Mechanical Design Engineer vs. Technical Support Engineer 1

[EdgarBuz]

Greetings,

I recently graduated Mechanical Engineering and just received two job offers. One is Technical Support Engineer – supports sales team and customers with technical expertise; the other is Mechanical Engineer I – mechanical engineering design for the petro-chemical industry.

The Technical Support position pays more but I am concerned that there is not a lot of engineering involved in it and it might be harder to use the experience later in life when I look for another engineering position. What is your opinion about Sales/ Technical Support Engineering in general – is it a good direction to take as far as advancement, opportunities and compensation go?

Thank you,
Edgar B.

 

[brandonbw]

I would go into the petro industry, just knowing how much of a long term job that should be. It's not always about money, especially with your first job.

I was paid barely anything at my first job, but worked very hard to learn as much as possible and within 3 years was making much more than anyone I knew from my graduating class. More than double by the time I got to my second job.

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

http://bwengr.com

 

[TheTick]

If you want to get into design, don't get branded as a support engineer. Stepping out of design is much easier than stepping in.

 

[MikeHalloran]

You will be appalled by what goes on in any sales department.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[KENAT]

What do you want do do in your career?

For me the Mechanical Engineer in a design role is much more appealing but that's because of my preferences, which may not match yours.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[ivymike]

yeah, I'd go for the design job first, especially in petro, and see about rotating through a support job later.

 

[SomptingGuy]

"technical expertise" takes time to accumulate. Some great engineers I know are in the "support" business, but on the back of 20+ years of applications. Without experience, a "support" engineer is not much more than a secretary with an engineering degree.

- Steve