an engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics, and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical, societal and commercial problems. engineers design materials, structures, and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality, regulation, safety, and cost.[1][2] the word engineer is derived from the latin words ingeniare ("to contrive, devise") and ingenium ("cleverness").[3][4]
the work of engineers forms the link between scientific discoveries and their subsequent applications to human needs and quality of life.[1]
roles and expertise
design
engineers develop new technological solutions. during the engineering design process, the responsibilities of the engineer may include defining problems, conducting and narrowing research, analyzing criteria, finding and analyzing solutions, and making decisions. much of an engineer's time is spent on researching, locating, applying, and transferring information.[5] indeed, research suggests engineers spend 56\% of their time engaged in various information behaviours, including 14\% actively searching for information.[6]
engineers must weigh different design choices on their merits and choose the solution that best matches the requirements. their crucial and unique task is to identify, understand, and interpret the constraints on a design in order to produce a successful result.
analysis
engineers conferring on prototype design, 1954
engineers apply techniques of engineering analysis in testing, production, or maintenance. analytical engineers may supervise production in factories and elsewhere, determine the causes of a process failure, and test output to maintain quality. they also estimate the time and cost required to complete projects. supervisory engineers are responsible for major components or entire projects. engineering analysis involves the application of scientific analytic principles and processes to reveal the properties and state of the system, device or mechanism under study. engineering analysis proceeds by separating the engineering design into the mechanisms of operation or failure, analyzing or esti
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