What are the qualities of a exceptional engineer?
I generally agree with Doug, except that I usually find Dilbert funny, often hilarious, though sometimes too close to the truth to be funny – too painful. Also, a good engineer needs to be smart, have a good understanding of the equipment, materials, and process in question, have understanding outside their field [I am a Chemical Engineer, but I had to deal with Civil, Structural, Mechanical Electrical [power], control, HVAC, and I don’t know what all other kinds of engineers, understanding their field enough to have meaningful interaction and realize with them a cost effective solution. While not essential, in my experience, it helps a lot of the engineer knows how to use tools. Also, the ability to work with people is pretty important; not so much the managers and other swine, but the technicians and mechanics who will actually be doing the hands on work that the engineer’s expertise requires before it can be put to beneficial use. Understanding of economics is also important, becaus
