Job in MEP Consulting??? 1

[EE123]

I was wondering if anyone knows about the future of the MEP Consulting in general. I am about to graduate with a MS in Electrical Engineering. My main focus in school was embedded systems, FPGA, and programming. I have an uncle (PE Mechanical) that have his own MEP Consulting in Southern California and been there for 20 years. He wants me to go and work with him. I have already passed my EIT and would need to take the PE one I get some experience. Now I am trying to decide if I should go take a job with my uncle or get a job at an engineering company like everyone else and be part of the “Corporate America”. On one hand I know that the business will be mine after few years which is really nice, but on the other hand I am not sure how stable MEP Consulting is going to be in future. I know my uncle is doing well right now. Any suggestion on how to decide or what seems to be a better option based on you guys experience. Money is not a big concern to me as long as I know I have a job and get paid for my services, but what is a expected income for MEP Consulting engineer? How much work is there for MEP Consulting business? And does anyone know how much a small MEP Consulting can except to make (with 5-10 engineers working)?

Thanks a lot,

 

[HVAC68]

Excellent opportunity in Asia, especially South East Asia, Middle-East and India. Not sure about the US.

HVAC68

 

[GMcD]

I think it's a great opportunity, IF you start looking at, and perhaps specializing in energy modeling/building physics modeling and get into low energy building systems. The plumbing and fire protection design is pretty "codified" so there isn't much opportunity for original design there, but building physics is a growing and needed field within the MEP sector. I know of a few MEP consultants in California who could use more help due to the volume of work they have.

 

[CarolinaPE]

EE123,

I have worked in the MEP industry for a few years now after about 8 years worth of work in two other industries (product design and forensics type consulting). Personally, I prefer the consulting (MEP or forensics). As far as MEP goes my hunch is that if you live in a growing area it will be a good career but will have some bumps in the road. It sounds like your uncle has a good setup for you (personally I would jump on the opportunity "like flies on stink"). Do not discount the factor of being a business owner one day. If it is only in a few years then it is that much better. You will likely be better off (financially not to mention other aspects) with owning your own business than going to work for corporation XYZ as a staff engineer and working your way up the ladder. Think about the years with bumps in the road. If you have a bad year and take home half of what you make on a good year, it still beats the heck out of looking for a job. Knowing what the guys at the top in the field make (they tend to better than similar level of experience positions in industry) you can also sock away a good bit during the fat years to help you through the lean ones. My experience is that MEP pays comparable to industry for staff type positions as well if not a little more. Do not put off taking the PE, it is tough but obviously passable and will be a feather in your cap. I waited about 8 years after graduation to take mine and it only makes things tougher the longer you wait. My experience has been that the consulting world has been far more "steady" than working for major corps. Hope my info helps.

 

[flch95]

dude, you'd be the biggest idiot if you don't take the job. you have it hand already, why not?? its a free path to the PE license in all likelihood. even if you don't like it after a year or two, you would have gained the experience in a consulting environment. i would love to have that opportunity, personally.

 

[bioengr82]

dude, you'd be the biggest idiot if you don't take the job

Spicoli is that you?