Building Commissioning Agent with PE. What are my other career options?

[Caleb6619]

I am an ME that works for a small 3rd party building commissioning firm. I am in my 5th year and while I enjoy a lot of the work, I feel I am not learning as much as I would like. The paper chasing and documentation process has me in a rut. I have gained a lot of valuable experience (I think) and wonder how I could pursue "Engineer" positions. As a Cx agent, I get lots of on-site hands on experience and troubleshooting with all types of systems. I have become very proficient with testing and BMS control diagnostics. I feel like I am good at a lot but not great in any one area. I would like to work somewhere where I will have a steeper learning curve like I did the first few years with my current job. A potential downfall is that while I can successfully complete intelligent design reviews, I have not used any design software, ect. I'm wondering if my lacking in some of these skills will make it more difficult to become a design or systems engineer.

I plan and expect to pass my PE this April. For now I want to explore options for furthering my development and knowledge as an engineer. Thanks for any insight!

 

[Caleb6619]

I also enjoy troubleshooting controls but I don't think I want to work for a controls company. I would rather write masterful sequences and specs as the engineer

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Get your PE first - You will be more employable and profitable....

 

[brandonbw]

That paper chasing is one of the harder parts of a job. It is also the part that really teaches you while on the job. There is something to learn there whether you realize it or not with reading over documents.

Have you tried speaking to the boss about your problems yet? If not I would go do that now and see what happens. Its not like someone is going to fire you or think of you badly because you want to expand your knowledge. Besides it already sounds like you are about to start looking for a new job. What do you have to lose?

B+W Engineering and Design
Los Angeles Civil Engineer and Structural Engineer

http://bwengr.com

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