The band was formed in London in 2003 by bassist/guitarist/keyboardist Mark Peters, singer/guitarist Simon Phipps, bassist/guitarist Dan MacBean (previously known as guitarist of The Shining), and drummer Andrew Sweeney.

After the release of their second album Three Fact Fader in 2009, MacBean and Sweeney left the band, and were replaced by bassist/vocalist Daniel Land, drummer Matthew Linley, and keyboardist Ulrich Schnauss.

Engineers' sound has been described as "hazy, ethereal and atmospheric"[1] and the band often cites the works of The Beach Boys, Brian Eno, Cocteau Twins, Spiritualized and Pink Floyd as influences.

[6] Whilst in the process of mixing their follow-up album, the band split with Echo Records and their future became uncertain.

[11] On 1 February 2010, it was announced that Dan McBean and Andrew Sweeney had left the band, with Peters noting, "No arguments or disagreements prompted anyone to leave, but when we got back together to play after Three Fact Fader was released it was clear we had all moved on personally and professionally.

Of the lineup change, Peters confirmed that "based on mutual agreement after a recent conversation, we decided that Simon (Phipps) would sit this one out.