Solidworks

The same reason you need to take algebra even if you're going to use a calculator: so you know what data to input and can intelligently and competently evaluate the results. The machines are not infallible - sometimes you can get some pretty screwy results. Having the education allows you to have a reasonable expectation of what the result should be and notice any red flags in the result. Otherwise we build bridges that fall down.

pretty good reply

Were they advertising for an engineer or a drafter? Not all engineers do their own drafting. In some companies they might require engineers to know a certain drafting package so if they have a shortage of drafters, the engineers can work on drawings and models until they can bring in more drafters.

If they are looking for a drafter, you don't have to know the engineering because you'll be told what to draw. If they are looking for a designer, they will let you decide on minor design details at first, such as what size bolt or screw to use, or the radius of a fillet. As you gain experience and familiarity with their products, they will let you decide on larger details.

It just depends on what they are looking for. Maybe they had too many drafters come in claiming to be able to do engineering because of their drafting experience, but they didn't have the knowledge the company needed them to have, so the company decided to require an engineering degree to weed out such people.

Hey Doug,

Thanks for your nice reply.

I not only can model and use other process of this software but it has different aspects, features, you are able to design with it as well, and put what you have designed together in an assemble: after you have done that it will run an analyses and let you know if there are any interference with any of your parts that you have designed.

BSCLARK1972

While I don't know SolidWorks, I have worked with Solid Edge, another 3D program. Neither requires a knowledge level equivalent to that of an engineer. As time has passed, I have also seen the pattern of employers requiring engineering degrees for SolidWorks/ProE/Solid Edge positions, generally to ensure a person's capability to handle whatever design issues develop during the process. For what it's worth, they(engineers) will also typically be required to undergo training periods of up to a year before doing totally independent design work. If you can do so, you should consider going for the engineering study, or some other degree- most companies are more interested in the simple fact that you have a degree, especially BS or BA, than what it is in, because it means you know how to learn and can stick with it.

I guess it is a little like asking "Why do you have to be a lawyer to work for a company that uses MS Word." If they are expecting the people who use Solid Works to be engineers, then, of course, they are looking for engineers, not drafters. Going in this direction is probably the trend, because programs like Solid Works increasingly have FEA and CFD elements built in or fully integrated.

My guess would be that you (and some others) are seeing the "small picture" from the wrong angle, as opposed to the bigger picture, from the enterprise growth and competitiveness angle.

The requirement for Solidworks (and its like) would suggest that it is entry-level and near-entry-level engineers, not Solidworks or any other type of CAD specialists, that is actually being sought. The objective would be to develop a solid core of (in your case) Solidworks familiarity in the org over time, as apprentices move up the enterprise career ladders . . . in short, in order to transform into an enterprise which is current and up with cutting edge trends . . . and stays competitive with other enterprises.

Sometimes the most obvious answer is the most elusive . . . because it's the decision makers alone (i.e., management and human resources) that have the bigger picture.

Of course that does not mean you are constrained to let that job requirement discourage you from applying as a draftsperson or engineering associate. ...the right place at the right time (together with a good impression) is, and will remain, a good formula for job prospecting success.

circumspector

The simple answer: You don't.

What is required of the CAD operator? It could be anything from basic Cad file management (file clerk) to program management. None of these "require" you to have an engineering degree.

A background in engineering is a great asset but not a necessity. You don't even need your grade twelve to become a lead designer on major programs. You just need to be a good designer.

An engineering degree will get you in the door but it doesn't guarantee performance. If you can find a position without a degree, and prove yourself as a valuable CAD operator, you can do well for yourself.

An engineering degree will get you in the door but it doesn't guarantee performance.

So true.

Company's do want people that are cross trained and doing the job of more than one. Days get long.

When I was hiring Designers/Engineers the educational background did help get the interview, I have found that people with less degrees that are ambitious and willing to learn, have been more successful. That bring them on they would find a role as an engineer.

While the higher degrees personal, they can be more arrogant. and are either confrontation or resistance to the fabrication personal and the existing engineers.

(Which probally explains thier long resumes with experience at different companies)

My opinion is that I found that there are (2) types of engineers, and they are;

1.) practical engineer,

- works well in a fabrication environment

- streamline, don't dwell on smaller detail issues that does not effect end performance or timeline

- hands on,

- and communicates to all on a level field (does not talk down to people)

2.) the theoretical engineer.

- highly detailed

- good as an academic

Though I have met engineers that have a mix of both traits, but there are few and far apart.