According to the PEO guidelines, what qualifies as "engineering work"?

The definition of "engineering work" according to the PEO guidelines encompasses activities that are fundamental to the profession of engineering. Work that involves the design, construction, operation, or maintenance of engineering systems is central to engineering practice because it requires the application of engineering principles and knowledge to create functional and safe systems. This includes assessing technical requirements, ensuring regulatory compliance, and applying engineering methodologies to solve complex problems.

Designing systems involves creativity and practical application of engineering concepts, while construction focuses on bringing those designs to reality. Operation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring that these systems function efficiently and safely over time. Together, these activities reflect the core responsibilities and skills expected from a professional engineer as outlined by the PEO.

While other options may also represent important aspects of engineering—such as research and development, consulting, and teaching—these activities do not inherently qualify as "engineering work" in the same direct manner. Research may not always lead to immediate applications in engineering, consulting may vary in its scope, and teaching, although valuable, focuses more on education rather than the direct application of engineering principles in practice. Thus, the most direct alignment with the formal expectations set by the PEO for what constitutes engineering work resides in the design, construction, operation, or maintenance