How to Be Professional Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 29, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increase of Professional Engineers in the workforce has had a significant effect on the economy. By utilizing their expertise in areas such as designing, constructing, and maintaining engineering projects, Professional Engineers have been able to help create jobs, foster economic growth, and improve the overall quality of infrastructure. This has allowed for more efficient use of resources, leading to a reduction in costs for businesses and consumers.

Professional Engineers have helped to improve safety standards and reduce risk, leading to a healthier and more productive workforce. As a result, businesses have been able to focus on innovation and remain competitive in the global market.

Steps How to Become

Complete a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering. The first step to becoming a professional engineer is to complete a Bachelor's degree in engineering. This degree should be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Obtain a Professional Engineering License. After completing a Bachelor's degree, you must obtain a professional engineering license from your state board of licensure. To do so, you must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
Complete Work Experience. After passing the FE and PE exams, you must complete four years of work experience in engineering related activities. This experience must be under the direct supervision of a professional engineer.
Pass an Ethics Exam. The final step to becoming a professional engineer is to pass an ethics exam. This exam will demonstrate that you understand the ethical implications of your work as an engineer.
Maintain Licensure. Once you are a licensed professional engineer, you must maintain your licensure by regularly completing continuing education courses and participating in professional development activities.

Gaining the title of Professional Engineer requires an extensive amount of training and expertise. It is important to be knowledgeable in the field and stay up to date on best practices and the latest industry standards. To become a Professional Engineer, one must first obtain a degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university.

After completing this educational requirement, it is necessary to participate in an accredited engineering program to gain the necessary experience and certification. This process also requires passing a written examination and demonstrating a thorough understanding of professional engineering principles and practices. Once these requirements are met, an individual can apply for licensure as a Professional Engineer and obtain the title, allowing them to practice professionally.

The combination of the educational requirements, professional experience, and licensure will provide the individual with the necessary qualifications to be a skilled and competent Professional Engineer.

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Job Description

Design and develop engineering systems and components.
Analyze, evaluate, and test engineering systems and components.
Prepare technical reports and presentations.
Analyze data to identify trends and recommend solutions.
Develop and implement engineering standards, procedures, and techniques.
Monitor and direct project teams on engineering projects.
Identify design or performance improvements in existing engineering systems.
Provide technical support and guidance to other engineering personnel.
Conduct research and development activities to improve engineering systems.
Review products for safety standards compliance.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of engineering theory and principles, as well as in-depth knowledge of specific engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, civil, or chemical engineering.
Problem Solving: Ability to analyse problems and design solutions using mathematical and analytical methods.
Research and Development: Capability to develop new engineering techniques and systems to solve existing problems or create new products.
Project Management: Ability to manage complex projects involving multiple teams, resources, and deadlines.
Communication: Effective communication skills across all levels of stakeholders, including clients, colleagues, and management.
Leadership: Ability to lead teams, coordinate resources, and make decisions that achieve the project objectives.
Safety: Knowledge of applicable safety standards and regulations to ensure the safety of personnel, equipment, and materials.
Quality Management: Understanding of quality control systems to ensure the highest level of product quality.
Adaptability: Flexibility and creativity to adapt to changing requirements and conditions.

Having a Professional Engineer (PE) license is an important skill for engineers to possess as it demonstrates their competence and commitment to the profession. Having a PE license requires passing two examinations, the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The FE exam covers basic engineering principles and the PE exam covers specific engineering disciplines.

Passing these exams shows that a person has a thorough knowledge of engineering principles, laws, and regulations. having a PE license is also a testament to a person's commitment to safety and ethical practice in engineering. With a PE license, engineers have access to more opportunities, can take on more complex projects, and can earn higher salaries.

Therefore, having a PE license is an invaluable skill for engineers to have in order to succeed in their field.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How would you describe your engineering experience?
What challenges have you faced as a Professional Engineer?
What do you think sets you apart from other Professional Engineers?
How do you approach problem solving and decision making?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy in your work?
What have been the greatest accomplishments of your career?
Describe a project you have worked on that required creative thinking.
How do you stay informed about the latest developments in engineering?
What do you think are the most important qualities for a Professional Engineer?
What strategies do you use to collaborate effectively with colleagues?

Common Tools in Industry

CAD Software. Computer-aided Design software used to create and modify technical drawings and designs (eg: AutoCAD).
Spreadsheet Software. Software used to organize and analyze data (eg: Microsoft Excel).
Project Management Software. Software used to plan, schedule, and track projects (eg: Microsoft Project).
Database Software. Software used to store, manage, and query data (eg: Oracle Database).
Simulation Software. Software used to model and analyze dynamic systems (eg: MATLAB).
Engineering Analysis Software. Software used to analyze structural, thermal, and other engineering systems (eg: ANSYS).
Finite Element Analysis Software. Software used to simulate physical systems (eg: ABAQUS).
Technical Writing Software. Software used to document engineering projects (eg: LaTeX).
Programming Languages. Languages used to develop software, hardware, and other engineering systems (eg: C++).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Nuclear Society (ANS)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

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Common Important Terms

Engineering Ethics. The principles of ethical conduct that govern the professional behavior of engineers in their work.
Professional Registration. A formal process by which a professional engineer is recognized and accepted by a regulatory or licensing body.
Code of Ethics. A set of standards for professional engineers that outlines expected behavior and establishes a framework for resolving ethical dilemmas.
Continuing Education. Programs of study or training that are required for professional engineers to maintain their registration.
Professional Liability. Liability insurance purchased by professionally registered engineers to protect them from claims of negligence or malpractice.
Professional Organizations. Organizations dedicated to advancing the profession of engineering, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Professional Engineer?

A Professional Engineer is an individual who has been certified by a provincial or territorial regulatory body to practice engineering in their respective jurisdiction.

What qualifications are required to become a Professional Engineer?

To become a Professional Engineer, the individual must have a degree from an accredited engineering program, have four or more years of relevant work experience, and pass an ethics and a professional practice examination.

What type of work can a Professional Engineer do?

A Professional Engineer is licensed to practice engineering on projects such as building designs, infrastructure, bridges, and other projects that require the application of engineering principles.

What is the difference between a Professional Engineer and an Engineer-in-Training?

An Engineer-in-Training is an individual who has completed their educational requirements but has not yet passed the ethics and professional practice exam to become a fully qualified Professional Engineer.

How long does it take to become a Professional Engineer?

The amount of time it takes to become a Professional Engineer depends on the individual's academic background, work experience, and the licensing requirements of their respective jurisdiction. Generally speaking, it can take between two to five years to become a Professional Engineer.