What is an "Engineering Firm"? 1

[JStansfield]

Can a firm call itself an engineering firm if they have PE's on staff, yet the principal's of the firm are not PE's? Or can a firm be an "engineering firm" only if all of the principal's are Professional Engineers? I have heard conflicting information ....

Thanks.

 

[buzzp]

Your likely to here the same conflicting reports here. I would check with your state and see what they say.

 

[zdas04]

In my state, you have to show a licence to get a business permit, but it doesn't have to be from an officer of the company. Their reasoning is that an "Engineering" firm must be capeable of stamping drawings that the state requires stamped.

A construction company here was founded by a PE and had the "engineering" term in the title. When he sold out, they were required to remove the term since the new owners had zero PE's on staff.

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering

http://www.muleshoe-eng.com

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[cub3bead]

In Texas, the firm has to be licensed with the state board if they are practicing professional engineering and using variations of the term "engineer" in their name. To license the firm, at least one of the officers must be a licensed professional engineer.

It is also an ethics violation for a licensed engineer to work for an unlicensed firm practicing professional engineering.

 

[ml13]

A certain percentage of ownership by PE's is required in NC (2/3 in fact).

I would consult your state board and the secretary of state.

 

[MarauderX]

I don't think ownership matters. There are several in our area that are owned by non-engineers and managed by engineers.

 

[JKEngineer]

This is definitely an issue that will vary state by state. NY is quite restrictive in its rules.
Jack

Jack M. Kleinfeld, P.E. Kleinfeld Technical Services, Inc.
Infrared Thermography, Finite Element Analysis, Process Engineering

http://www.KleinfeldTechnical.com