DEC is proud to have dozens of licensed professional engineers delivering project excellence for our clients. The letters PE following a DEC engineer’s name symbolize expertise, accountability and commitment. They demonstrate that the engineer has earned a professional engineering license, a standard recognized by employers, clients, governments, and the public as an assurance that the licensed engineer has met education, work experience and exam requirements. It also means that the licensed engineer can be trusted to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public in his or her area of expertise.
In addition to hiring PEs, we encourage engineers early in their careers to pursue PE licensure. Why is this important? To a client, it means our engineers have the credentials to earn their trust. To an employer, it signals an engineer’s ability to take on a higher level of responsibility. Among their colleagues, it demands respect. For our PEs, it's also a symbol of pride and a measure of hard-won achievement.
What It Means to Our Engineers
Joseph Leal, PE, DEC McAllen office I’m proud to be a professional engineer because my work under this license is a constant reminder, along with family and colleagues, as to why I am here. Being licensed means that I’m a trustworthy, loyal professional with the authorization and privilege to serve my community by developing efficient and safe infrastructure.
Scott Graves, PE, DEC Fort Worth office
Being a PE isn’t about yourself. The work of a PE is serving the end user of our designs, the public. Roads, utilities, housing, flood protection, the parking lot at the local grocery store.  Our work often outlasts us as individuals. Being able to drive by a project and see people using your design … that’s rewarding and kind of cool.
H. Shahad Munna, PE, CFM, ENV SP, DEC Houston office
Being a licensed professional engineer means demonstrating excellence in engineering with the utmost ethical standards and dedication to the safety, health and welfare of the public. Becoming a PE has allowed me to be on the forefront of several renowned projects. I feel a sense of accomplishment to see those projects being built successfully.
Becoming a PE
To become licensed, engineers must complete a four-year college degree, work under a professional engineer for at least four years, pass two intensive competency exams and earn a license from their state's licensure board. To retain their licenses, PEs must continually maintain and improve their skills throughout their careers.
Just as the CPA license defines the accountant and a law license defines the lawyer, the PE license tells clients, co-workers and the public that the engineer has mastered critical professional requirements. Today, on Professional Engineers Day, an international annual day of recognition for PEs, we celebrate all engineers who have achieved this certification.