Chapter 2 1

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200)

 Engineers have several jobs to do after graduation and many functions to perform.
 Engineers typically work in a team environment with constant communication – there
may be one person from each functional area or several depending on the size and
complexity of the project.
 The first portion of this chapter answers this question:
“What Does an Engineer Do?”
 The second portion of this chapter provides details and description on the different
engineering majors.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 2

 Research is necessary to gain the new knowledge that will lay the groundwork for the
new products and new innovations of the future.
 Development is necessary to improve a product or adapt it to different conditions.
The changes from one model to the next year model involve mostly development.
 The research and development (R&D) must hold a Ph.D. or master's degree in the
respective field of study.
Tasks:
 Applying research theories, principles, and models when conducting experiments and
research activities.
 Gather information, data, and samples to test them and determine the best method,
material or product to use.
 Working on intellectually stimulating projects.
 Pushing forward the frontiers of technology development.
 Summarizing research results and communicates findings to internal and external
bodies.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 3

 Design aspect is where largest number of engineers are employed.
 Design is the core of engineering practice. It is a complex process, which leads to the
final specifications and drawings of a product or system of products.
 Design engineers also modify existing products or processes to increase efficiency or
improve performance.
Tasks:
 Thinking of possible design solutions for a certain problem.
 Researching whether the design will work and be cost-effective.
 Assessing the usability, environmental impact and safety of a design.
 Using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-assisted engineering (CAE)
software in their design.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 4

 Analysis and Testing involve applying engineering science to ensure that the design will work,
checking forces, stresses, strains, fluid, heat flow, energy and power etc.
Tasks of analysis engineer: ▪ Studying analytical techniques in engineering, so that they are familiar
with them and can use them.
 Checking whether particular idea will work as a solution to a particular task.

 Use computational tools and mathematic models to enrich the work of design and research
engineers.
Tasks of testing engineer: ▪ Ensures that the designed system does what it is intended to do, and
that it is safe. If a problem is found, the test engineer may provide suggestions on how to improve it,
or it is given back for redesigning.
 Testing the durability and reliability of a product, making sure that it performs how it is supposed to,
every time. Test engineers simulate instances and environments in which a product would be used.
 Collecting data and information from the various tests on prototypes.

 Writing testing results on reports and presenting them to project managers and clients.
Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 5
 Manufacturing and construction engineers work individually or in teams, and the
are responsible for “moulding” raw materials into finished product.
Tasks:
 Developing manufacturing/construction processes by studying product requirements;
researching, designing, modifying, and testing manufacturing/construction methods
and equipment.
 Improving the efficiency by analyzing and planning work flow, space requirements,
and equipment layout.
 Assuring product and process quality by designing testing methods; testing finished-
product and process capabilities; establishing standards; confirming manufacturing
processes.
 Providing manufacturing decision-making information by calculating production, labor,
and material costs; reviewing production schedules; estimating future requirements.
 Preparing product and process reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing
information and trends of the production lines.
Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 6
 O&M engineers are responsible for setting up and maintaining the production line.
They must have technical know-how to deal with problems. They also must be
certified in various inspection methods.
Tasks:
 Maintaining the manufacturing and construction process.
 Inspecting the facility and equipment.
 Performing diagnostic tests, predictive maintenance and troubleshooting on systems,
equipment, and components to maximize equipment reliability.
 Following safety practices and complies with rules and regulations.
 Coordinating troubleshooting and root cause analysis and makes recommendations
regarding improvements to existing Standard operating procedure (SOPs) and the
development of new SOPs.
 Reporting monthly statistics on O&M activities.
Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 7
 Sales and Customer Engineers must have technical background related to the
products, but also must be able to communicate effectively with customers.
 The job market for sales and customer support engineers is growing because the
products are becoming more technically complex.
Tasks:
 Providing pre-sales technical assistance and product education.
 Offering after-sales support services, administering client accounts and analysing
costs and sales.
 Gaining customer acceptance by demonstrating cost reductions and services
improvements.
 Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops,
establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 8

 Consulting engineers (consultants) are either self-employed, or work for a firm that
does not directly manufacture products.
 They might be involved in any of the functions previously mentioned in this chapter.
 Consultants are typically required to have expertise within the areas where they are
consulting. Sometimes, they are required to be certified.
 Their tasks can range from purely scientific or technical roles to coordinating or
managerial roles.
Tasks:
 Defining clients' needs and translating them into solutions.
 Managing and supervising engineering projects for clients, sometimes internationally.
 Coordinating the efforts and activities of other project team members including other
disciplines and specialties to ensure effective project delivery.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 9

There are many ways to get information about jobs and careers in engineering:
 Conduct research online
 Speak to people who work in the field you studied
 Find out what graduates who studied a similar course have gone on to do
 Attend career events and job fairs

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 10

 Civil engineering is a professional engineering
discipline that deals with the design,
construction, and maintenance of the physical
and naturally built environment.
 It includes works such as residences, pubic
buildings, roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports,
sewerage systems, pipelines, and railways.
 There are many subdivisions of civil engineering:
 Structural engineers,
 Transportation engineers (concerned with design
and construction of highways, railroads, airports),
 Surveyors (concerned with locating property lines
and property areas),
 Water and environmental.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 11

 Architectural engineers specialize in the
design of systems and components within
buildings and their surroundings.
 Architectural engineers design the structural
components that must remain stable and
functional in all kinds of conditions. This work
leads to maximized efficiency and building
performance in:
 Structures
 Acoustics
 Electricity
 Lighting

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 12

 Electrical engineering is the branch of
engineering that deals with the technology of
electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
 Electrical engineering has a wide range of
subfields including:
 power engineering (generation, transmission,
and distribution),
 communications,
 electronics and power electronics,
 control systems,
 signal processing,
 microelectronics.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 13

 Mechanical engineering is the discipline that applies
engineering, physics, and materials science principles to
design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical
systems.
 Mechanical engineers are concerned with the principles
of force, energy and motion.
 Mechanical engineering can be divided into two main
fields:
 Applied mechanics,
 Thermal sciences (thermodynamics, fluids, heat transfer).

 Other majors can be under the mechanical engineering

such as: automotive, aerospace, and renewable energy.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 14

 Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry,
biology, physics, and math to solve problems
involving the production of chemicals, fuel, drugs,
food, and many other products.
 Chemical engineers design large-scale processes
that convert chemicals, raw materials, living cells,
microorganisms and energy into useful forms and
products.
 Chemical engineers develop processes to extract and
improve basic oil and gas resources.
 Chemical engineers also work in the pharmaceutical
industry, where they design processes to create new,
effective, and affordable drugs.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 15

 Industrial engineers apply science,
mathematics, and engineering methods to
complex system integration and operations.
 Industrial engineers need to have knowledge
and skills in a wide variety of disciplines, the
ability to work well with people, and a broad,
systems perspective.
 Industrial engineers use their knowledge and
skills to improve systematic processes through
the use of statistical analysis, interpersonal
communication, design, planning, quality
control, human factors, operations
management, computer simulation, and
problem solving.
 Sometimes industrial engineering is referred to
as: “Systems engineering”.
Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 16
 Computer engineering focuses specifically on
computer hardware and software. It is an
integration of computer science and electrical
engineering.
 Computer engineers also studies electronics
engineering, software design, and hardware–
software integration.
 Computer engineering includes these subdivisions:
 Computer hardware,
 Computer networks,
 Coding, cryptography, and information protection,
 Communications and wireless networks,
 Artificial Intelligence (AI),
 Image Processing,
 Database.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 17

 Mechatronics is the discipline that results from the
synergetic application of electrical, electronic, mechanical,
computer, and control engineering.
 Mechatronics includes modelling, simulation and analysis of
complex engineering systems using computers software.
 Robotics, automation, control, and instrumentation are the
major fields in mechatronics.
 Mechatronics engineers are supposed to develop new
solutions to industrial problems using mechanical and
electronic processes and computer technology.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 18

 Aerospace engineering deals with designing and
building machines that fly. As technology progressed,
two specialties emerged:
 Aeronautical engineering, which involves designing
aircraft such as powered lighter-than-air craft, gliders,
fixed-wing airplanes and jets, autogyros, and
helicopters
 Astronautical engineering, which focuses on the design
and development of spacecraft.
 Aerospace engineering includes various technological
and engineering disciplines such as: aerodynamics,
materials science, structural analysis and
manufacturing.
 Aerospace engineering is considered a branch of
mechanical engineering
Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 19
 Agricultural engineers are concerned with finding
ways to produce food more efficiently.
 Agricultural engineers are supposed to design of
agricultural machinery, equipment, and agricultural
structures.
 Also, they study water/soil management,
conservation, and storage for crop irrigation and
diary production.
 Also, they are concerned with waste management,
including animal waste, agricultural remains, and
fertilizer runoff.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 20

 Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with
medical and biological sciences to design and create equipment,
devices, computer systems, and software used in healthcare.
 Biomedical engineers can be divided into 4 subdivisions:
 Bioinformatics which develops methods and software tools for
understanding biological data. Bioinformatics combines computer
science, statistics, mathematics, and engineering to analyse and
interpret biological data. (An example is a foot scanner)
 Bioengineering is application of engineering principles to
biological systems. (An example is artificial heart)
 Medical engineers develop instrumentation for medical uses. (An
example is X-ray and MRI)
 Clinical engineers develop systems that help serve the needs of
hospitals and clinics (An example is nurse call system)

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 21

 Materials engineers develop, process, and test
materials used to create a wide range of products.
 They study the properties and structures of metals,
ceramics, plastics, composites, nanomaterials
(extremely small substances), and other
substances to create new materials that meet
certain mechanical, electrical, and chemical
requirements.
 Material Engineers also study metallurgy, and the
development of composites and alloys
 They study the structure and other important
properties of materials such as: strength, hardness,
and durability
 They run tests to ensure the quality of the
performance of the material

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 22

 Mining engineering is an engineering
discipline that applies science and
technology to the extraction of minerals from
the earth.
 Mining engineering is associated with many
other disciplines, such as geology, mineral
processing and metallurgy, geotechnical
engineering and surveying.
 Mining engineers may manage any phase of
mining operations – from exploration and
discovery of the mineral resource, through
feasibility study, mine design, development
of plans, production and operations.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 23

 Nuclear engineering, the field of engineering that
deals with the science and application of nuclear and
radiation processes. These processes include the
release, control, and utilization of nuclear energy and
the production and use of radiation and radioactive
materials for applications in research, industry,
medicine, and national security.
 Nuclear engineering includes the interaction and
maintenance of systems and components like nuclear
reactors, nuclear power plants, or nuclear weapons.
 The field also includes the study of medical and other
applications of radiation, nuclear safety,
heat/thermodynamics transport, nuclear fuel or other
related technology.

Prepared by Dr. Musa Alyaman Introduction to Engineering (0908200) 24