what degree do you have to be to be one of the highest engineers

That's a pretty big question! I'd look at the types of things you like to make to see what it is a match for. If you like cars and machinery, maybe mechanical. If you like electronics and programming, maybe electrical or computer science. If you like bridges and building then civil or mechanical. I'm a chemical but i'd struggle doing chemistry at this point. I tend to work with processes and products.

What does that even mean, "highest engineers"?

If you are into research, the degree of 'highest' engineer is PhD and Post Doc candidature
If you are into industry, the degree can be anything (Bachelors, Masters or PhD) but the highest form will be being a CEO, COO or Director of the company.

Good question Blake. The "NFL" for engineers can be found in the military and at some of the best companies in the world. In case your wondering a salary for a senior engineer is close to $200k or more! The Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for some modern marvels like massive hydro-electric dams and a whole series of other dams that tamed this country's rivers and flood plains. There are Generals in the Army Corp who have had 30+ year careers and are the highest ranked engineers in the military. Other superstar engineers work in the industrial world, it could be a senior software engineer at Microsoft who has worked for the company since Windows version 3.0, or a Chief Engineer at Boeing who builds the airplanes people fly on, these engineers typically had distinguished careers, won a lot of awards, and generally demonstrated they are the best at what they do. In addition to excellent technical skills, like being good at math and science, they are also good leaders. So hope that helps answer your question. - Matt