Do you have to be a critical thinker to be an engineer

I'm not that much of a thinker...

In some ways, engineering is about being able to apply formulas and equations. Much of the work is based on calculations and following a rigorous methodology.

The critical thinking is in determining what formulas, equations and methodology are the simplest to get the job done.

Of course, it could be that K.I.S.S. is the epitome of critical thinking and problem solving....

To be a good engineer, I would say that being a critical thinker is definitely desirable if not necessary.

But, for better or worse, you don't have to be a good engineer to be an engineer.

You can pass all your classes by having people on Yahoo! answers do all your homework for you, then get hired by someone that likes you or knows you very well.

So, no, you do not need to be a critical thinker to be an engineer. But, good engineers are critical thinkers and good problem-solvers.

I'd say a lateral thinker, rather than critical.

Yes.
Would you want to trust your life to faith based engineering?

yes