References for PE licence - Mechanical Engineer

[Rmechanical]

Hey all,

Since I'm soon reaching 5 years of experience as a mechanical engineer doing R%D work for a down-hole technology company, I called the Texas Board of Professional Engineers to know the requirements to obtain a PE licence and my current roadblock is the lack of PE references that I have, which is 0 out of 3; since my whole professional experience has been in smaller companies.

That being said, does any of you hit the same obstacle on this process? and if so, how did you overcame it? I started going to more meetings and conferences on the SPE but I am not meeting enough people with relevant background to the type of work that I do. I'd love to show my work and explain and go through the motions of getting a current PE to recommend me as a reference, but do you guys know where to start?

I'd appreciate all your replies. Thanks!

 

[zdas04]

In Colorado, my references were: (1) my boss (an Engineer, but not a P.E.); (2) the guy in the next cubical (also an Engineer, but not a P.E.); and (3) a P.E. from Texas in the days where you didn't have to take the test and no state offered reciprocity to Texas P.E.'s. The third guy was someone I met on the bus to work. The Colorado board was very understanding that both ME and Oil & Gas are very short on P.E.'s and made allowances. I was worried about it, but did not ever ask the question, I just submitted my paperwork with the three references and eventually got a letter authorizing me to sign up for the test.

My point is that the boards have considerable latitude and will occasionally be almost human.

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering

"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"

 

[Rmechanical]

David, thank you for your insight; and by the way, I looked at your profile in your website and my hat's off to you. You have an impressive career and I wish you the best.

Now back on topic, the lady from the Texas board was very insistent that my 3 references would have to be PE's, no exceptions, and this is while taking the exam.

I'm, thinking of advertising myself to do some free engineering work for a few PEs in exchange for recommendations, as I want my recommendations to be from people that have actually seen and reviewed my work.

Hopefully this will work out, and if anything, I'll end up expanding my network.

 

[oldestguy]

Are any of your former professors PE's? How about Dean of Engineering to relate to your records there? In your town, county, municipal services have you made any acquaintances in engineering? In time that may be a way also. Volunteer for local Planning Boards, etc.

How about trying for a PE in another state with less strict requirements?

However, it's surprising how many engineers in industry are not PE's since their jobs do not relate to safety issues.

 

[Rmechanical]

Unfortunately, a dear professor and chairman of the mech engineering department was the only professor that held a PE license, and he was my first choice for recommendation; but sadly, he had passed away 2 years ago.

I started sending volunteering applications with the SPE and ASME communities, and I hope to get to meet some more people there; you are correct oldestguy; not many PE's in the industry, but this is something I want to attain mostly for personal satisfaction.

 

[steellion]

PE references can be literally anyone with a PE willing to vouch for you. However, most Boards require your work experience to be under a supervising PE. You may have more trouble meeting that requirement if you have no PE's in your office. Contact your local board for specific requirements.

 

[ShaggyPE]

In California, there is latitude given to engineers that work in an industry that does not specifically require a PE. I am surprised that Texas doesn't have something similar. Essentially industry exemption for manufacturing type industries.

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Pretty good with SolidWorks

 

[ShaggyPE]

Additional thoughts come to mind. Are any of your customers PE's? You may be able to get references from them. Additionally, there is a great website specifically for PE prep that may provide some good responses as well.

http://engineerboards.com/

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Pretty good with SolidWorks

 

[zdas04]

Ofentimes the "lady at the board" is the receptionist who has zero latitude to apply judgement to anything. We regularly hear on eng-tips.com that when people get to talk to actual Engineers on the board, the answer can be very different. Make an appointment for an application review and discuss the issue with an Engineer.

SPE can be a dead end. I was the only P.E. in my section the year I chaired it (at least the only member in my section that showed P.E. in my profile). ASME is better, but not a lot. Many states have a professional organization for P.E.'s of any flavor (mine is called the New Mexico Society of Professional Engineers) that you might be able to connect with. In any case go to your local section and start making connections.

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering

"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"

 

[JohnRBaker]

I was lucky, I worked for a company where we had several PE's and during the years before I took the second test, I had worked either directly for or along side each one of them, so my references were not only convenient, there were very appropriate as well.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[77JQX]

When I was having difficulties getting licensed (another story) I called the Board member in my discipline to get his recommendations and take on the matter. I think that's better than dealing with the staff at the licensing board. You get to talk with someone who directs the staff, and may be able to advise you on various options (other states, applying for a varience, etc.).

 

[Rmechanical]

Fortunately, the Texas board allows reference from a PE even if is not in a direct-supervision role. I ccould have plenty of references, some from people working as engineering consultants for 30 years, but they are not PEs. Only one of our customers was PE, but on a non directly related field (reservoir engineer).

Thanks for the website Dustin (I'm good with Solidworks too ) I already joined in.

The lady at the board definitely sounded as a receptionist, so you may be right. Also I checked and there is a Texas Society of Professional Engineers... thanks!