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Learn about different engineering job functions, roles, and specialized vs. general engineering in this comprehensive guide. Understand the various titles and areas within engineering disciplines.
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MECE 1101Introduction to Mechanical Engineering The University of Texas-Pan American College of Science and Engineering
Objectives • Describe the different engineering job functions that engineers perform. • Describe the different engineering majors and some of the different areas of specialization within these disciplines. Assignment: • Select one engineering major, gather information about it (from books, websites, faculty, etc), and memorize it. You will be asked to write a paragraph in the next quiz.
Specialized vs. General Engineering • History. As cities grew, people who showed special aptitude in certain areas were identified and assigned to ever more specialized tasks. This labeling and grouping was a scientific breakthrough.
Specialized vs. General Engineering • Rate of innovation. As we move through the past 6000 years, you should realize that the rate at which we currently introduce innovations is far more rapid than in the past.
The Scientist and the Engineer • The scientist searches for answers to technological questions to obtain knowledge of why the phenomenon occurs, a deep understanding is the goal. • The engineer also searches for answers to technological questions, but always with an application in mind.
The Engineer and the Engineering Technologist • Engineering technology is that part of the technological field which requires the application of scientific and engineering knowledge and methods combined with technical skills in support of engineering activities. • The main difference between the two fields is that the engineer is able to create new technology through research, design and development.
Engineering Functions(Job Classifications) • Depending on job choice or preference, an Engineer’s title and main function can be of the following: Research, Development, Testing, Design, Analysis, Systems, Manufacturing and Construction, Operations and Maintenance, Technical Support, Customer Support, Sales, Consulting, Management, Other Fields. • it is important to note that these are NOT engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, industrial, etc.), they are titles or areas of work.
Research Engineer • Research engineers explore fundamental principles of chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics in order to overcome barriers preventing advancement in their field. An advanced degree is required and often a Ph.D. is needed.
Development Engineer • Development engineers bridge the gap between laboratory research and full-scale production. Development engineers take the knowledge acquired by the researchers and apply it to a specific product or application.
Test Engineer • Test engineers are responsible for designing and implementing tests to verify the integrity, reliability, and quality of products before they are introduced to the public. The test engineer devises ways to simulate the conditions a product will be subjected to during its life.
Design Engineer • The design engineer is responsible for providing the detailed specifications of the products society uses. Design engineers produce detailed dimensions and specifications of the part to ensure that the component fits properly with adjoining pieces. They use modern computer design tools.
Analysis Engineer • Analysis engineers use mathematical models and computational tools to provide the necessary information to design, development or research engineers to perform their function.
Systems Engineer • Systems engineers work with the overall design, development, manufacture, and operation of a complete system or product. System engineers are responsible for the integration of the components and systems into a functioning product.
Manufacturing Engineer • Manufacturing engineers turn the specifications of the design engineer into a tangible reality. They develop the processes for taking raw materials and changing them to finished products.
Operation and Maintenance Engineer • The operation and maintenance engineer oversees the ongoing performance of facilities.
Technical Support Engineer • A technical support engineer serves as the link between the customer and the product, and assists with the installation and setup. The technical support engineer may also trouble-shoot problems with a product.
Customer Support Engineer • Customer support functions are similar to those of technical support. However, customer support personnel also are involved in the business aspect of the customer relationship.
Sales Engineer • Sales engineers must have interpersonal skills conductive to effective selling.
Consulting Engineer • Consulting engineers interact with a wide range of companies on a broad scope of projects. • Often a consultant needs to be registered as a professional engineer in the state where he or she does business.
Management and Engineering • Engineers can manage other engineers or support personnel, or they may rise to oversee the business aspects of a corporation.
Other fields • Other fields: law, education, medicine, and business.
Engineering Majors(Areas of Specialization) • As opposed to the Engineer’s functions shown before, these are some types of Engineering disciplines. Aerospace Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Marine and Ocean Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Other Fields.
Chemical Engineering • Chemical engineering differs from most of the other fields of engineering in its emphasis on chemistry and the chemical nature of products and processes. • Chemical engineers design and develop processes to mass-produce detergents, paints, plastics, fertilizers, petroleum products, food products, pharmaceuticals, electronic circuit boards and many others.
Civil Engineering • Civil engineering emphasizes structural, environmental, transportation, water resources, surveying, geotechnical, planning, and construction.
Electrical Engineering (ELEE) • Electrical engineering embodies the study of electrical devices, electrical systems, and electrical energy. • Electrical engineering includes computers, communications, circuits and solid state devices, control, instrumentation, signal processing, bioengineering, and power.
ELEE Major Specialties • Electric Power Engineering (Includes the design, development, and maintenance of generation, transmission, and distribution systems). • Communications (Transmission of information using wires, coaxial cable, fiber optics, or radio). • Control Systems Engineering (Automated processes). • Digital Systems Engineering (Digital signal processing, instrumentation, computers, etc). • Electronics (Production, detection, and control of electrical signals).
Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering (MANE) • Industrial engineering is described as the design, improvement and installation of integrated systems of people, material and energy. • It is concerned with how to design, organize, implement, and operate the basic factors of production in the most efficient manner possible.
MANE Areas of Emphasis • Manufacturing. • Work Design. • Human Factors (Ergonomics). • Facility Design. • Quality Control. • Operations Research.
Mechanical Engineering (MECE) • Mechanical engineers are involved in the design, development, production, control, operation and service of mechanical devices. Mechanical engineers are concerned with the principles of force, energy, and motion.
Some MECE Areas • Solid Mechanics (Behavior of solid bodies subjected to stresses and external loads). • Fluid Mechanics (Behavior of liquids and gases). • Thermodynamics (Conversion of one form of energy to another). • Mechanical Design (Process that translates an idea into a working product or service).
