In the old days, every student knew perfectly well about the prestige and qualities of an engineer. In our time, this profession remains in demand, but more economic positions and work related to information technology predominate. But nevertheless, the activity of an engineer remains important for the development of almost all sectors and the economy of the country as a whole. It includes a large number of different industries and is divided into categories of engineers. Thus, engineers have a great opportunity for career growth from the very bottom of the enterprise to the main leadership positions.
Profession Description
The main difference between people who have chosen the profession of engineer is the presence of analytical thinking, good theoretical and special applied knowledge that focus on the most rapid application in practice. Successful work depends on a good general technical education of a wide profile. 
This profession involves a large number of inventions and discoveries. It includes various categories of engineers. The main task is to develop an integrated process. Engineers are needed in all modern industries.
Responsibilities of an engineer
The duties of an engineer include a lot of different activities, among which it is worth paying special attention to the following:
- Fulfillment of his duties using computer technology, communication regarding scientific and technical activities related to construction, information services. This also applies to the organization of labor, production and management, and much more, like metrological services and technical control.
- Development of methodological, regulatory and technical documentation, in addition, promotion of proposals and activities regarding the implementation of programs and projects.
- A feasibility study, which comprehensively explains why a decision is made, is being implemented.
- Search for methods of shortening the work cycle, assistance in preparatory activities before the implementation process, during the process itself and at its final stages.
- Providing all structures with the necessary elements for the implementation of decisions made, from documents to equipment.
- Participation in research, creating projects and programs.
- Participation in activities related to equipment testing, as well as its introduction into operation or on the market.
- Preparation of all necessary conclusions, reviews and other things that will be needed for the final stage of the project.
- The study and analysis of information, technical data and labor indicators.
- Generalization, systematization, calculation of this information with the help of modern electronic computing technology.
- Drawing up orders, instructions, work schedules, diagrams, maps, reporting and setting deadlines, as well as maintaining other technical documentation.
- Providing practical and methodological assistance in the implementation of programs, plans, projects and contracts.
- Supervision and examination of finished products and equipment.
- Monitoring compliance with established rules and parameters.
- Organization of professional development of employees from the scientific and technical side.
- The manifestation of initiative in creativity, consideration of inventions, the introduction of new working methods and the improvement of products and the process of its creation.
- The impact on improving the organization and improving the efficiency of the enterprise.
Nature of work
Responsibilities of engineers include the application of theories and principles of various sciences in economic and technical solutions to many problems. They connect scientific discoveries and developments with their practical application. This happens through the management of production sites in various fields. Their activities affect a variety of stages of production. It all depends on the category of engineers. Engineering specialties have a lot of branches. 
To work in various industries, they receive special knowledge and skills. For work, modern computer technologies are mainly used, thanks to which production products are tested, systems are designed, their productivity is calculated and analyzed.
Working conditions
Engineers are required in industrial enterprises, in laboratories, in construction, in agriculture, in research centers, for a wide range of work. Depending on the sphere in which they work, they either are constantly in offices, or spend part of the working day at the facilities. For some areas of engineering, traveling far away from the office is required in order to study one or another object.
Qualification
To obtain a profession, you must obtain a higher technical education in a specialized institution. Given the flexibility of the specialty, having received education in one area, you can find work in related fields. During studies, engineers receive theoretical, practical and scientific knowledge. Labor depends on the category of engineers and begins with simple tasks. Only after becoming acquainted with the production proceed to solving more serious problems. This profession makes it possible to go through a very high career growth.
Responsibilities of a design engineer and designer
The design engineer of the highest category should develop outline theoretical and working designs of products. Then draw up technical documentation for the designs that he developed. He conducts patent research, is engaged in the determination of indicators of the technical level of the products that he designed. The designer takes part in the preparation and commissioning of products. Sometimes his duties include interacting with representatives of other organizations to fulfill his functional duties. Below we will describe what categories of engineers are needed to perform certain duties.
The design engineer, in turn, develops individual parts of the project, takes part in collecting data for the design. He can control the creation of designed structures or objects.
Design Engineer (no work experience)
A design engineer with no work experience should have a minimum secondary education, he should be able to use a personal computer and know the AutoCAD program. His responsibilities include drawing objects and working with a ready-made base of elements.
III category
The requirements for the design engineer of the third category are in a diploma testifying to his higher education. An engineer of the 3rd category should know and be able to use regulatory documentation, confidently use AutoCad and Microsoft Office programs, and also have experience. His responsibilities include participating in the design of facilities, as well as the ability to quickly make drawings of varying complexity.
II category
Among the requirements for a design engineer of the second category - a diploma of higher specialized education, experience with the necessary computer programs, as well as experience in designing should be at least two years. In addition, an engineer of the 2nd category is obliged to know and be able to use the regulatory documentation, as well as the experience of his work in high engineering and technical positions should be at least two years.His responsibilities include the development of schemes and layout of the object, the construction of profiles, cartograms, he also calculates the amount of work.
I category
An engineer of the 1st category must complete a specialized higher education, use a computer and all the important programs, regulatory documents, and have at least two years of experience as a designer of the second category. His responsibilities include resolving technical issues on the objects that are assigned to him, as well as preparing tasks for implementing decisions. He must develop all the necessary documentation and draw up tasks, control the correct construction of the drawings and control the regulatory issues.
Lead Design Engineer
The requirements for a leading design engineer include the following: he must complete a higher specialized education, be able to use regulatory documentation. In addition, he must have at least three years of independent project management experience. An engineer of the highest category must know the equipment that is used in production, and also have experience in dealing with subordinates, with production units and regulatory bodies. 
His responsibilities include the development of projects, commercial proposals and technical tasks specifications and estimates. He must oversee the designed facilities, which were carried out by an engineer of the 1st category, and control the deadlines for the completion of the project.
Chief Project Engineer
The requirements for the chief engineer are in higher professional education, at least three years of experience as chief engineer. He should already have experience not only in creating large facilities, but also in passing expert examinations, confidently use a computer and perfectly know all the necessary programs. 
His responsibilities include leadership over a group of design engineers with different categories, verification of documentation and its coordination, full management and examination of the project, work supervision, cost estimation and preparation of documentation, as well as communication with representatives of interested organizations.
The career ladder in this area is followed by the position of chief engineer. It is he who controls all the projects in the enterprise and is engaged in monitoring the activities of the remaining representatives of this profession.
