[fintstone]

When I was a Fed, I pretty much controlled what qualifications one needed to be considered an engineer in my Agency (regardless of the job you were hired for/assigned to once hired). For an entry level engineering position, Feds require a BS in Engineering from an ABET accredited school or equivalent courses plus evidence of adequacy (PE,FE, etc.). A related degree like Computer Science, Engineering technology, Physics, etc. would qualify if one took essentially the same courses as an engineering major and had at least a year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. If assigned to an acquisition-related engineering position (most were in acquisition), I had to certify they met minimum standards, so I reviewed each of their transcripts and resumes. Many did not. Some forged transcripts or pretended some diploma mill was a real college. Many used experience as government contractors where their company gave them the title of "Engineer" or "Senior Engineer" because most contracts paid more for those designation than "technician" which was really what most were. I disapproved a lot which often put their new employers and them in a bind.

Most positions did not require licensing, but I always recommended that those I mentored get their PE while all the info/math was still fresh in their minds as it expanded their options.