Civil Engineering online work from remote home

[AKSherpa]

Hello fellow engineers. I am a Civil Engineer, PE in Alaska and Missouri, with approx. 10 yrs. work experience. Experience includes stormwater/wastewater systems design, site design, foundation design, materials testing, ect. Including AutoCad and PondPack software among several other design software design programs. I am currently performing materials testing for a paving company in Alaska. The position is for 6 months a year only. I would like to find a way to work as a civil engineer during the remainder of the year and eventually try to work full time year round from home. Some travel is acceptable. Does anyone have any tips for working from home as a civil engineer?

Thanks, Scott

 

[cedarbluffranch]

I think your best option is to find a position with a large company and work virtually. I know my employer (Boeing) has a few - and don't laugh, we employ more civil engineers than you'd think.

In general, large employers do have some virtual positions because they are encourage (read: required) to by federal law. So you may have some options there.

But most small companies don't want to take the chance.

Your other option is to work as a consultant, but if you read my thread (Consulting with a PE), you'll notice that not a lot of people here have any idea how to get started consulting (including me), so I'd speculate that it may be tricky to consult with your qualifications.

 

[dvd]

I live in Missouri and have been looking for work in Alaska for quite a while, so congratulations! If I ever did find the work in AK, I would be happy with six months of work. Although I am sure you are working during paving season and not working during winter months. I think you could think about doing something else besides engineering during the winter if you can't find other work. If you are in Alaska by choice, then do whatever it takes to stay there and enjoy the place. I wouldn't want to work from home personally, so I would try to get a job doing something that got me out of the house.

 

[AKSherpa]

Cedar - could you help me find some info on this Federal law you referenced? There was a link but it took me to an advertisement. I think your right with the larger company idea. Although I really prefer smaller companies.

I actually read your post about consulting the other day. I think you could find many opportunities. Just hard to make enough to pay for insurance and all that good stuff without turning into a full time job. Fun design ideas to save energy at home would be something a mechanical could do. I took home inspection training course a couple years ago and thought about doing that on the side also. Seemed pretty competetive in Missouri and Alaska both. I saw people charging 3 - $500 for inspection. Appraisers were getting more for doing less. Whats new.

I would like to find a part time position where I could make decent money and also keep up to speed with technology. Working for the paving company six months a year keeps me distanced from the concept/design phases and I really enjoy that type of work and would like to get involved again.

 

[AKSherpa]

DVD - If you are looking for work as mechanical engineer in AK you shouldn't have much trouble. Lot of work in the oilfield area. Also many other projects. If you work for a paver in Alaska for a while you may not mind working from home the other half of the year. I just got back from job, spent month in a hallmark trailer on a cot cooking on the same gas burner used to dry aggregate samples. The stories of working on the road only get better, but it definetly makes you appreciate home.

If you really want to get to AK there should be jobs out there. Especially temporary ones where you have to travel to remote places. Go for it, and let me know if you need any more help.