The Handbook also emphasizes that, "Engineers should be creative, inquisitive, analytical, and detail oriented. They should be able to work as part of a team and to communicate well, both orally and in writing" (Engineers 2010:4). In addition, good communication skills are regarded as important key attributes for engineers who frequently work with professionals from other disciplines (Engineers 2010). Although every employment situation for defense industry engineers will be unique in some way, some common key attributes and skills required by Engineers Australia (2010) for professional engineers include the following:

1. Knowledge of science and engineering fundamentals;

2. in-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline;

3. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation, and solution;

4. Understanding of social, cultural, global, and environmental responsibilities and the need to employ principles of sustainable development;

5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to complex problems and to design and operational performance;

6. Proficiency in engineering design;

7. Ability to conduct an engineering project;

8. Understanding of the business environment;

9. Ability to communicate effectively, with the engineering team and with the community at large;

10. Ability to manage information and documentation;

11. Capacity for creativity and innovation;

12. Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, as a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member;

13. Capacity for lifelong learning and professional development; and,

14. Professional Attitudes (Professional engineer summary statement 2010).

The research also showed that defense industry engineers are responsible for designing and testing not only the weapons of war, but for research into ancillary technologies that support the military forces of a country and ensure its security.
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Meyer, M.H. & Poza, H. 2009 "Venturing next to the core: from defense to homeland security."

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Professional engineer summary statement. 2010 Engineers Australia. [online] available: .

Rae J. & Volti, R. 2001 the engineer in history. New York: New York: Peter Lang.

Silver, H. & Brennan, J. 1998 a liberal vocationalism. London: Methuen.

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