You mention two important aspects of engineering that I think is missing from the discussion: the bridge (metaphorically speaking) between society and science a

You mention two important aspects of engineering that I think is missing from the discussion: the bridge (metaphorically speaking) between society and science and the detail of planning and problem solving to meet a large set of criteria. I've spent about 11 years "programming" and have recently returned to school to get an engineering degree and this is what has been sticking out the most to me. We are expected to do much more than just code in our engineering projects with a lot of weight being placed on how we come up with our solution and it's broader reaching effects. Finally, in Canada, we have a "professional engineer" designation (P.Eng). Once you have obtained an engineering degree you can spend an additional four years working under the tutelage of another P.Eng and take some more courses to get the designation. This designation sort of places the role of the engineer in the class of doctors and lawyers in the sense of having a duty to society. This, to me, is also a key separation.