Doesn't apply in my jurisdiction.

And even in places where it does, like Texas, I've never heard of it being applied to software. Like Dell doesn't require a degree for their engineer positions.

Why? Is there a definition of engineering that does exclude software development, or is membership required to become one?

Some places have legal requirements to use engineer as a title, with occasionally amusing consequences: https://www.techspot.com/news/78096-oregon-engineer-wins-fre...

Some states have recognize software engineering as a proper engineering field. And to become one you must pass technical and ethical exams.

A lot of software developers call themselves engineers without even having taken physics 101!