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Discover what engineers do, their typical day, and the exciting challenges they face. Solve problems, work with cutting-edge technology, and have fun on the job!
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Silicon Prairie Initiative on Robotics in Information Technology A Typical Day in Engineering
What Do Engineers Do? • Engineers design things, such as computers, machines for exploring space, and solar cars.
What Do Engineers Do? • Engineers maintain and improve our quality of life.
Engineering is FUN! • Who could become an engineer? • People who like to: • Solve problems • Work puzzles • Find out how things work
A Typical Job in Engineering?? • There is no typical job in engineering but there are things that people who work in engineering have in common: • They are likely to be using state-of-the-art technology. • They work as part of a team, all working to the same end - and having a laugh along the way! • They usually have well-respected qualifications.
A Typical Day in Engineering?? • While many engineers work a 40-hour week, at times, deadlines bring extra pressure requiring longer hours. • The workplace is often an office building or industrial plant but some travel extensively to other worksites. • Communication abilities, both oral and written, are paramount for interactions with a wide range of fields outside of engineering.
A Typical Day in Engineering • Drop stuff at office/cubicle. • Check e-mail. • Head for the coffee pot. • Prepare for the morning meeting. • Review logbook entries. • Get another cup of coffee. • Technical Meeting • Project review • What got done yesterday? • What was supposed to be accomplished yesterday? • What will get done today? • Brainstorming
A Typical Day in Engineering • Back to work: • Estimation: When beginning any new design task, test the feasibility with rough calculations of important parameters. • Computers • Graphic design tools • Calculations • Simulations • Communication • Documentation • Programming – Computers control everything!
A Typical Day in CEEN Disciplines • Breadboarding • Used whenever a circuit is developed for the first time and must be tested. • Printed Circuit Board (PCB) • Used when a circuit has been tested, debugged, and ready to be produced in permanent form. • Documentation • Another cup of coffee • Logbook review and reflection • Reports
Solving Engineering Problems • Figure out what needs doing and do it. • If I wanted it tomorrow, I’d ask you tomorrow. • Cheaper than anyone ever did it before. • Few people, equipment not available. • Don’t let your other work slip!
Testing Activities • What is the thing supposed to do? • What kind of tests? • Expected failure modes? • What equipment/software is required? • Write a test plan. • Run the test according to the plan. • Analyze the results. • Write a report with conclusions and action plan.
Other Activities • Documentation • Specifications • User Guide • Maintenance Manual • Technical Reference • Installation Procedure • Cost Analysis • Schedules • Product Planning • Management Tasks
Engineering Tasks • Beginning engineers work with experienced supervisors • With knowledge and experience more independence and responsibility • Advancement to specialists in varied areas • Team supervisors • Engineering management
