Hunting a Wild Engineer |

Hunting a Wild Engineer

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For reasons that will become apparent in the fullness of time, I'm trying to piece together the salient characteristics we might all associate with different types of engineer. For example, suppose you were invited to a dinner party and – on the way there – you were informed that there were going to be a bunch of engineers there (see my list below for some suggested categories). What would you be looking for in each case? A pipe... a beard... a pocket protector... golfing pants... a wooly pullover... stooped shoulders... a nervous twitch?

Here's a list of some of the different engineering disciplines I can think of off the top of my head, but feel free to add more along with your thoughts as to the attributes and traits that distinguish them from the herd: Analog Circuit Designer, Automotive Electronics Expert, Chip Designer, DSP Architect, Embedded Hardware Designer, ESL Guru, Embedded Software Developer, FPGA Designer, Industrial Control Engineer, Network Designer, PCB Layout Designer, Power Management Engineer, RF Designer, RTOS Developer, System Architect, Test and Measurement Engineer, Verification Expert, Video and Imaging Hero, Wireless Designer...

Discussion started by Clive Maxfield , on 30 November 03:30 PM

Replies

Mike Burr, 2010-01-29 07:42:47

I agree with Micah and Simon. It is easier to flow through the board design with the iPod plugged in.

Simon Farnell, 2010-01-13 06:37:51

I have to agree with Micah on this one guys.... There's nothing like being absorbed in a PCB design with some good music on (what's good depends on the person) to get you into the 'zone'. And he's right we (or I) are pretty quirky.

System architect will be talking tech all the time and as for the engineer's and directors - well, it doesn't matter what social function it is or how wasted they are they cannot switch off and have talk tapeouts, costs anything as long as it's work.

Clive Maxfield, 2009-12-09 11:41:26

You wish Jack! :-)

Jack Olson, 2009-12-05 11:16:09

The Circuit Board Designer will be the one in the Hawaiian shirt,
sitting quietly in the corner,
casually flirting with your girlfriends,
while you guys are huddled together talking "tech".

slightly "off-grid"
Jack

Micah Ashe, 2009-12-04 16:42:36

Why does the PCB designer have to have a beard? I couldn't grow one to save my life!

I think a board designer is a music lover (like Benjamin said) but prefers live music. They can retreat into their own world and create art, they are quirky. Hardware engineers are slightly introverted, not wanting to share their secrets. Embedded engineers are wild, crazy and at the same time, quiet and thorough. Software engineers, I just don't understand them...

Benjamin Jordan, 2009-12-03 01:14:36

I feel for the system architects, but try not to get within personal space :-)

I find it interesting that Mike's visual of a DSP engineer is the same as mine! So some commonality is beginning to show...

Mike Burr, 2009-12-02 14:12:04

The PCB designer might even have the Mutton Chops, ;-) Although, the poor guy that does the HMI and systems integration development for the software side of the house, he'll be in the corner talking to himself, and yelling that it's crazy, it's crazy, it's crazy. The Analog designer, grey hair with a painfully receding hairline, although very calm and probably next to the Jazz ensemble playing slow. The DSP engineer, small John Lennon style glasses with the DEVO style bowl haircut. You'll also be able to pick out the Sales Engineer, he's the one with the sport jacket, and when you talk to him you get that uneasy feeling that you're talking to a used car salesman. But that's just me. ;-)

Clive Maxfield, 2009-12-01 10:05:07

Hi Benjamin -- great input -- so I take it you don't have many friends who are system architects (grin).

Benjamin Jordan, 2009-12-01 01:11:39

I think the PCB designer definitely has a big bushy beard, and loves most kinds of music. The DSP Architect it tall and wiry with small round glasses and a north eastern European accent. The Embedded Hardware Designer has a shaved head and is very talkative, the Chip Designer is an athletic and rather competitive person but very friendly and doesn't talk shop at parties. The system architect hasn't had a shower in weeks and looks very overtired and overworked.