[timwilky]

As somebody who has always classed themselves as an engineer, I have been watching this thread with interest.

To my mind, the difference between an engineer and technician can become very blurd. However, my definition of an engineer is somebody with a high level of knowledge in a subject. Who is accountable for function and form.

I know of several chief engineers of PLCs who do not have degrees, they sit on Britsh and european standards boards. Qualification is more important these days than it used to be. but more important is the post qualification training.

Accountability is important. Whilst a technician may well be an important member of a development team, ie testing design or structure etc. The engineer is the person responsible for the function and form to meet a purpose. It is he who may well end up in court as a result of a failure.