Moving from consulting to manufacturing? 1

[TehMightyEngineer]

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.

Maine Professional and Structural Engineer.

http://www.fepc.us

 

[Ron]

TME....great if you want to do the same things all the time. Most will be repetitive as precasting lends itself to such.

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.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Well, from having consulted for them I can estimate it would be 50% engineering, 30% construction management, and 20% being misc. work (plant maintenance, odd jobs, software and spreadsheet design, estimating, proposals, etc.).

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.

http://www.fepc.us

 

[KENAT]

Can you keep/start your own operation on the side to:

1) Keep a little variety
2) Keep yourself sharp for future changes

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Kenat: Yes, I would probably consult with my former employer. They're a great company but I've outgrown them and have a number of reasons to not want to stay; none of which involve the work or personal there.

Maine Professional and Structural Engineer.

http://www.fepc.us

 

[appot]

It sounds like you are willing to go, therefore you should take this offer to your current boss. Worse case, you become a precaster.

 

[concretemasonry]

I would take it. Your current employer must respect your skills, but the manufacturer did to a greater extent by hiring you away. - I assume there was a financial enticement for you immediately and more room to acquire new skills and information.

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.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Concretemasonry: Wow, fantastic info there and exceptionally useful in making my decision. Star for you!

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.

http://www.fepc.us

 

[oldestguy]

Look farther down the road. If you are that experienced, ambitious and have many contacts that like your work, why not leave both the current and that promising job and then open your own office? Sure, there will be lean times and long hours to start with, but the enjoyment of a variety of jobs as well as the potential for a much higher long term good income is very appealing I think. With time it may mean getting somewhat away from engineering into management of that new firm. That's a move I made years back and, as I look back, I should have made the move even earlier. The benefits were many.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Oldestguy: Great advice and I have considered that. Unfortunately I don't believe I currently have enough contacts on my own that I could carry with me when I leave my current employer. I agree that it's a great option and I may do that a few years from now but I don't believe I can pull it off right now.

Maine Professional and Structural Engineer.

http://www.fepc.us

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

Well, if anyone's interested I have elected to take the manufacturing position. I have arranged enough opportunities for side jobs that I know I wont get burned out by any repetition and knowing the management there I know I would enjoy working there.

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.

http://www.fepc.us

 

[oldestguy]

Good luck.

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.