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Text B Engineering Work

In any one area of engineering there is a wide range of functions that the engineer may participate in. The spectrum includes research and development, design, pro­duction and construction, installation, operation and maintenance, and sales and management. In general, the research and development engineer requires, besides a firm grounding in the fundamentals of his area, an easy familiarity with analytical and experimental techniques. A natural curiosity, a creative bent, and considerable stamina is essential.

The design engineer has somewhat similar requirements, with particular accent on creativity. He also needs a broad understanding of such topics as engineering eco­nomics, optimization, and methods of manufacture, along with a particular sensitivity toward human needs. Design activity is extremely broad, so the individual is most likely to find himself one of a large team, particularly in a complex project. The team may, include specialists in theoretical analysis, testing, computation, optimization, and esthetic design.

It is production and construction engineers who, on any project, are responsible for the implementation of a completed design. They will have to work initially with design engineers and then with technicians actually to produce the hardware itself from the specified raw materials. A sound knowledge of materials, methods of manufacture, time estimation, and the logistics of movements of materials is important.

The area of installation, operation, and maintenance may need knowledge from civil, mechanical electrical, chemical, or other branches of engineering, depending on the nature of the plant. A large plant may employ specialists from these branches, though a small plant may tend to employ engineers comfortable in several areas. Here the responsibility is to ensure that the equipment is installed correctly, brought into operation, and effectively maintained. The engineer must develop effective maintenance and replacement schedules and requires some knowledge of economics. Aspects of safety and pollution control could be important.

Many engineers after several years in one or more of the above areas, eventually move into managerial positions. Here they quickly discover the merit of some knowl­edge of economics, financial management, and labor policies. They may need consid­erable courage to plan effectively and make sound, far-reaching decisions. In this regard the engineer's technical background serves him well, but he will have to acquire a familiarity with business administration also.