My engineer is only 33 at the moment, so take that into consideration. Things may change for me by the time I get to your level.
I am going with Pistol + Shield, and have no problems taking opponents 1v1, even Veterans. As Snafoo said, Pistols are Condition Damage-based, so concentrating on Power is hurting you. I would suggest that you pick the weapon(s) that you enjoy using, and then getting the stats to back it up. If you like pistols, stick with them.
Currently I run with Pistol+Shield, Flamethrower, Rocket Boots, and I’m still tinkering with the third utility. Sometimes I switch in the Elixer gun for group support, but usually stick an Elixer in there, or a turret if I have to destroy stationary objects.
Flamethrower gives me access to Incendiary Ammo, which is a nice DPS boost against a single target. My original concept was to build around Flamethrower, but I am starting to reconsider that due the the FT’s oddities.
Rocket Boots I use for three reasons. First, it gives me Rocket Kick. It does excellent burning damage on a short cooldown, again increasing my single-target DPS. I also use it to combo with the FT’s firefield for Area Might. Lastly, you can use it if you are knocked down, slowed, etc. as a poor man’s escape.
So far I am enjoying the build, though I wish the Flamethrower was a little more robust.
