I need advice on a new career (Plumbing Engineer)

[Desdichado]

Hi,
I am a mechanical engineer. Last summer I took a job (at the recommendation of engineers on this forum) as a fire protection sprinkler designer. I like the job, but the possibilities for advancement are not there.

Well I have recently got an offer to become a plumbing engineer. The new company will be paying me as an entry level mechanical engineer. So the pay increase is very large. They will also help me get my PE, which is important to me.

What I am concerned about is the future of a Plumbing Engineer. Im having a hard time finding people with alot of knowledge as to where this career could lead. Also, I have no idea as to how much a Plumbing Engineer with a PE could make.

I have the opportunity to take a job as a manufacturing engineer for another company as well. I think I would enjoy the plumbing engineer job more, but im concerned that I wouldnt be able to make as good of a living in the long run.

If anyone has any experience with plumbing engineering, or any knowledge about it at all... PLEASE help!!!

Is it a good career? Is the top-end pay comparable to other fields?

Thanks in advance guys.

-Des

 

[Desdichado]

Thanks for the heads up SlideRuleEra. I have actually had an interview with Kohler, and they took me out for diner. The 3 engineers I met with were very rude and inappropriate. I had really wanted a job with them, until I met some of my would-be coworkers.

I imagine there are alot of fixture manufacturers out there though, and that is one venue I had not concidered lately. I will look into it, thanks again!

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Just my two cents,

I have been working with Kohler on a project for the last few months and all of the engineers I have met have been quite nice. (And their facilities are great too.)

So, Desdichado, don't let your experience with those three engineers taint Kohler for you of another job opens up in the future, I think they look like a very good company to work for.

 

[Desdichado]

Thanks for the input Brunopuntzjones.

They seem like a great company to work for! Maybe I just met a few bad apples.

 

[JStephen]

As I understand it, plumbing and piping falls into ME when in a building, in CE outside a building, even though it might be the same fittings, same flow, etc. IE, the general field might be a bit broader than what it appears just from the ME side of it.

 

[mizzoueng]

It depends on where you are JStephen. In the US there are different rules in almost every state, and sometimes in every county. I've seen what you've described and I've also seen the Mech Co. put in every little piece of pipe no matter where it is.

Thanks for that link too EddyC

 

[plasgears]

My brother is a plumbing engr in NYC, and he is in high demand. He handles many of the challenges of modern fire water, potable water, and sanitary water concerns. We owe long life and good health partially to this specialty.