Can I assume you would stay with your current employer if you wern't moving out of state, perhaps for some unrelated reason, like following a spouses move? Sounds like your employer wants to work something out. If thats your intent also, great. A few points in addition to what is posted. Professional registration is required when engineering is the product, NOT when it is part of a larger service. This is why an engineer who designs cars does not have to be licensed! (Product liability laws apply) This is very confusing to some, but true. Now, liability is something quite different. Regardless of licensing, liability (for your work) is there. First, you CANNOT BE the engineer of record. That should be a requirement for you, regardless, as, how can you possibly know all the details as a remote contributor? Negotiate a hold harmless agreeement, both sides, except in the case of gross negligence (makes the clause enforcable). And, as suggested, agreement should say "maximum liability shall be limited to fees paid" (Not billed). Now, will this be extra cash, with eventual full employment somewhere else, or, do you intend to make this a business? If a business, the 2.5 multiplier is very reasonable. You will find it very difficult to bill more than 50% of your time (1000 hours per year) after subtracting sales time, proposal time, non-billable office time etc. This is often why small firms stay small. It is very hard to jump from 1 to 2, then 5, then 10, then 20 etc. Asking for 2.5 is fair, and will not sound overpriced in the market. It will sound high to your ex employer. They will want to make a profit on you. Assuming no benefits, calculate 2.5 (or, as best as you can determine what they sell you at)then discount it by 10% or 15%, and point out they take no risk for non-billable hours, and make 10% (or 15%) on every hour you bill, and you will probably have a deal. Recognise there is a very good chance this will not continue long term. I say this because I'm assuming your leaving was a suprise, and right now they really need you for continuity. You'll know soon enough if they are thinking temporary, or long term. If you don't get assigned to new projects, expect the work to wind down and stop. Lastly, if this is moonlight work, make sure any new employer knows about it as a condition of employement, how long it will last, etc. Many employeers have rules agains moonlighting, again, often because of professional liability issues. A good lawyer can show you used office supplies while moonlighting, and tie your new (or old) company into a lawsuit. The do that because, the bigger company has deeper pockets than you do. (More assets to collect from) Gee... see how that might be career limiting? Professional liability insurance solves this problem, but it is expensive. After you see what the premiums will cost, you'll see you really need to be in business full time to pay those premiums and clear a profit (salary) from your efforts.
