The use of the term Engineer is very unfortunate. In many places (Texas and Florida come to mind) one cannot claim to be or perform the functions of Engineering without being properly licensed and member of a board of professional engineers.
If I engineer software, then I can be described as a software engineer. I couldn't be described as a licensed PE (because I'm not and don't claim to be). The fact remains that "software engineer" is a common industry term. What is unfortunate is FUD from various Boards of Professional Engineers trying to appropriate the term for their sole use.