Yesterday I became an engineer with no degree… How ?

I dropped out of college a few years ago to pursue my passion for art. After about two years of working nonstop, I managed to make a living from it. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to take care of myself.

Along the way, I picked up a trade part-time. That unexpectedly became another passion, and eventually I started doing it full-time.

Recently, I got a job working on prototypes as a contractor for a major automotive manufacturer. Not long after, I was offered a full-time position.

Then I got the offer letter.
Instead of “technician,” my title had “(Trade) Engineer” in it.

I genuinely thought there had been a mistake.
I asked the recruiter about it, and they basically told me, “You’ll be working on new technology and helping build and develop it, so you’re an engineer.”
I didn’t argue. I need the job lol.

But I’m still kind of shocked by it.
I have a lot of respect for people who went through actual engineering programs. I don’t have an engineering degree, and I wouldn’t pretend that my technical background is equivalent to someone who spent years studying mechanical, electrical, chemical, or another engineering discipline.

At the same time… a major manufacturer is literally hiring me, paying me, and giving me an engineering title because of the practical knowledge I developed through my trade.
It has me wondering:

What does the title “engineer” actually mean anymore?

Does being an engineer describe a specific educational background? A type of work? A level of responsibility? Or is it ultimately just a job title that companies define however they want?

And when did this shift happen?
I’m especially curious what people with traditional engineering degrees think about this.