Starter prompts for engineers
Copy a prompt, replace the [BRACKETS], and paste it into the bot your organization allows. Each one tells the bot what not to do, so it is easier to check.
1. Calc script with units
Write a Python script using the pint library to compute [CALCULATION]. Inputs: [LIST WITH UNITS]. Print every intermediate value with units. Include one test case with inputs and the expected result I can verify by hand. Do not assume any code-required factors; leave them as named inputs.2. Spec section
Rewrite these notes as a specification section in CSI-style format (Part 1 General, Part 2 Products, Part 3 Execution). Do not add products or standards I did not list.
[NOTES]3. FMEA starter
List failure modes, effects, likely causes and detection methods for a [COMPONENT] in [APPLICATION]. Output an FMEA table with blank severity/occurrence/detection columns for me to rate.Before you paste: remove names, account numbers, dates of birth, addresses and anything else that identifies a real person, unless the tool is approved for that data.
Accuracy and ethics, every time
- Confidentiality: never paste client, patient, student, employee or customer personal data (PII/PHI) into a public bot. Use tools your organization has approved, with contract terms that cover data use, or remove identifiers first.
- Verify everything: bots can invent citations, case law, statistics, doses, code sections and quotes that look real. Check each one against the original source before you rely on it.
- Not professional advice: these tutorials teach you how to use AI tools. They are not legal, medical, tax, financial or engineering advice.
- A human professional is responsible: the licensed or accountable person reviews, decides and signs. The bot drafts; you own the result.
- Prices change: we don't list product prices. Check each vendor's official pricing page.
Official sources for this section
- NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers: fundamental canons
- NCEES: licensure: PE exams and state boards
- NIST AI Risk Management Framework: managing AI risk
Links checked Oct 30, 2026. Rules differ by state and country; follow your licensing body and employer policy.
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