1 SPIRIT

2 Silicon Prairie Initiative on Robotics in Information Technology A Typical Day in Engineering

3 SPIRIT What Do Engineers Do?  Engineers design things, such as computers, machines for exploring space, and solar cars.

4 SPIRIT What Do Engineers Do?  Engineers maintain and improve our quality of life.

5 SPIRIT Engineering is FUN!  Who could become an engineer?  People who like to:  Solve problems  Work puzzles  Find out how things work

6 SPIRIT A Typical Job in Engineering??  There is no typical job in engineering but there are things that people who work in engineering have in common:  They are likely to be using state-of-the-art technology.  They work as part of a team, all working to the same end - and having a laugh along the way!  They usually have well-respected qualifications.

7 SPIRIT A Typical Day in Engineering??  While many engineers work a 40-hour week, at times, deadlines bring extra pressure requiring longer hours.  The workplace is often an office building or industrial plant but some travel extensively to other worksites.  Communication abilities, both oral and written, are paramount for interactions with a wide range of fields outside of engineering.

8 SPIRIT A Typical Day in Engineering  Drop stuff at office/cubicle.  Check .  Head for the coffee pot.  Prepare for the morning meeting.  Review logbook entries.  Get another cup of coffee.  Technical Meeting  Project review  What got done yesterday?  What was supposed to be accomplished yesterday?  What will get done today?  Brainstorming

9 SPIRIT A Typical Day in Engineering  Back to work:  Estimation: When beginning any new design task, test the feasibility with rough calculations of important parameters.  Computers  Graphic design tools  Calculations  Simulations  Communication  Documentation  Programming – Computers control everything!

10 SPIRIT A Typical Day in CEEN Disciplines  Breadboarding  Used whenever a circuit is developed for the first time and must be tested.  Printed Circuit Board (PCB)  Used when a circuit has been tested, debugged, and ready to be produced in permanent form.  Documentation  Another cup of coffee  Logbook review and reflection  Reports

11 SPIRIT Solving Engineering Problems  Figure out what needs doing and do it.  If I wanted it tomorrow, I’d ask you tomorrow.  Cheaper than anyone ever did it before.  Few people, equipment not available.  Don’t let your other work slip!

12 SPIRIT Testing Activities  What is the thing supposed to do?  What kind of tests?  Expected failure modes?  What equipment/software is required?  Write a test plan.  Run the test according to the plan.  Analyze the results.  Write a report with conclusions and action plan.

13 SPIRIT Other Activities  Documentation  Specifications  User Guide  Maintenance Manual  Technical Reference  Installation Procedure  Cost Analysis  Schedules  Product Planning  Management Tasks

14 SPIRIT Engineering Tasks  Beginning engineers work with experienced supervisors  With knowledge and experience more independence and responsibility  Advancement to specialists in varied areas  Team supervisors  Engineering management