An engineer can work in different functions of an organization by specializing in them and making a career in those functions. The branches of engineering specify the domain or field of technical know-how that the engineer specializes in, the function describes what he does, and the resources he manages and is accountable for.
While engineers employed at startups and smaller businesses may wear many hats, larger organizations are more structurally organized with well-defined hierarchies and responsibilities. In such cases, engineers are assigned specific job roles and job titles that reflect the position they hold in the structure of the organization, the resources that they command and the power they can wield.
Engineering is the profession of applying science to convert the resources of nature to benefit humankind. The function of the scientist is to know, while that of the engineer is to do. Engineering is based principally on physics, chemistry & mathematics Unlike scientists, the engineer is not free to select the problem that interests him; he must solve problems as they arise; and his solution must satisfy conflicting requirements. The engineering solution is the optimum solution, the result that, taking many factors into account, is most desirable. It may be the cheapest for a specified level of performance, the most reliable within a given weight limit, the simplest that will satisfy certain safety requirements, or the most efficient for a given cost. This is true for any branch of engineering. So, the branches of engineering are what the engineer works with; the functions describe what he does.
The main functions of engineering are research, development, design, testing, production, construction, operations, sales, consulting, and teaching. Let us have a look at each one of them keeping the engineering profession in mind.
Research
The research engineer seeks new principles and processes by employing mathematical and scientific concepts, experimental techniques, and inductive reasoning. The key qualities of research engineers are perceptiveness, patience, and self-confidence. They are knowledgeable in principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. A master’s degree is almost always required, and a PhD is often strongly recommended to develop intellectual abilities and necessary research skills. Computer know-how and skills are also needed.
Development
The development engineer applies the results of research to practical and useful purposes by attempting to produce a first-cut functional device, structure, or process. Innovative and creative application of new knowledge gained primarily through research may result in a working model of a new electronics circuit, a chemical process, an industrial machine, or a gadget of optics. They also identify problems in a potential product by building prototypes.
Design
The design engineer converts the development engineer’s concept or model into full-scale devices, processes, or structures. They generate many design options, keeping in mind the cost of manufacturing, ease of production, availability of materials and performance requirements. They then evaluate the new ideas by building and testing scale or pilot models. In designing a product, process or structure, the design engineer selects methods, specifies materials, and determines shapes to satisfy technical requirements and to meet performance specifications. The development engineers thus bridge the gap between the laboratory and the production facility.
Testing
Test engineers are responsible for designing and implementing test processes and procedures that verify the durability and reliability of a product and make sure that it performs how it is supposed to before it is introduced to the public. They develop testing methods and procedures as well as the environments in which a product would be used to ensure that the product or system developed meets its overall performance requirements. They work closely with development engineers to evaluate prototypes by stimulating the conditions in which the products will operate.
Production/Manufacturing
Production/Manufacturing Engineers use knowledge of production and fabrication processes to determine how best to take a given product or system design from prints and drawings into production in a factory. Plant layout and equipment selection are the responsibility of the production/manufacturing engineer who chooses processes and tools, integrates the flow of materials and components, provides for testing and inspection and handles the shipping of the finished project. He is also responsible for selecting from competing raw materials and processes that could be used as well as determining what production elements should be outsourced to other suppliers with specialized capabilities.
Operations/Plant Engineering
The operations/plant engineers control machines, plants, and organizations providing power, transportation, and communication. They determine procedures and supervise personnel to obtain reliable and economic operation of complex equipment. They are also responsible for supplying all the facilities for the plant such as offices, labs or production floors. Once the plant is operational, the operations/plant engineers are responsible for maintenance and modifications and meeting additional requirements and growth demand.
Quality Control Engineering
Quality Control Engineers monitor and ensure the overall quality of the components and materials used in the manufacturing of the product or system, including components purchased from the suppliers. They participate in every stage of a product’s creation, from development to packaging. Their responsibilities include reviewing the production and testing processes, developing new manufacturing checkpoints, developing and implementing quality assurance plans and reporting their findings to management.
Sales
The sales engineers are responsible for finding and developing a market for the product of the company they work for. They are the liaison between the company and the consumer, a very important part of influencing a company’s reputation. The sales engineers have a technical background but are also able to communicate effectively with customers. The job market for sales engineers is growing, since products are becoming more and more technically complex.
Safety
Safety Engineers monitor and manage the manufacturing facilities and the product to prevent hazards from inadvertently being designed into the process or system that could cause injury to personnel, or end users, or that may cause unintended impact to the system or components. They inspect facilities, machinery, and safety equipment to identify and correct potential hazards.
Purchase
A purchase engineer is responsible for acquiring materials and services needed for production/projects. These professionals work closely with the engineering and supply chain departments to analyze technical requirements, identify suitable suppliers, and negotiate contracts. These professionals help ensure that a company can function efficiently by providing the correct equipment consistently. This can help the company maintain its production schedule and budget.
Consulting
In some countries and industries, engineers analyze customers’ requirements, recommend solutions to satisfy needs economically, and resolve related problems. Also, engineers operate alone or in partnerships to provide specialized help to clients who request it. They might be involved in the design, installation, and upkeep of a product. They are also required sometimes to be a registered professional engineer in the state/ country where they work.
Conclusion
So, as we can understand problem-solving is common to all engineering work. The problem may involve quantitative or qualitative factors; it may be physical or economic; it may require abstract mathematics or common sense. Of great importance is the process of creative synthesis or design, putting ideas together to create a new and optimum solution. Further, associated with engineering is a great body of special knowledge and preparation for professional practice involves extensive training in the application of that knowledge.
Having considered all the above aspects, you can make a wise decision about the engineering function you would like to go for. That way you will ensure that you study the branch of engineering you are interested in and will also take up the function you will enjoy working in after you complete your degree.
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