1.6 WORK OF PRACTICING ENGINEERS {TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTORS)
The roles of practicing engineers (technical contributors) are to do things correctly (mostly operational) and to upgrade the ways things are done. When assigned to perform specific work, a practicing engineer is typically told of the specific work objectives as well as any timeline, budgetary, technological, and other constraints that may apply. The engineer is then expected to develop a project plan, jointly define standards with his or her superior, select methods of performing the work, carry out the tasks, and deliver results. A document is prepared to summarize the project; this includes conclusions, the impact of the outcome on the objectives of the group, unit, or company, and possibly suggestions related to potential improvements in methodology and future technical applications of the results.
The performance of practicing engineers is evaluated according to how well they
carry out their technical assignments within the time and budget constraints, as well as the value of the project outcome to the company. Young engineers entering an organization are typically assigned to perform tasks of a highly technical content for which their academic training is best utilized.
To perform well as technical contributors, engineers are advised to pay attention ""•
to the following five steps:
1. Demonstrate technical competence and innovative capabilities. In their early years, engineers need to demonstrate excellent technical skills in performing tasks and projects. They practice fundamental engineering principles correctly, deliver work that is technically free of errors, and are sensitive to time and budget constraints. It is also critically important for the engineers to demonstrate their innovative capabilities in product design, problem solving, and other technological areas.
2. Practice people skills. Engineers should ensure that they communicate effectively with others in both verbal anawritten forms. They need to interact with peers and management in an acceptable manner. Their interactions with management will be strongly enhanced if the engineers become familiar, through self-study or academic courses, with the perspectives of the company managers and with managerial issues and problems. They also need to demonstrate that they are easy to work with and get along well with most people.
3. Show an unfailing reliability. Engineers need to show that they are reliable in taking on assignments that add value to their management and are capable of discharging responsibilities delegated to them.
4. Be proactive.Engineers should proactively seek team assignments, project coordination, and other roles to practice their managerial skills, foster teamwork, and showcase leadership qualities.