An engineer without a PhD is an incomplete individual, incapable of independently creating and developing anything truly new, and has no right to demand high salaries. Even a master’s degree doesn’t make you one. Working on the design of a cutting-edge HIMARS launcher or an Abrams tank? You should not be allowed to hold any upper midle or senior position in design or development - your only task should be to follow the instructions of a PhD engineer. Your place in the hierarchy is just slightly above that of a technician or a CNC operator without a university degree. Period.