There was an essay that I saw on HN where the author talked to a bunch of "real" engineers -- i think the author had some 'real' engineering experience and software engineering experience -- to try and compare and contrast and see if the things people usually say about the differences are true.

I can't find it now! Which is frustrating me. Anyone else seeing htis have any ideas?

It was enlightening, and challenged some things we assume about differences. "real" engineering is also pretty diverse, of course, not just civil engineers making bridges and highways.