best / new opportunities for consulting engineers

Question

best / new opportunities for consulting engineers

purdue87 (Mechanical)

(OP)

21 Aug 09 17:55

i have been in the construction business for about 5 years now. owner of a concrete construction company in florida. needless to say, the market has gone way south. i have a background in mechanical engineering (m.s. stanford 94) with most of my work in the aerospace/energy field.

with that said, i am interested in what you guys think of fields with new opportunities. fields of growth, etc. water quality and energy seem to be getting a lot of attention. thanks, scott.

ctopher (Mechanical) · Answer 1 · 2009-08-21 18:18:49

Not sure when or where, but I read recently that the solar industry is picking up steam.
http://www.solarbuzz.com/FastFactsIndustry.htm

Chris
SolidWorks 09, CATIA V5
ctopher's home
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archeng59 (Structural) · Answer 2 · 2009-08-22 16:35:54

A background in construction and mechanical engineering seems to lend itself to work in windfarm construction or design of equipment for windfarms.

Ron (Structural) · Answer 3 · 2009-08-22 18:24:11

purdue87...wait it out. Both of the areas mentioned will take a while to develop and realize return. If you're already established, you'll get business back. I see it coming back already (I'm also in Florida). Stick with it....

purdue87 (Mechanical) · Answer 4 · 2009-08-22 18:37:42

thanks folks. i am finding it difficult to wait. or should i say the banks are not so patient.....

along with concrete / block shell construction, i also drill helical piers (repair-support) and inject chemical grout to stop water leaks. all 3 of these revenue streams have all but dried up...doing about $11M 2 yrs ago. now down to about $3M. 2007=120 employees. now 20. a real blood bath here in florida.

desnov74 (Electrical) · Answer 5 · 2009-08-22 20:09:41

I work with someone occasionally who is a PE in fire protection, and does forensic analysis of fires. There always seem to be fires and lawyers, sort of recession proof. Not sure how you would start, but with your diverse background I think you would do well. Are you a PE, I believe its required for the service.

Good luck!

purdue87 (Mechanical) · Answer 6 · 2009-08-22 20:46:54

thanks. yes, i am a P.E. active here in florida (also, a GC).

good idea. i am told that the whole fire field is becoming more strict as far as the building construction goes.

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best / new opportunities for consulting engineers