Work that requires a PE license? 1

[DM61850]

I am kind of confused as to what kind of work requires oversight from a PE. The group I work for does SCADA/HMI and power automation. Sometimes we are told how to set everything. Sometimes we take the power system studies create all the settings and logic in the relays to make it work. Sometimes it is claimed we are not doing engineering because we didn't do the studies or are being told how to set certain parameters of the relays. I know I am going to get the response that it depends by state but generally what work requires oversight from a PE or to offer those services to the public? I am getting the impression that the controls industry is not as tight to having PEs as the power industry.

 

[IRstuff]

Depends on what laws your state/country have, doesn't it? Typically, PEs are required for work performed for the general public and not for industrial products commercially sold.

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[RVAmeche]

Unfortunately it largely varies by state. Engineers within a plant are not generally required to be PE's but a consultant who's hired by the plant typically would be. Utility companies can also be exempt, which has always confused me.

In NC, only PE's can have the title "engineer" on their business card/email/etc as a consultant/vendor/3rd party. From what I've heard, this is mainly due to vendor "sales engineers" giving the illusion of professionally engineered packages to clients.

 

[alchemon]

The key is to understand the phrase and wording of the state requirements in the state in which you are practicing.

In rough terms, a P.E. is usually required if you are offering (selling) your services (design, inspection, official technical opinion) “to the public”. The key then is to understand the exemptions. Most states have industrial exemptions to include design for a specific manufactured product offered to the public - note the difference: you are selling a product (exempted) vs. selling a service (not exempted). There are ethical gray areas between the two. If you are selling engineering services to the public and are advertising as an engineer, then there is likely no state in the land that you can practice without a P.E. If you are providing engineering services as part of selling a product (ie you are an application engineer selling a finished product to an end user) - then you are unlikely to need licensure.

 

[Ron]

alchemon is exactly right. Check the Texas PE practice law and determine if you are offering engineering services to the public or you are in an "exempt" category.