Engel was born in Bern as son of Burkhard Engel (1662–1750), Landvogt of the Canton of Bern in Frienisberg Abbey, and Rosina Fischer (died 1752). He studied at the University of Bern from 1718 to 1722, preparing for a career in the civil service. After some travels, he passed the exam as a notary in 1726.
