The Professional Engineer License Is More Than a Title – It’s a Public Trust
Every building, bridge, and road that people rely on carries an unspoken assurance of safety. This confidence is not by chance but is a result of the public trust that a structure is designed and assessed by a qualified licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
PEs, whose discipline is structural are licensed NJ structural engineers and have a responsibility to see that every structure in the state meets the highest standards of safety and integrity. When assessing a project, they do not just demonstrate technical precision. They also bring a strong commitment to ethical accountability, prioritizing the protection of lives and property through meticulous oversight and sound judgment.
What is a Professional Engineer
A Professional Engineer is an individual who has been legally licensed to practice engineering after completing the required education and demonstrating relevant experience and competency.
In New Jersey, this title is granted by the state’s Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors when an individual meets the following requirements:
- Earned a degree from an accredited engineering program
- Had four years of full-time experience in engineering work and
- Passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams.
More than technical expertise, licensed PEs adhere to a stringent code of ethics established by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). This ethical framework establishes that every decision made by a PE is guided by a commitment to public safety, welfare, and the environment.
Unlike non-PEs, who may not be held to the same high standards, PEs are legally and morally obligated to prioritize the well-being of society. Their ethical responsibilities encompass several key principles:
- Public Welfare: PEs must prioritize the safety, health, and welfare of the public in all professional duties.
- Competence: They should undertake services only in areas where they are qualified by education or experience.
- Honesty: PEs are expected to issue public statements that are objective and truthful, maintaining transparency in their professional communications.
- Integrity: Acting as faithful agents for their clients or employers, PEs must avoid conflicts of interest and remain impartial.
- Fairness: PEs should avoid deceptive acts and conduct themselves responsibly, lawfully, and ethically to enhance the profession’s honor and reputation.
The public trust in PEs comes from the rigorous process they undergo to earn and maintain their licensure. Their commitment to public safety is also reinforced by a strict code of ethics, which guides them in making decisions that are in the best interest of the community.
Additionally, PEs are held accountable by regulatory bodies, which enforce professional standards and discipline those who fail to comply. This combination of qualifications, ethical responsibility, and accountability establishes the trust that PEs will safeguard public welfare in every project they oversee.
Licensed PEs vs. Non-PEs
The distinction between PEs and non-PE practitioners lies not only in their credentials but also in the level of responsibility they carry. A non-PE may have relevant technical skills, but they lack the legal standing and ethical obligations that come with a license.
The lack of a PE license means these practitioners may not be subject to the same level of oversight. This creates risks in the safety, compliance, and long-term durability of projects. For example, without a credentialed NJDEP air permit consultant, an industrial facility project lacks the formal assurance that its air quality management plan is regulatorily compliant and environmentally safe.
What Licensed PEs Can Do
- Seal and Approve Plans: Only a PE can sign and seal engineering documents to make them legally binding. This is critical for projects requiring compliance with local and federal regulations.
- Assume Legal Responsibility: A PE takes legal accountability for the safety, accuracy, and integrity of the work.
- Supervise Engineering Work: PEs may be tasked with overseeing the work of other engineers to verify adherence to standards and best practices.
What Non-PE Engineers Can Do
- Assist in Design and Analysis: Non-PE practitioners often handle detailed design tasks, calculations, and technical drafting under the supervision of a PE.
- Perform Routine Work: They contribute technical expertise to execute plans, collect data, and develop preliminary designs but cannot approve or certify the final work.
Relying on a Professional Engineer aligns projects with the highest professional standards. PEs are trained to foresee potential issues from a broader perspective, maintaining a project’s structural, environmental, and safety compliance. In contrast, entrusting a project to unqualified professionals can leave critical vulnerabilities hidden and lead to costly mistakes or even catastrophic failures.
A Case on Professional Oversight: The Lawrence Gas Explosion
In critical infrastructure projects, the difference between a safe outcome and a disaster often comes down to proper oversight and qualifications of the professional responsible for the work. The tragic gas explosions in Lawrence, Massachusetts, in 2018 serve as a stark reminder of this.
On September 13, 2018, a series of gas explosions rocked the Merrimack Valley region of Massachusetts. The explosions affected over 130 homes, many of which were completely destroyed. One person lost their life, and more than 22 others were injured in the blasts and ensuing fires.
A report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the cause of the explosion was improper gas line installation:
- proper safety checks were not conducted
- critical standards were ignored
- procedures were performed by unlicensed workers without proper oversight
The improper installation led to a gas leak, which then caused multiple explosions. Had there been proper safety checks and installation monitoring, the catastrophic explosions could have been prevented.
The case highlights a crucial point: professional oversight is not just a procedural formality. Rather, it is an essential safeguard against potentially disastrous consequences. When it comes to projects involving public safety, whether it is a gas line installation, building construction, or structural design the risks of failure can be devastating.
Having licensed PEs in charge can mean the difference between a safe, successful project and a tragic failure. A PE’s training, experience, and ethical responsibility are necessary to confirm that safety standards are met, risks are properly assessed, and public welfare is always prioritized.
Trust in the Expertise of Professional Engineers in New Jersey
When it comes to the safety, integrity, and future of your project, trust the expertise of licensed Professional Engineers in New Jersey. At Lockatong Engineering, our PEs bring the experience, ethical commitment, and legal accountability your project deserves. Whether it is a Structural Building Evaluation, Reserve Study, or Property Condition Assessment (PCA), we provide engineering services handled with the utmost care to protect your investment and the public’s safety.
Reach out for a consultation and see how our PE services can bring confidence and clarity to your next project.
