What's the purpose of the PE License? The PE license has a definite purpose. For example, in the state of Illinois where I am licensed, there is the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The state of Illinois has the the Professional Engineering Act, a law, that explains why the licensing is needed. It ties back to public safety and assuring that those who do design work meet a certain level standards for competency, maintain on-going training, actively practice engineering, and are certified. Particularly, public works projects require supervision and sign-off by a PE before the plans can be implemented/executed. If you offer design services of the engineering type (not artwork design), then you technically need to have a PE license.
Another resource for information is the NCEES organization; a national non-profit organization "dedicated to advancing professional licensure for engineers and surveyors." You can read about the benefits of the PE license on the NCEES website here. They can tell you that studies have shown engineers holding a PE license make more money over the course of their career compared to those without a license.
At Large Manufacturing Firms: There is a business/legal need for certain functions within certain companies (like building or construction companies), or governmental public works departments like the Dept of Transportation, for example. However, as an employee of a massive manufacturing firm, it is not required, generally speaking, to be a PE. In fact, I cannot say the PE license has provided any concrete benefit in career advancement upon my completion of certification. However, it does exemplify a certain standard level of requirements I have met, and it shows the drive and ambition to succeed. When being considered for a position, whether it be a lateral move or a upward move, I am sure that a PE license is a factor considered versus the competition. Put yourself in a hiring manger's shoes... If you have candidates with similar backgrounds, experience level, and one of these men or women have a PE license but the other does not, you might look favorably on the PE licensed individual. It reduces the gravity holding you down. People respect the designation and there are the soft benefits of that, I assure you. Peers, too, respect it, and may even look to you for guidance on how to pursue their own license, giving you the opportunity to mentor and coach others. That helps build up others, and makes you a leader.
The Private Firm: Those things I have mentioned above are within a large corporation. The part where I talk about leadership applies all around, anywhere. But, let's talk about another angle on this PE licensing: venturing out on your own. Of course, if you want to venture out and do a "side hustle" (in other words, do freelance design work), or start your own design firm, a PE will be mandatory to stay on the right side of the law. Consult an attorney to make sure you do this properly as I am not an attorney and none of this constitutes legal advice---you're on your own.
More Resources: I encourage you to read the content on the website for your state's department that handles licensing. Check out the www.NCEES.org site. Also, check out the National Society of Professional Engineers -- They have some nice information as well. For example, the NSPE site has a section called "What is a PE" that is really helpful.
Expert Witness: Another reason for PE license is, a PE can work as a "expert witness" during courtroom trials. You could theoretically work on behalf of a plaintiff's or defendant's attorney to provide technical expertise in a court case. Which, could be a business in and of itself. But, again, I would encourage you to consult an attorney to find out how this all works. I believe you would need to have a proven track record of expertise in engineering to stand up to the test of being a expert witness.
I hope this stuff helps you. Please review it, and if you have more queries, please let us continue the discussion. The PE is definitely a good resume item that can help you progress in your career. It can enable you to work in certain roles that require it. And it also keeps some opportunities open if you need a contingency plan if your current employment disappears, or if you need some kind of a side venture.
Best of luck!
Andrew M. Rummer, P.E.
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