Career Move 1

[desnov74]

Hello all~

I am thinking about expanding my field of expertise and wondering if there is a market/employability for someone to specialize in safety & instrumentation.

I am an engineer currently working in specifying and consulting engineer field, working in fire protection/fire alarm design. I started as an electrical engineer. Once I graduated in 2001, the .com market, offshoring, and 9/11 killed the market pretty hard. I worked for three firms, and got layed off or had the company close 3x.

I moved into fire protection engineering. It has been a good move. I notice that my skills as a EE helps with the design/troubleshooting of systems.

I was wondering if there is a market for an expert as a instrumentation and safety engineer? I think with a combination of FPeng it would make a good combo, any thoughts?

 

[tygerdawg]

I did a stint once at a fiberglass boat mfg operation and was in charge of facilities. A "ringer" with those skills could have come in handy. Given the general culture of boat companies at the time, there could have been a market there. That was certainly the case for consutants we used for general OSHA Safety issues & compliance, and also Environmental compliance needs. Those two 1-2 man companies made out like bandits because they serviced ALL the boat companies in the region, doing the same thing.

If there is a market for your specific skill set, I guarantee you they won't beat a path to your door. You'll have to work crazy hard to go out and market your services to those industries. If you're lucky, then you'll find a niche (like those above examples) then you can do well. Be prepared for long hours, lots of road-time, and a thrilling ride if it all works out.

TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering

http://www.bluetechnik.com

 

[cksh]

I had a course in safety engineering back in school and the instructor was an actual safety engineer (who would of thought?). Anyways, he worked in a lot of plants and knew quite a bit about equipment safety etc. But it is a very broad field. From equipment safety to fire etc. Proper dimensions for hallways, door openings. We really got a semester full of info. Thought it was a blow-off class. Nope

I think there is a market as long as you don't try to focue too much on one thing. But!, with the manufacturing the way it is I might try to stay out of manufacturing. Fire might be the way to go as it doesn't have to be related to manufacturing.

 

[Japher]

I think it's a great idea. There are lot of opportunities in an underserved market. For general building you'll probably compete with companies like Cintas. However, there are very few companies that do flame arresters and vent valves for tank farms and the like. If you hook with one of them it might help.

 

[JLSeagull]

The career path within the instrumentation and process control area is diverse. This includes the process measurement instrumentation, regulatory control systems and assorted safety shutdown systems for process safety, heater burner management systems, equipment control systems for large rotating machinery, etc.

The responsibility for fire and gas detection and suppression systems varies among the different engineering contractors and operating companies largely associated with their core industries. An architectural and building design firm designs fire detection systems. Fire and gas detection and suppression are big for the offshore industry. Less emphasis exists for onshore manufacturing. Most fire protection engineers are involved in firewater header sizing, fire monitor coverage as well as building alarm systems. However the process control engineers are rarely involved in these aspects of the fire protection business. The process control engineers may handle other passive components like the flame arrestors. A piping design group likely designs the firewater systems. These groups within the engineering contractors work in a very different environment.

As a fire protection engineer, opportunities might include more geographical locations and opportunities to be a consultant compared to the process control business. Most of my process control opportunities exist around concentrated engineering centers for the hydrocarbon processing business. Other opportunities are associated with the operating company offices and plants.

Both the fire protection and the plant process safety business are regarded as costs and regulations that are not associated with profit. The regulatory process control business includes economic benefits. Being flexible to work across both areas in a changing economic environment could be a good thing. Those who follow their engineering activities with job site support at the construction site or within the operating plant gain additional experience that is favored by engineering managers over those who lack such experience.

 

[shamsdebout]

Well I just spoke to a recruiter yesterday who is looking for two Electrical Engineers in your area, he did mention that he wanted some plant experience. This would be in Kennesaw, Georgia. I never really gave thought to that industry but I would assume if they are hiring 2 then there is a need for that area of expertise.