Author Topic: So many engineers here. So, what exactly do you ... engineer? (Read 35055 times)

firewalker · « **on:** February 27, 2015, 09:35:02 PM »

What do you engineers make, or design, or ... what do you do all day?

eil · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2015, 10:37:13 PM »

I engineer software. More specifically, tools that the other software engineers in the company use in order to efficiently engineer the software that actually makes the company money.

In my free time, I engineer web applications and my own little herd of servers and virtual machines.

And when I've had enough of that, I go out to the garage and work on my motorcycle.

The_Captain · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2015, 12:45:43 AM »

Software Engineer. I work on enterprise software that gives tailored Security advice to developers working on software that needs good security. Basically our software attempts to push the security phase earlier into designing so that major issues can be avoided to save money. That and we hook into all sorts of other developer systems for maximum convenience.

Dexterous · « **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2015, 01:37:25 AM »

I think this was already posted: http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/welcome-to-the-forum/the-art-of-not-working-at-work/

Only joking! ;)

Middlesbrough · « **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2015, 01:41:36 AM »

Industrial telecommunication design and permitting and traffic engineering.

Smevans · « **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2015, 07:16:04 AM »

Electrical, Switchboards.

DecD · « **Reply #6 on:** February 28, 2015, 07:18:33 AM »

Software that flies spaceships. Also, spacecraft orbits.

ender · « **Reply #7 on:** February 28, 2015, 07:19:01 AM »

Quote from: eil on February 27, 2015, 10:37:13 PM

I engineer software. More specifically, tools that the other software engineers in the company use in order to efficiently engineer the software that actually makes the company money.

+1

CowboyAndIndian · « **Reply #8 on:** February 28, 2015, 07:24:37 AM »

I started out as an Electronics engineer (some of my stuff may still be flying in space for the Indian Space program), then switched to software.

Now, I have gone over to the dark side, helping Wall St. (and me) make money ;-)

Yankuba · « **Reply #9 on:** February 28, 2015, 07:25:57 AM »

In a perfect world these folks would get paid what the bankers and lawyers get paid. Maybe when the robots take over they will grant higher pay to the STEM folks. Kudos to all the engineers who make our world go.

Retire-Canada · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2015, 07:29:18 AM »

Quote from: firewalker on February 27, 2015, 09:35:02 PM

What do you engineers make, or design, or ... what do you do all day?

I'm a computer engineer by training but spent 10yrs after school in the army doing anything but that.

Got out of military and did grad studies in GPS engineering and project management.

Ended up doing technical project management\quality management for a variety of projects from building equipment to uxo clearance of large tracts of land.

Currently doing PM and QA work in aerospace composites.

Looking back over the last 26 yrs since school I used my engineering education a lot but never did really do any engineering.

-- Vik

ender · « **Reply #11 on:** February 28, 2015, 07:30:16 AM »

Quote from: Yankuba on February 28, 2015, 07:25:57 AM

In a perfect world these folks would get paid what the bankers and lawyers get paid. Maybe when the robots take over they will grant higher pay to the STEM folks. Kudos to all the engineers who make our world go.

We have talked some about this effect at work, wondering what the effect of unionizing would be on software development/engineering/IT professional fields.

But - how do you define what an engineer does? Most unions exist by clear role definition. Engineering is, "whatever this problem requires to fix." It basically breaks down the concept of unions nearly by definition.

dandarc · « **Reply #12 on:** February 28, 2015, 08:27:06 AM »

Quote from: enderland on February 28, 2015, 07:30:16 AM

Engineering is, "whatever this problem requires to fix." It basically breaks down the concept of unions nearly by definition.

Another software engineer - work on a federal welfare program for my state. Perfect description of the job "whatever is required".

AlexK · « **Reply #13 on:** February 28, 2015, 08:43:45 AM »

Develop instruments which control gas flow into semiconductor tools which make silicon wafers.

gmacmilla · « **Reply #14 on:** February 28, 2015, 08:47:00 AM »

1st post on this site here \o/

I'm a mechanical engineer and we make machines that put together small complex parts and devices for medical, consumer products and automotive industries in high volume (usually 60 ppm).

MandyM · « **Reply #15 on:** February 28, 2015, 08:58:38 AM »

Mostly sewer systems. Sometimes water. Its not exactly glamorous, but its a fairly universal need.

Ocinfo · « **Reply #16 on:** February 28, 2015, 09:04:30 AM »

Air traffic management systems. Primarily early research, concept development, integration, and prototyping.

Dr. A · « **Reply #17 on:** February 28, 2015, 09:59:35 AM »

Mostly building sites and stormwater management. Occasionally a road or water main or sewer.

Currently, a building that captures rainwater and treats it in the basement for drinking, and treats wastewater in an artificial wetland.

Vilgan · « **Reply #18 on:** February 28, 2015, 01:10:25 PM »

I build software, although what I'm building depends on the current project which changes every 3-12 months. Last 2 years have been mostly mobile apps though which has been fun.

aetherie · « **Reply #19 on:** February 28, 2015, 01:13:25 PM »

Quote from: Vilgan on February 28, 2015, 01:10:25 PM

I build software, although what I'm building depends on the current project which changes every 3-12 months.

Same. Right now: software that helps intelligence analysts view/manipulate/compare radar data.

johnny847 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 28, 2015, 01:26:19 PM »

Electrical engineer here. PhD student researching limits on capacity while communicating wirelessly without being detected.

Dr. Doom · « **Reply #21 on:** February 28, 2015, 01:38:17 PM »

Currently software for a university: various portal applications, profile management, single-sign-on and identity management components, curriculum definition and course registration software and so on...

+1 to "develop and fix <stuff> as needed." Every quarter or so at least one project closes and another opens up, I tend to work 2-3 simul because they are not overwhelmingly complicated. And there's an ongoing stream of things that break -- or bugs that are discovered -- that need fixing.

Daisy · « **Reply #22 on:** February 28, 2015, 01:50:07 PM »

I could tell you, but I'd have to kill you.

Just kidding kind of...software on some society beneficial products. I like the big picture thinking involved in getting new features done. I don't like the detailed logistics and work required in actually getting it done. Right now I'm in the big picture phase of a new feature. I'm also working with a fun group of people and get to (or rather decide to) inject fun into every day.

So I am liking work these days...sans the commute and time constraints working requires.

This is a nice place to be in one or two years from FIRE. I'm hoping to go out with some positive vibes and a good feeling about the work I put in. Then it's time for FIRE with more active pursuits.

scottish · « **Reply #23 on:** February 28, 2015, 02:18:55 PM »

Software defined networking products.

Schaefer Light · « **Reply #24 on:** February 28, 2015, 03:40:55 PM »

Telecommunications networks.

Carless · « **Reply #25 on:** February 28, 2015, 04:13:45 PM »

Materials engineer. I've worked on developing titanium extrusion processes, manufacturing/inspecting methods for new product, troubleshooting of issues, tested product to verify it meets standards etc. Now I'm doing a PhD in solid state welding of magnesium. Lots of interesting stuff, but a lot of time polishing tiny pieces of metal too. I'm amazed by how much time I spend fiddling with software, writing macros, matlab etc. I wish my undergrad had spent a bit more time on that and less on differential equations which I have never even used once.

Actually, has any one here ever used differential equations for anything practical/applied?

johnny847 · « **Reply #26 on:** February 28, 2015, 04:29:57 PM »

Quote from: Carless on February 28, 2015, 04:13:45 PM

I'm amazed by how much time I spend fiddling with software, writing macros, matlab etc. I wish my undergrad had spent a bit more time on that and less on differential equations which I have never even used once.

Actually, has any one here ever used differential equations for anything practical/applied?

Never used differential equations. I've used a lot of linear algebra and Matlab though.

Most useful class I took in undergrad was a class in numerical methods. Half of it was theory, half of it was how to do stuff in Matlab. And all the projects were in Matlab. I learned a ton about numerical methods of solving differential equations, nonlinear systems, integration, etc. And a lot of Matlab specific tricks.

I actually use that class more often than my information theory and digital signal processing classes, which are what my research is based on.

gimp · « **Reply #27 on:** February 28, 2015, 04:31:27 PM »

Hardware/firmware engineer. Design boards and firmware for stuff on boards. Sometimes higher-level software too.

Sparafusile · « **Reply #28 on:** February 28, 2015, 04:35:44 PM »

Software engineer here. Write software the tracks maintenance for manufacturing facilities.

I've used differential equations a couple times in predictive algorithms.

Bracken_Joy · « **Reply #29 on:** February 28, 2015, 04:43:15 PM »

I'll reply for SO. Electrical engineer, does control systems work. Industrial settings.

ajsktb · « **Reply #30 on:** February 28, 2015, 04:44:06 PM »

Metallurical engineering was my background in school. I help engineer a steel manufacturing process. Primarily on the liquid metal side of the shop.

Jesstache · « **Reply #31 on:** February 28, 2015, 05:25:01 PM »

Aerospace engineer here. More specifically, aircraft structures engineer. I size/analyze aircraft structures to make sure they are strong enough so as to not break. I've worked on the F-35, Ch-53k helicopter, Gulfstream 650, Airbus A350 and a few others.

Spondulix · « **Reply #32 on:** February 28, 2015, 05:51:59 PM »

I question if my job is true engineering sometimes, but I am an audio engineer.

Goldielocks · « **Reply #33 on:** February 28, 2015, 05:56:43 PM »

Currently, I design plant layouts and design of storage systems (think amazon) and operations for improved efficiency, safety, and less ulitity usage... For new build and expansions.

I also help clients get more production out of existing space and improve logistics/ loading facilities...saving from uneccessary capital and resource costs, and saving them a lot of money in the process.

Hubby is student and works part time as a tech designing testing systems for HVAC gas sensor manufacturer. These are in demand for buildings trying to lower energy costs or with dangerous environments (H2S or xylene labs or parking garages).

I think the software engineers are getting paid a lot more than the rest of us, LOL.

dunhamjr · « **Reply #34 on:** February 28, 2015, 10:03:40 PM »

Education wise I have bs in EET, but never worked in eng.

Always worked in IT.

I am a technical consulting manager doing travel/expense management software implementation work.

secondcor521 · « **Reply #35 on:** February 28, 2015, 11:40:52 PM »

Undergrad in CS and spent 15 years working on embedded firmware for computer peripherals.

Got an MBA and have spent the last few years managing engineers working on embedded firmware for computer peripherals.

SantaFeSteve · « **Reply #36 on:** February 28, 2015, 11:53:00 PM »

Civil Engineer. Working mostly on water and wastewater systems for small municipalities, some of the Pueblos and a few medium sized communities.

MsRichLife · « **Reply #37 on:** February 28, 2015, 11:57:41 PM »

Aerospace Engineer. Current role is overseeing WHS, Aviation and Radiation safety for our entire organisation (~15,000 people plus large fleet of aircraft). Honestly there are so many things an engineer can do. I've worked in design, logistics, maintenance, project management, business improvement, contracting etc etc.

Mrs. Iceland · « **Reply #38 on:** March 01, 2015, 01:26:24 AM »

I have a degree in Financial Engineering - but I dont see myself as an engineer

katie · « **Reply #39 on:** March 01, 2015, 12:28:38 PM »

I recently switched careers altogether, but I was a licensed mechanical engineer designed HVAC systems for commercial applications.

Annamal · « **Reply #40 on:** March 01, 2015, 05:35:52 PM »

Not sure if I'm officially an engineer but I write and maintain software for a government department.

It's cool cause I get to talk directly to my clients and they can tell me what works for them.

Taran Wanderer · « **Reply #41 on:** March 01, 2015, 06:27:07 PM »

Dairy plants.

Bracken_Joy · « **Reply #42 on:** March 01, 2015, 06:42:13 PM »

Quote from: Aldercrest on March 01, 2015, 06:27:07 PM

Dairy plants.

I bet that job stinks. (dun dun tss! Get it? It's a dairy?)

MayDay · « **Reply #43 on:** March 01, 2015, 07:18:02 PM »

The hubs is a phd CHemE and uses differential equations to model processes for a building supply company.

I currently am not working in engineering, I have a CHemE bachelors. I did product design of optical products for flat panel displays and tape r&d (yes literally plain old tape. Apparently making it cheaper and stickier is still a thing, all these years after the original invention of tape). God my tape job was boring. That's pretty much why I became a SAHM.

Ozstache · « **Reply #44 on:** March 01, 2015, 07:26:14 PM »

I engineered FIRE :)

Lanthiriel · « **Reply #45 on:** March 01, 2015, 07:55:34 PM »

My husband is a civil/geotechnical engineer. He does foundations, making sure excavating for gravel doesn't screw up water tables, slope stability, that kind of thing.

madamwitty · « **Reply #46 on:** March 01, 2015, 08:19:57 PM »

Until recently, I used to engineer space systems. Now I engineer ground systems for space applications.

mm1970 · « **Reply #47 on:** March 01, 2015, 09:27:07 PM »

I engineer diodes and transistors. Specifically do wafer-level process engineering in semiconductors.

Taran Wanderer · « **Reply #48 on:** March 01, 2015, 10:27:21 PM »

Quote from: Bracken_Joy on March 01, 2015, 06:42:13 PM

Quote from: Aldercrest on March 01, 2015, 06:27:07 PM
Dairy plants.

I bet that job stinks. (dun dun tss! Get it? It's a dairy?)

Dairy farms can stink. The plants in which the milk is turned into other good stuff usually don't. Ice cream plants actually smell pretty darn good!

Gimesalot · « **Reply #49 on:** March 02, 2015, 09:32:36 AM »

I design several types of systems, but my specialty is designing the equipment that keeps tanks and vessels in chemical plants and refineries from blowing up!

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Author Topic: So many engineers here. So, what exactly do you ... engineer? (Read 35055 times)