Question about experience outside of core engineering discipline

I took/passed the exam in October, but opted to use the de-linked process (TX) by taking the test first, then worrying about the application later (now).  I've been with the same employer since I started in 2010, but one of my positions wasn't directly related to my engineering discipline (I was still doing some high-level analysis of facilities design, but wasn't strictly Electrical).  Do y'all think that matters to the TBPE?  Or should I put more emphasis in the roles where my scope was strictly Electrical (I took the Power exam).  I understand that a licensed PE can technically stamp a drawing, regardless of discipline, as long as they are competent/knowledgeable enough to do so.

How long was this position that wasn't directly related? Did you still interface with other engineering disciplines? Did it involve a position title change?

I would still put an emphasis on it since it appears to still have been engineering or the equivalent to engineering work.  I'm not familiar with all of the Texas requirements, but in NJ we need 4 years experience with at least two in original design.  So the other 2 years could be project management, field work, drafting work etc. I would imagine that Texas has something similar where not all of the required years of experience has to be in strict design phase.  It could also be used as a good background for how you got to your current focus. It taught you discipline, organization of complex calculations/reports, thinking process to solve engineering problems etc.

I would check with your state board to get an official opinion. If your experience ever comes into question then it is in your best interest to follow the opinion of the board and not some people on the Internet.

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Voomie, in theory your advice is true, but in this situation,  the board is not going to give interpretation of the requirements and how to meet the requirements.  I tried this in NJ when completing my application.  The only thing the board will do is restate what they already include on the application  and/or guidelines that they publish. It is up to the applicant to prepare the application with the information to prove that they deserve to be a PE. 

nukem2k5 said:

I took/passed the exam in October, but opted to use the de-linked process (TX) by taking the test first, then worrying about the application later (now).  I've been with the same employer since I started in 2010, but one of my positions wasn't directly related to my engineering discipline (I was still doing some high-level analysis of facilities design, but wasn't strictly Electrical).  Do y'all think that matters to the TBPE?  Or should I put more emphasis in the roles where my scope was strictly Electrical (I took the Power exam).  I understand that a licensed PE can technically stamp a drawing, regardless of discipline, as long as they are competent/knowledgeable enough to do so.

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I agree with one of the other respondents about inquiring with the TX PE Board.  I have found them to be very helpful in my dealings with them.  While they will most likely not "pre-review" your qualifications prior to you submitting your application, they should be able to answer a general question such as yours especially given the new "de-linked" process they have recently implemented.

It's also important to understand that TX, like many other states license PE's in the generic sense and it's up to the applicant/licensee to support that they are working within their area of expertise within the engineering profession.  But there are at least a half a dozen other states (primarily in the west) that license PE's by specific discipline and your experience claimed on your application needs to correspond to that discipline.  And the exam you take and pass at NCEES does too.  For example, if a person passes the PE Electrical exam and then chooses to apply in a discipline-specific state, for that exam to count as qualifying that person would only be able to apply as an Electrical Engineer.  Otherwise, you run the risk of taking another national exam.  Something that everyone should be aware of for initial license or later down the road as Comity.

While I agree that it's probably wise to gauge the opinion of the state board, I'd definitely lean towards including it.  Engineering is extremely broad, and there are many facets that aren't necessarily "design" related but are still considered engineering.  Whether you're working on permits, doing design, creating drawings, doing construction administration, project oversight.   The scope of these varies widely.  If you still think it's related to engineering, I'd include it on an application and let the board tell you you're wrong.  If they do, no harm done, you can just reapply when you accrue more experience.  But there are a ton of engineers out there who don't do a ton of design work, but are still very much in the engineering field.

On a side note, make sure you are very detailed and 100% with the board. It may be disappointing to having to wait longer but being investigated by the board is no fun either. The board is your friend if you play by the rules.

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smahurin said:

While I agree that it's probably wise to gauge the opinion of the state board, I'd definitely lean towards including it.  Engineering is extremely broad, and there are many facets that aren't necessarily "design" related but are still considered engineering.  Whether you're working on permits, doing design, creating drawings, doing construction administration, project oversight.   The scope of these varies widely.  If you still think it's related to engineering, I'd include it on an application and let the board tell you you're wrong.  If they do, no harm done, you can just reapply when you accrue more experience.  But there are a ton of engineers out there who don't do a ton of design work, but are still very much in the engineering field.

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Smahurin, you are absolutely correct about including everything.  If a board is on the fence about your experience,  this could help sway them to approving you. In NJ, out of the 4 years of required experience,  only 2 years need to be in original design. The other 2 years can be done working in project management, field work, drafting etc., as long it is under the supervision of a PE.

In my situation,  I worked 5 years in construction management role for a home construction company. There was no PE working for the company, so I could not use this towards my work experience.  However, I did use the company owner as 1 of my references  as a way to show my work ethics, character, responsibilities, ability to manage others, and other areas that they ask about on the reference forms.