Should Sarah sign and seal engineering documents prepared by unlicensed engineers if she knows they are competent?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of professional integrity in the engineering field, particularly regarding signing and sealing documents prepared by unlicensed engineers. By refusing to sign and seal these documents, Sarah is adhering to ethical standards and legal requirements that govern engineering practice.

Sarah's role entails a responsibility to ensure that all work is conducted within the frameworks established by licensing authorities. Even if she is confident in the competency of her team members, she cannot assume liability for their work without proper licensing. Licensing serves as a safeguard to ensure that all engineers meet a standardized level of educational and professional competence. This is crucial not just for the quality of the engineering work but also for public safety and trust in the profession.

Additionally, the act of signing and sealing documents indicates that she takes full responsibility for the work presented. If the engineers were not licensed, she would be contravening regulations that protect both the public and the integrity of the engineering profession.

While being a lead engineer or considering team quality might translate to a sense of confidence in the work produced, ethical practice and legal compliance take precedence and require that she refrains from signing unless all team members are appropriately licensed.