advertising myself to do some free engineering work for a few PEs in exchange for recommendations, as I want my recommendations to be from people that have actually seen and reviewed my work.
Hopefully this will work out, and if anything, I'll end up expanding my network.
RE: References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
How about trying for a PE in another state with less strict requirements?
However, it's surprising how many engineers in industry are not PE's since their jobs do not relate to safety issues.
RE: References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
I started sending volunteering applications with the SPE and ASME communities, and I hope to get to meet some more people there; you are correct oldestguy; not many PE's in the industry, but this is something I want to attain mostly for personal satisfaction.
RE: References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
RE: References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Pretty good with SolidWorks
RE: References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Pretty good with SolidWorks
RE: References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
SPE can be a dead end. I was the only P.E. in my section the year I chaired it (at least the only member in my section that showed P.E. in my profile). ASME is better, but not a lot. Many states have a professional organization for P.E.'s of any flavor (mine is called the New Mexico Society of Professional Engineers) that you might be able to connect with. In any case go to your local section and start making connections.
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"
RE: References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:
To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.
RE: References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
RE: References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer
Thanks for the website Dustin (I'm good with Solidworks too ;) ) I already joined in.
The lady at the board definitely sounded as a receptionist, so you may be right. Also I checked and there is a Texas Society of Professional Engineers... thanks!