What do Engineers do?

Engineers innovate and create all kinds of functional systems, products and services for modern living by applying a combination of mathematical, scientific and engineering fundamentals. Engineers solve problems and make things work better, more efficiently, and less expensively. We have to thank engineers for modern conveniences at our homes, schools, offices, hospitals and even on ourselves (for handphones, MP3 players and notebook computers & etc).

Engineers are designers and builders, making everything from nano-electronic devices, robots, biopharmaceuticals, and medical equipment to skyscrapers and highly efficient transportation systems that move millions of people in relative comfort and safety on the ground, sea, air and even in space. In addition to pushing the frontiers of science and technology to design and create new products and services, engineers are also involved in the planning, logistics and management of people, processes and machinery used in the manufacture of products. Engineers ensure that the products they manufacture are of the highest quality and meet safety standards. Engineers are also involved in marketing of technological products and services.

Engineers administer large-scale technical, engineering and research projects by being involved in designing, planning, organizing, allocating resources/budgets and controlling activities that have engineering/technological components. In such projects, engineers oversee and manage teams of technical and non-technical personnel. Engineering managers are distinguished from other managers by the fact that they possess both an ability to apply engineering principles as well as being able to organize, plan and manage technical projects. Engineers constantly keep pace with the ever-evolving technology and must be adept at handling resources and budgets in order to deliver the most cost-effective results.

Engineers not only contribute to modern technology but also to other fields including architecture, the global environment and medicine. Our world has indeed been shaped by some of the greatest Engineering achievements.

Engineers find their profession to be highly enjoyable, interesting, rewarding and satisfying.

Development Engineer

Development Engineer

A Development Engineer is a job function within Automotive Engineering, in which the development engineer has the responsibility for coordinating delivery of the engineering attributes of a complete automobile (bus, car, truck, van, SUV, etc.) as dictated by the automobile manufacturer, governmental regulations, and the customer who buys the product.

                            Much like the Systems Engineer, the Development Engineer is concerned with the interactions of all systems in the complete automobile. While there are multiple components and systems in an automobile that have to function as designed, they must also work in harmony with the complete automobile. As an example, the brake system's main function is to provide braking functionality to the automobile. Along with this, it must also provide an acceptable level of: pedal feel (spongy, stiff), brake system “noise” (squeal, shudder, etc), and interaction with the ABS (anti-lock braking system)

                           Another aspect of the development engineer's job is a trade-off process required to deliver all the automobile attributes at a certain acceptable level. An example of this is the trade-off between engine performance and fuel economy. While some customers are looking for maximum power from their engine, the automobile is still required to deliver an acceptable level of fuel economy. From the engine's perspective, these are opposing requirements. Engine performance is looking for maximum displacement (bigger, more power), while fuel economy is looking for a smaller displacement engine (ex: 1.4 L vs. 5.4 L). The engine size, though is not the only contributing factor to fuel economy and automobile performance. Other attributes include: automobile weight, aerodynamic drag, transmission gearing, emission control devices, and tires.

                            The Development Engineer is also responsible for organising automobile level testing, validation, and certification. Components and systems are designed and tested individually by the Product Engineer. The final evaluation though, has to be conducted at the automobile level to evaluate system to system interactions. As an example, the audio system (radio) needs to be evaluated at the automobile level. Interaction with other electronic components can cause interference. Heat dissipation of the system and ergonomic placement of the controls need to be evaluated. Sound quality in all seating positions needs to be provided at acceptable levels.