Short answers, pulled from the story.
Imhotep stands as the first recorded engineer in human history. He served as an official to Pharaoh Djosèr and designed the Step Pyramid at Saqqara around 2630 BC. His work introduced the concept of stacking mastabas to create a towering structure.
The word engineering originates from the Latin ingenium meaning innate quality or mental power. In the 14th century the term referred specifically to a constructor of siege engines. This military focus persisted for centuries with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers still bearing the name today.
Thomas Newcomen built the first commercial piston steam engine in 1712. He was an iron merchant with no scientific training who revolutionized the industry. The steam engine allowed for the substitution of coke for charcoal in iron making and enabled the construction of iron bridges and railways.
The first PhD in engineering was awarded to Josiah Willard Gibbs at Yale University in 1863. This event marked the academic recognition of the field. The United States Census of 1850 listed the occupation of engineer for the first time with a count of 2,000.
Cicero's Creed states salus populi suprema lex esto which means the health of the people shall be the supreme law. This ethical framework requires engineers to include a factor of safety in their designs to reduce the risk of unexpected failure. In Canada engineers wear the Iron Ring as a symbol of their obligations and ethics.
Modern engineering relies heavily on computer software to design test and manufacture products. Computer-aided design software enables engineers to create 3D models and 2D drawings while computer-aided engineering tools allow for the analysis of static and dynamic characteristics. Computer-aided manufacturing software generates CNC machining instructions and electronic design automation tools support the creation of printed circuit boards.