Doesn't matter. As an engineer, you don't get to pass the blame like that. When you sign off on something, you are taking responsibility for it. Being able to tell your employer 'no' is fundamental requirement of being a professional engineer. It's the most important difference between a professional engineer and 'some guy who designs things'.
If management was acting irresponsibly, they deserve blame as well, but that does not excuse his actions. My engineering association probably has somewhat different rules than his, but they're all going to be similar. From the handbook sitting beside my desk:
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Rules of Conduct:
1. Professional engineers[...] shall, in areas of practice, hold paramount the health, safety and welfare of the public, and have regard for the environment.
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A client's or employer's interests should be held in high regard. However, the following duties take precedence over the interests of the professionals' client or employer:
- the duty to protect the safety of the Public;
- the duty to the professions under the Code of Ethics; and
- the duty to act fairly and justly to all parties when administering a contract on behalf of a client or employer.
....
Having a Recommendation Overruled:
- When a client or employer makes a decision that adversely affects the public interest and is contrary to the recommendation of the professional, the latter should inform the client or employer of the consequences of the decision. If the client or employer is unavailable or unresponsive, the professional should notify the appropriate regulatory authorities that have the ability to evaluate the concerns and the power to suspend activities until the technical issue is resolved.
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