Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
(OP)
So, I have an offer to move from the structural consulting field to a very nice position with a precast concrete manufacturing company that I have consulted for in the past and who wants to take me on full-time. Essentially I will be narrowing my work from all forms of structural design to only precast concrete design. I know the bosses and the work and feel that both are more than acceptable. Pay is good and benefits are good, hours are reasonable and it appears to be a job I could happily do indefinitely.
My question is what have other people found when they made a similar career move? Was it a favorable move? Any less obvious downsides?
The obvious problem I see is less day-to-day variability in jobs and also potential to get too focused and limit options outside that field. However, I plan to make this a semi-permanent career move with no plans of changing out barring the employer vanishing or the local economy tanking.
Also, it's worth noting that this would be a move to a position where I would be the only in-house structural engineer (at least for the time being). This is something I'm aware of the obvious flaws in and accept the risk but any advice on this is also welcome.
My question is what have other people found when they made a similar career move? Was it a favorable move? Any less obvious downsides?
The obvious problem I see is less day-to-day variability in jobs and also potential to get too focused and limit options outside that field. However, I plan to make this a semi-permanent career move with no plans of changing out barring the employer vanishing or the local economy tanking.
Also, it's worth noting that this would be a move to a position where I would be the only in-house structural engineer (at least for the time being). This is something I'm aware of the obvious flaws in and accept the risk but any advice on this is also welcome.
Maine Professional and Structural Engineer. www.fepc.us





RE: Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
I couldn't do it. I enjoy the challenge of not knowing the next issue/problem/opportunity.
You're a sharp engineer. I would be surprised if you would enjoy the repetitive, as enticing as the simplicity/salary/benefits/predictability might be.
Good luck either way.
RE: Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
For the engineering; I'd divide it into 70% repetitive work and 30% non-repetitive. Also, one of my big tasks would be identifying potential areas to expand the company into and working on design bids and concepts. They're also considering offering my services as an engineer to clients.
I'm also considering doing consulting work on the side for what will become my former employer. Not sure how feasible this will be without overloading my weekly schedule but could work to offset the repetitive work and provide additional income.
You are right that I would be worried this would get repetitive as I do enjoy going into work knowing that each week is completely different.
Maine Professional and Structural Engineer. www.fepc.us
RE: Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
1) Keep a little variety
2) Keep yourself sharp for future changes
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
Maine Professional and Structural Engineer. www.fepc.us
RE: Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
RE: Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
I did something similar. After my learning curve and a 5 year curriculum, I saw an ad that offered a 50% increase in pay. Of all things it was with a concrete block manufacturer. - Additional lure was the requirement to get registered (already had my EIT) and able to be active in most technical/professions (ACI, ASTM, ASCE, etc.). The professional/technical activity was also a requirement.
It was the best thing I ever did. While I did not have to sign plans, I was able to participate in the actual design/engineering/construction on a daily basis. Initially it was just with local professionals, but ended up being national and international (the block company was also the managing partner in a Spanish plant and I had to make frequent trips for technical seminars and customer assistance. - It was a 20 year learning experience. Despite that, it still took 10 years to be a voting member on ASTM committees, even though I had been a member for many years before applying.
The precast concrete institute has some great educational meetings (concrete products manufacturing, designs and construction and codes) scattered around the country, where you could participate with fellow engineers (if you new employer allows). Fortunately, it was required for me to do.
Too bad the owners died or retired and the company was sold. The good is that I had the contacts to another job from contacts I had made during my 20 years.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.
RE: Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
Yes, my current employer exceedingly values my skills but their business management skills leave me concerned about future employment. In addition, I'm off the bottom of the chart as far as salary for my experience and skills. The prospective new employer offered 30% pay increase and many similar opportunities as you had.
If I do accept I will probably make it a condition that I be paid to attend precast concrete institute seminars, both for continuing education and to improve my skills for the company. I want to make sure that I continue to grow as a structural engineer, even if it would now be mostly focused on precast concrete.
Maine Professional and Structural Engineer. www.fepc.us
RE: Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
RE: Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
Maine Professional and Structural Engineer. www.fepc.us
RE: Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
So, despite having three really good offers in structural building design and consulting I guess I'm going to focus on the stuff that slops and plops now. It's funny where life takes you.
Maine Professional and Structural Engineer. www.fepc.us
RE: Moving from consulting to manufacturing?
Ditto as to what Dick says about the Precasting Institute. http://precast.org/
These types of contacts are great for us engineers. And it helps for that "down the road stuff" I mentioned.