ENGINEERING YOUR FUTURE
Introduction and Profiles
Overview
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Importance of Engineering
Some Statistical Information
Definitions
Prehistoric Culture
Egypt and Mesopotamia
Characteristics of Engineering Students
Engineers and Scientists
Engineering Functions
Some Engineers Profiles
Why is Engineering important?
Importance of Engineering
Image taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kondratiev_wave
Image taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolai_Kondratiev
Nikolai Kondratiev (1892-1938)
Image taken from: http://www.kwaves.com/kond_overview.htm
Is there a demand for engineers
and are they well rewarded?
Engineering Enrollment
Image taken from:
William C. Oakes, Les L.
Leone and Craig J.
(2006). Gunn.
Engineering your Future
(5th Edition). Michigan:
Great Lakes Press, Inc./
Sheridan Books, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-881018-86-5
Image taken from:
William C. Oakes, Les L.
Leone and Craig J.
(2006). Gunn.
Engineering your Future
(5th Edition). Michigan:
Great Lakes Press, Inc./
Sheridan Books, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-881018-86-5
Engineering Degrees
Image taken from:
William C. Oakes, Les L.
Leone and Craig J.
(2006). Gunn.
Engineering your Future
(5th Edition). Michigan:
Great Lakes Press, Inc./
Sheridan Books, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-881018-86-5
Employment
Image taken from:
William C. Oakes, Les L.
Leone and Craig J.
(2006). Gunn.
Engineering your Future
(5th Edition). Michigan:
Great Lakes Press, Inc./
Sheridan Books, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-881018-86-5
Image taken from:
William C. Oakes, Les L.
Leone and Craig J.
(2006). Gunn.
Engineering your Future
(5th Edition). Michigan:
Great Lakes Press, Inc./
Sheridan Books, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-881018-86-5
Salary Curves
Image taken from:
William C. Oakes, Les L.
Leone and Craig J.
(2006). Gunn.
Engineering your Future
(5th Edition). Michigan:
Great Lakes Press, Inc./
Sheridan Books, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-881018-86-5
Salary Curves
Image taken from:
William C. Oakes, Les L.
Leone and Craig J.
(2006). Gunn.
Engineering your Future
(5th Edition). Michigan:
Great Lakes Press, Inc./
Sheridan Books, Inc.
ISBN 978-1-881018-86-5
How can you define
Engineering?
Engineering
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Definition of Engineering
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The first issue (1866) of the English
Journal Engineering defines engineering
as:
The art of directing the great sources of
power in nature, for the use and
convenience of man.
In this old definition, it is defined as an
art.
Engineering
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Definition of Engineering (ABET)
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The profession in which knowledge of the
mathematical and natural sciences, gained
by study, experience, and practice, is
applied with judgment to develop ways to
use, economically, the materials and forces
of nature for the benefit of mankind.
Prehistoric Culture
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Individuals involved in activities which we recognize today as:
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Had no knowledge of
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mathematical principles or
natural science as we know it today.
They designed and built needed items by trial and error and
intuition.
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Engineering problem solving,
tool-making, etc.
They built some spears that worked and some that failed,
But in the end they perfected weapons that allowed them to
bring down game animals and feed their families.
Prehistoric Culture
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Physical limitations of prehistoric cultures:
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They had no written language.
Their verbal language was very limited.
They had no means of transportation.
They had no separate concept of education or specialized
methodology to discover new things.
They lived by gathering food and trying to bring down game
with primitive weapons.
Improvement of the material aspects of life came about very
slowly, with early, primitive engineering.
Egypt and Mesopotamia
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Some 4 to 6,000 years ago, due to the growth of
cities and new demands such as power, a significant
change took place.
People with special aptitude in certain areas were
assigned to ever more specialized tasks.
This labeling and grouping was a scientific
breakthrough.
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It gave toolmakers the time and resources to dedicate
themselves to building and innovation.
This new social function created the first real engineers, and
for the first time innovation flourished rapidly.
Important Event
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Johannes Gutember
Prints the first book in 1455
Characteristics of Engineering
Students
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Several characteristics of students that
might have an interest in engineering
are:
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Proficient skills in math and physical science
An urging from a high school counselor
Knows someone who is an engineer
Knows that engineering offers literally dozens, if
not hundreds of job opportunities
Is aware that a degree in engineering is quite
lucrative
Engineers and Scientists
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Scientists seek technical answers to
understand natural phenomenon
Engineers study technical problems with
a practical application always in mind
For example
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“Scientists study atomic structure to
understand the nature of matter; engineers
study atomic structure to make smaller and
faster microchips”
Engineering Functions:
Research
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Research engineers are knowledgeable
in principles of chemistry, biology,
physics, and mathematics
Computer know-how is also
recommended
A Masters Degree is almost always
required, and a Ph. D is often strongly
recommended
Engineering Functions:
Testing
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Testing engineers are responsible for
testing the durability and reliability of a
product, making sure that it performs
how it is supposed to, every time. T.E.s
simulate instances and environments in
which a product would be used
Crash testing of a vehicle to observe
effects of an air bag and crumple zone
are examples of a testing engineer’s
duties
Engineering Functions:
Design
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Design aspect is where largest number
of engineers are employed
Design engineers often work on
components of a product, providing all
the necessary specifics needed to
successfully manufacture the product
Design engineers regularly use
computer design software as well as
computer aided drafting software in
their jobs
Engineering Functions:
Design
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Design engineers must also verify that
the part meets reliability and safety
standards required for the product
A concern always on the mind of design
engineers is how to keep the
development of a part cost effective,
which is taken into account during a
design process
Engineering Functions:
Systems
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Responsible on a larger scale for
bringing together components of parts
from design engineers to make a
complete product
Responsible for making sure all
components of a product work together
as was intended by design engineers
Engineering Functions:
Manufacturing & Construction
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Work individually or in teams
Responsible for “molding” raw materials
into finished product
Maintain and keep records on
equipment in plant
Help with design process to keep costs
low
Engineering Functions:
Operations & Maintenance
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Responsible for maintaining production
line
Must have technical know-how to deal
w/ problems
Responsible for inspecting facility and
equipment, must be certified in various
inspection methods
Engineering Functions:
Technical Support
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Works between consumers and
producers
Not necessarily have in depth
knowledge of technical aspects of
product
Must have good interpersonal skills
Engineering Functions:
Customer Support
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Often have more of a technical
knowledge than Tech. Support, because
they must be able to work with basic
customers
Evaluate whether or not a current
practice is cost effective via feedback
from customers
Engineering Functions:
Sales
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Sales engineers have technical
background, but are also able to
communicate effectively w/ customers
Job market for sales engineers is
growing, due to the fact that products
are becoming more and more
technically complex
Engineering Functions:
Consulting
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Are either self-employed, or work for a
firm that does not directly manufacture
products
Consulting engineers might be involved
in design, installation, and upkeep of a
product
Sometimes required to be a registered
professional engineer in the state where
he/she works
Profile of a Biomedical Engineer:
Sue H. Abreu, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina
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Occupation
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Education
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Lieutenant Colonel, Medical Corps, United States Army
Medical Director, Quality Assurance, Womack Army Medical Center
IDE (BSE, Biomedical Engineering), 1978
MD, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 1982
Studying Engineering
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Was planning to be a teacher.
Because of taking an elective class in athletic training, developed
an interest in sports medicine.
Ended up taking most of the classes in aeronautical engineering to
study the lightweight structures and materials that could be used to
design artificial limbs or protective equipment for sports.
Ended up graduating from college with an interdisciplinary
engineering degree.
Profile of a Biomedical Engineer:
Sue H. Abreu, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina
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Career Life
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After medical school, specialized in nuclear medicine. Perform threedimensional studies and quantify results. Is a consultant to other
physicians: Help them decide what tests might be helpful and discuss the
meaning of the results
Ended up in a field she never had heard of when started college,
but found it as kept exploring areas that intrigued her.
Tried new classes and looked for opportunities that interested her,
even if they didn’t fit the paths most students followed.
Now doing a great deal of teaching within the specialty of nuclear medicine
and in her current work in quality assurance.
So, be sure to follow your dreams if you can take something you
love doing and find a way to earn a living doing it, you will end up
much happier than if you set money or prestige as your goals.
Profile of a Computer Engineer:
Raymond C. Barrera, Gaithersburg, MA
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Education
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BS, Electrical and Computer Engineering 1989
MS, Software Engineering 1999
Studying Engineering
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Was very fortunate during high school to work for an archaeologist
and her husband who were great mentors. Dr. Bernice McAllister
taught him the scientific methodology an archaeologist needs to
base sound conclusions on evidence. Probably would have been
happy had him become an archaeologist, but
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He really enjoyed building things.
His dad’s training as an electronic technician had gotten him
interested in electronics since very young.
Some encouragement from Dr. McAllister’s husband, Capt.
James McAllister, USN (ret) helped convince him to select
Electrical Engineering as his specialty.
Profile of a Computer Engineer:
Raymond C. Barrera, Gaithersburg, MA
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Career Life
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Work at a research, development, test and evaluation
laboratory for the US Navy.
Involved in testing and system engineering of command and
control systems.
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Command and control systems are used by tactical
commanders for decision making and direction.
Perhaps even more important than the technical work is the
ability to communicate. Not very many engineers work
alone.
Often the most difficult engineering challenge is to
share an idea with others in oral and written
presentations, but that is the only way these ideas
can come to life.
Profile of a Mechanical Engineer:
Beverly D. Johnson, Waterloo, Iowa
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Occupation
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Education
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Supervisor in Wheel Operations at John Deere Waterloo Works
BSME; MS, Engineering Management
Studying Engineering
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BS in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy
MS in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri, Rolla,
Current study in the Executive Master’s Degree Program at Northwestern University,
Evanston, IL.
Engineering is a very rewarding career because you can see the results of
your effort every day.
Engineering offers opportunities to create, build, design, and sometimes
even destroy.
The analytical tools you develop in your engineering coursework make
studying other subjects easier, and they are applicable to everyday life.
Truly enjoys her career in engineering. It is a dynamic career field that has taken her
to many different jobs and many different places.
Profile of a Mechanical Engineer:
Beverly D. Johnson, Waterloo, Iowa
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Career Life
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Has been with the John Deere Waterloo Works for two years,
working in various engineering assignments such as
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Her current assignment as a supervisor in Wheel Operations is
focused in production.
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quality engineering,
project management,
and process redesign.
Is responsible for the assembly processes pertaining to the tires and
wheels for the 7000 and 8000 series tractors.
Is also responsible for the daily supervision of the wage department
personnel. Thinks her job is sometimes hectic, but also very rewarding
as she watches what her department is able to accomplish every day.
Prior to joining John Deere she spent nine years as a military
officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Her primary
responsibilities included the construction of buildings and roads,
and the development and training of other engineers.
Profile of a Civil Engineer: James L.
Lammie, New York
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Occupation
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Education
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Board of Directors, Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc.
BS, Civil Engineering, 1953; MS, Civil Engineering, 1957
Career Life
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His father worked in a steel mill in Pittsburgh, the City of Bridges. He was fascinated with
the many different bridges and what could be done with steel. He knew that I wanted to
build things. He was fortunate to win an appointment to West Point, which was founded
as the first engineering school in the U.S.
After graduation, He spent 21 years in the Army Corps of Engineers working on a wide
variety of military and civil engineering projects all over the world.
After retiring from the Army he knew I wanted to be a Project Manager on big projects, so he joined
Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. and spent seven years as a consultant Project Manager for design and
construction on the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit project (MARTA), the most rewarding period of
his professional career.
After MARTA, he had the pleasure of serving as the CEO of Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc., the largest
transportation design firm in the U.S., for the next fourteen years. Today, as a member of the Board
of Directors of their employee-owned firm, he is still involved in some of their mega projects: the
Central Artery Highway project in Boston, the new Taiwan High-Speed Rail system, the Bay Area
Rapid Transit extension to the San Francisco Airport, and many others.
The high point of his job is getting involved in critical project decisions and being able to
“kick the tires” of work under construction.
Profile of an Electrical Engineer:
Mark Allen Pashan, Red Bank, New Jersey
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Occupation
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Education
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Director of Hardware Development, Lucent Technologies
BS; MS; MBA
Studying Engineering
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In high school trying to decide which career to pursue, he had a number of criteria:
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He enjoyed math and science (the foundations of engineering) in high school, but
engineering is more than number crunching.
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He wanted a job that I’d look forward to each day,
that offered continuous learning, and
that offered a reasonable level of financial stability
Engineering satisfied those criteria for him.
The field of engineering rewards creativity,
the ability to find a better way to solve a problem.
If he had to do it over again, he would still choose engineering, but he
would also have bought more shares of Wal-Mart, Lucent, and Yahoo when
they were first offered.
Profile of an Electrical Engineer:
Mark Allen Pashan, Red Bank, New Jersey
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In his career, he has advanced through a number of levels of technical
management, and currently have about 130 engineers reporting to him
His job is no longer at the level of designing integrated circuits. he guide his
team’s progress on a number of new product development activities.
He works to make sure they have the right people working on the right things at
the right time.
He set priorities among the competing needs of the business, and evaluate new
business opportunities.
To do his lob, he uses a combination of business and technical judgment:
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What are the future customer needs,
What are the available and soon-to-be-available technologies, what are the
competitors doing and what may they do next,
Who can do the work and work well together, and can we get the work done in time
and at a reasonable cost.
The end results are new products introduced into the marketplace that turn a profit for
the business. That goal can only be achieved through others.
A good part of my job is getting his teams to achieve more than they thought possible.
Profile of an Electrical Engineer:
Mark Allen Pashan, Red Bank, New Jersey
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Career Life
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This is the best time in history to be an engineer.
There are more available alternatives than ever
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From startup companies to large established firms,
From full-time to part-time work hours.
There are more opportunities for continuing education and
there is the potential for significant financial reward for those willing to
take a risk.
His organization is spread across three states and he has
customers and suppliers all over the world. His job requires travel
and long hours, and he couldn’t do his job and have a family
without the support of my wife, Reem.
But they do it together and the kids are a joy (even when they
don’t always obey).
He enjoy a number of activities outside of work such as basketball,
traveling, and dining out.
Review
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Some Statistical Information
Definitions
Prehistoric Culture
Egypt and Mesopotamia
Characteristics of Engineering Students
Engineers and Scientists
Engineering Functions
Some Engineers Profiles