Alien Engineers

[urh]

I apologize if this has been asked/answered before.
Thanks to the X-com Files wiki I've been able to figure out why I still haven't been able to build laser weapons - it's because I haven't interrogated an alien engineer.
On what kind of missions does one typically encounter an engineer? As far as I can tell, they don't spawn on UFO crash sites or terror missions.
Do I have to raid an alien base to get my hands on one?

EDIT: I just started a raid on an alien base, and the very first alien I encountered and KO'ed was an engineer. Wish me luck!

[Alazar]

Engies do spawn in downed UFO missions, however they can also spawn dead since they usualy are near the UFO power source, which blows up during the crash. Its RNG really if engie stays alive during mission start.

[urh]

Engies do spawn in downed UFO missions, however they can also spawn dead since they usualy are near the UFO power source, which blows up during the crash. Its RNG really if engie stays alive during mission start.

I guess RN Jesus had just been unkind to me - I've managed to do ~30 crash sites without successfully recovering an engineer.
It was fortunate that the base I raided was manned by floaters, and floaters are kind enough to color-code themselves.

[TheCurse]

have you considered letting the UFO land first?
all crew and equipment unbroken. many non-tiny ufos have engineers (dunno which ones, but definately all larger).

[urh]

I just realized that the prerequisite for Elerium Battery Research is to have interrogated an engineer of every freaking species.
I can't be the only one who finds this ridiculous.

[PltSgtMac]

It's only necessary to research one of those engineers. Also using in-game tech tree viewer (Middle-mouse button on a research item) is faster and easier way to find out what you need than the wiki.

[urh]

It's only necessary to research one of those engineers. Also using in-game tech tree viewer (Middle-mouse button on a research item) is faster and easier way to find out what you need than the wiki.

I just realized I haven't built any Improved Laboratories.
I'm an idiot.
In my defense, I am returning to my campaign after a ~3 month break.