Originally Posted by OrionFE
It has since changed to Second Officers who do not have the hours and/or experience to sit the right seat and who do not have any experience in the center seat, but are put there in the mean time.
Professional Flight Engineer
In today's environment it has little to do with experience and everything to do with seniority. At my carrier 4000-5000 hours with jet/Tprop and PIC time was typical for new-hire SOs. I had 12,500 hours when I was hired into the back seat. I was not a systems expert when I went on the line, but I was qualified to be there and I know that my overall flying experience was an additional plus in the cockpit.
I have tons of respect for the PFEs I work with. Many here transitioned to the front seat, some are Captains now. The higher payscale at my company evolved from previous conditions. The job of PFE/SO is the same here, PFEs aren't required to turn wrenches.