I'll skip the rant about Engineering certification and licensing that this story fairly raves about. Where does "Sanitation Engineer" and "Custodial Engineer" fall on this spectrum of Engineering? I use those terms just to point out that calling someone an engineer does not mean they can "engineer" a product, a process, or even a piece of equipment.
Even with a degree, the title itself does not confer power or wisdom. As in any other field of endeavor, Engineering has a long history and tradition of getting things done. However, over the last 30 years that has become just a little bit different, especially in large organizations. What do you call an "engineer" who neither designs nor specs designs for or by a contractor? What do you call an engineer who never actually visits a job site wherein the product designs specified or approved by that engineer are being installed?
I'd like to call that person a deadbeat, but if that is all they have to do to meet the employer's requirements, then that would not be fair.
So I will just call them a Tool.
Funny, isn't it that a person who should be designing tools and equipment will end up being both a useless tool and a waste of company money and time.
With very few repercussions.
Oops, I said I'd skip that rant.