Albert Einstein is primarily known as a scientist, specifically a theoretical physicist. While he made significant contributions to the field of physics, particularly in the theory of relativity, he did not have formal training or education in engineering. Einstein studied physics and mathematics during his university years, not engineering.
Einstein attended the Polytechnic Institute in Zurich, Switzerland, where he pursued a degree in physics and mathematics. He graduated in 1900 with a teaching diploma, but he did not pursue an engineering degree. After completing his studies, Einstein worked as a patent examiner at the Swiss Patent Office in Bern, which is often misconstrued as an engineering position. However, his work there primarily involved assessing the novelty and validity of patent applications, rather than practical engineering tasks.
Einstein's contributions to science, particularly in the field of theoretical physics, revolutionized our understanding of the universe. He developed the theory of relativity, which encompassed both the special theory of relativity (published in 1905) and the general theory of relativity (published in 1915). These theories had a profound impact on various scientific disciplines and continue to shape our understanding of the physical world.
While Einstein's work and ideas had practical applications in various fields, including engineering, he himself did not actively pursue engineering studies or work as an engineer. Therefore, it is more accurate to refer to him as a scientist, specifically a theoretical physicist.