Process Engineering

[oil198]

Hi guys,

For the past 2.5 years I have been working as a process engineer (chemical engineering degree) mainly in the oil ang gas as well as petrochemical industry. Recently I moved into a role in minerals processing (base metals extraction, refining, etc).

I'm worried if this is the right move for me, I am still in a process engineering role and involved in design calculations for every chemical engineering until operation, i.e. heat transfer, mass transfer, reaction kinetics, etc. Ultimately I want to go back to the oil and gas industry but I'm concerned if this will hinder that sort of a move in the future. What do you guys think? I'm still very young and even if I work 2-3 years in minerals processing I think I should still be ok to make a move in the future. Any thoughts?

 

[Unotec]

Are you enjoying what you do? Are you concerned because of financial reasons? O&G is a roller coaster, minerals is a little more stable, but slower paced. What is your preference? That's what you should be asking yourself

<<A good friend will bail you out of jail, but a true friend
will be sitting beside you saying ” Damn that was fun!” - Unknown>>

 

[oil198]

I am enjoying what I do, because it is essentially process engineering, the application is just a little different. I know the roller coaster ride that O&G can be, but I would also like to work in the middle east at some point. But do you think 2-3 years in minerals will act as a negative if I apply for a job in the energy sector (after 2-3 years)?

 

[Unotec]

Well, you would be a little out of the loop as far as processes and equipment, but there's quite a bit that would be common. Now, knowing the oilpatch being its own beast, there is the likely chance that, from two candidates, the one with the most O&G background would be chosen. Having said that, for the middle east, i think they take pretty much any warm body they can get their hands on. But this is just my opinion. I've been there and did not personally like it, but was a really easy thing for me to get sent there

<<A good friend will bail you out of jail, but a true friend
will be sitting beside you saying ” Damn that was fun!” - Unknown>>

 

[KENAT]

"I would also like to work in the middle east at some point" Interesting. Most of the people I've known that worked there had little good to say about it except the money, though this was defense not O&G. Still, I'd do your research.

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[BillBirch]

Although I'm mechanical, and have largely worked in O&G, I had an interlude in mining in the eighties in Australia, along with several O&G process engineers when things were quiet in the oil patch. It was very refreshing to see how other industries did similar things with less budget. By and large, I believe that the mining companies learnt from us in some respects, particularly project implementation while we learnt some new things from the miners. For example, oil companies are very conservative, so we had to start looking at variable speed drives on pumps instead of simply designing flow control valves, etc. I believe that this cross-pollination is a great bonus to your career.

We were fortunate in Australia in the eighties where many of us had an opportunity to establish a wide wealth of experience - mine includes pressure vessel manufacturing, onshore and offshore oil and gas, refineries, terminals and mining.

After all that, I suppose you have to be aware of what you want to eventually do. At this stage you probably are not even sure. Many laymen see O&G as glamourous and highly paid, but believe me, you will eventually discover that process engineering in O&G becomes pretty mundine when considering the diversity in say, petrochem.

Finally, the larger contractors like Bechtel or Fluor Daniel are engaged in all of the sectors mentioned, so gaining experience in several areas would make you attractive to such companies.
Regards,
Bill

By the way the ME is not paying that well now, considering how expensive it is living there.

 

[oil198]

Thanks guys for your replies and advice.

unotec: My heart is pretty much set on O&G. That's where I started off in my career and I really feel it's what I would enjoy the most. That being said, do you think I should try to make the switch back as quickly as possible? I think 1-2 years in the minerals processing sector will not really hurt me in the long run. Should I wait until I get my P.Eng then make the switch? Thoughts?

KENAT: It's a long term plan and I will examine all avenues if I decide to make the switch.

BillBirch: Thanks for the valuable advice. As mentioned my heart is set on O&G and I can see myself enjoying a career in that field moreso than in minerals processing. When do you think it would be wise to make the switch back, 1-2 years in ME surely cannot hurt me in the long run, can it?

 

[drywall]

oil198,

It seems to me that you are worrying too much. Two years is not very long, if you were sidelined ten then maybe...but, in my opinion, if you have what it takes Bechtel, Fluor and others will be only too happy to hire you and send you to the mideast.

 

[BillBirch]

Oil198,
I really don't think that you need to worry about switching back, but a couple of years will not hurt you. Think of it in terms of the industries converging. Pick up the mining now, i.e solids handling etc and by the time oil sands / shale oil and the like really get going you will have relevant experience in all aspects.