Switching Engineering Fields?, Looking for Advice
Switching Engineering Fields?, Looking for Advice
(OP)
I am contemplating changing to another industry and would like some of your thoughts on my situation. I graduated in 2001 with a B.S. in Composite Materials Engineering and have passed my states Engineering In Training test (General category). I have worked as a Liaison engineer for a General Aviation aircraft manufacturer and also with a commercial airline (which I’m currently employed by). As a Liaison engineer I have dealt with designing repairs to aircraft structure (metallic & composite) and have found it to be a rewarding position. Alas with the state of the airline industry and the current strategy of the company I will no longer be able to perform any structural repair work. I will instead be required to “oversee” those who will be performing such calculations.
Therefore I would like to obtain a job in the civil industry doing structural analysis of buildings, bridges, or any other type of structure. All of the jobs posted for these positions that I have reviewed require a degree in Civil engineering with structural emphases or Mechanical engineering and also experience to boot. So;
1. Will companies hire someone such as my self without any experience or specific education in the civil field?
2. Do I need to go back to school to obtain either a civil or mechanical engineering degree?
3. Do I try to get my foot in the door by accepting a technician’s position and working my way up the ladder?
4. Or is there another option that I am not seeing?
I know that each company is different but I am looking for an overall perspective. Thanks in advance for your replies.
Regards,
MNLiaison
Therefore I would like to obtain a job in the civil industry doing structural analysis of buildings, bridges, or any other type of structure. All of the jobs posted for these positions that I have reviewed require a degree in Civil engineering with structural emphases or Mechanical engineering and also experience to boot. So;
1. Will companies hire someone such as my self without any experience or specific education in the civil field?
2. Do I need to go back to school to obtain either a civil or mechanical engineering degree?
3. Do I try to get my foot in the door by accepting a technician’s position and working my way up the ladder?
4. Or is there another option that I am not seeing?
I know that each company is different but I am looking for an overall perspective. Thanks in advance for your replies.
Regards,
MNLiaison






RE: Switching Engineering Fields?, Looking for Advice
I think your best bet is to stay in the field that you're in. But it's hard to advise when I don't know all the details.
Most companies that are doing structural work as consultants would be looking for someone either with BS degree in CE/SE or with considerable experience with the codes in question if the degree is not in CE/SE.
Several years back when I was looking for work, I found that the aerospace companies would whine to Congress about the lack of qualified people, but they won't put forth a nickel's worth of effort to get anyone qualified. I think you'll find a similar experience going the other way. Good luck.
RE: Switching Engineering Fields?, Looking for Advice
Um, you might not like the sound of the job, but that's a promotion!
Cheers
Greg Locock
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Switching Engineering Fields?, Looking for Advice
RE: Switching Engineering Fields?, Looking for Advice
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