In my state, he was justified with the title, as he has a degree from a recognized institution, and was not practicing safety of life work.
I used to be a nationwide field service engineer for a major company, based out of Ohio, USA . This frequently resulted in the words, " I am Not a PE in the State of" , or " I am not a degreed Engineer, but I suggest.." when on the road, more or less for my peace of mind. I found clients liked the honesty if the decision involved minor structural or building infrastructure issues, which it often did. Some states have poor language, and will not let your company bestow the title on you for internal work. Ohio really ties the PE title to public works, safety of life, and building work, not so much for other disciplines. Ohio's language is very clear and easy compared to other states, I quote:
"
A) Except for an individual who, as part of the internal classification system of the individual’s employer, uses the title “engineer” by itself or in conjunction with another term described in division (B) of this section and who does not represent the individual’s self to the public or otherwise advertise the individual’s self as an engineer, no individual shall, in connection with the individual’s name, assume, use, or advertise:
(1) The title “engineer” by itself unless the individual is an engineer;
(2) The title “engineer” in conjunction with another term that modifies the title “engineer” in a manner that conveys the impression that the individual is a graduate of an accredited engineering curriculum unless the individual is a graduate of an accredited engineering curriculum.
(B) Terms used in conjunction with the title “engineer” under division (A)(2) of this section that imply a person is a graduate of an accredited engineering curriculum include the following: “aerospace,” “agricultural,” “civil,” “chemical,” “computer,” “electrical,” “industrial,” “mechanics,” “mechanical,” “metallurgical,” “mining,” “naval architectural and marine,” “nuclear,” and any other term commonly used by an institution of higher learning to apply to graduates of an accredited engineering curriculum.
(C) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as prohibiting the use, assumption, or advertisement of the title “steam engineer” or “stationary engineer,” by or on behalf of a person licensed under Chapter 4739. of the Revised Code, or the term “railroad engineer” or “locomotive engineer,” by or on behalf of a person authorized to operate a railroad locomotive, or the term “operating engineer,” by or on behalf of a person who operates, maintains, repairs, or manufactures light or heavy construction equipment.
HISTORY: 144 v H 482 (Effective 07-01-1993); 149 v H 337. Effective Date 08-06-2002."
Endeth the Quote...
I'm aware of a test case where a fellow with over 100 patents, and a EE degree, was sued by his state board for using the title in correspondence. Considering whom he works for, they are really ticking the tail of the dragon..
Steve