RF/Microwave Engineer : Lateral Career Transition to Power Engineering 1

[onilozay]

Hi all and happy T-Day,

I've got a career change question and any feedback is more than welcome.

I'm in the process of changing careers from Satellite Microwave/RF systems engineering (transponders design) to electrical power/utilities/buildings-commercial systems. I've been trained in transmission line analysis such as load matching, distributed inductance/capacitance/conductance, etc. So this is is at least somewhat similar.

Additionally for the last 2 years I got my Electrical Contractors license and have been learning the NEC and working as an independent electrician on residential remodels : services, sub-panels, voltage-drops, wire ampacity selection, grounding, basically all home wiring. So this helps in understanding code and installation knowledge.

I've got my new resume and cover letter up and running, and I'm also teaching myself Revit MEP as quickly as I can. Unfortunatley this is not a financial time I can go back to school. And, what I don't have is my EIT, but I'd like to try to break into the field 1st before I commit my study time to that.

So after all that jabbering, my question is : Does anyone have any pointers on obsticles I may encounter and what may be a good strategy to break into the field? My job-scope is pretty wide, I'm just looking for an entry level position as an electrical engineer in architectural-firm/power distribution-transmission/energy/power-grid.

Thanks so much!

 

[cuky2000]

Onilozay,

Changing career require some challenger that require new knowledge and adaptation to the new field. However, since you have a electrical engineering background in microwave and satellite application should be less stressful for you to jump in a new field.
If you start as an entry level position under the supervision of an experience mentor the transition will be somehow easy.
As a general recommendation, you need to invest a great deal of effort learning, studying apply and implementing solution to challenger problems regardless the type of engineering field. If in the process you find pleasure and reward for your effort there is not doubt that you will be good out it.
Before to go to far, investigate what power engineering is about and check if this is the field that you want to expend time and effort. Below are couple of link that we hope to help you to explore the fundamental of the power engineering field.
I hope sother colleagues will provide some imput an guidance for you and Welcome to the old but exciting world of Power Systems Engineering.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_zsGasxAhM

http://www.hv-eng.com/IEEE_CED_SubDesign_Full_Size.pdf

 

[onilozay]

Hi cuky2000,


Thanks a lot for this its helpful. I like the you-tube video and especially like the sub-station design document, its a great way to peak into things and get a good overview. Thanks!

 

[ScottyUK]

If I were you I would be looking at the utilities rather than the installation contracting industry: better job security and generally better paid.

If you can deal with the heavy maths, the industry is desperate for engineers with a strong understanding of electrical machines. You will need to build practical experience too of course, but understanding the fundamental principles is something which a lot of field-educated guys lack.

The industry is also desperately short of experienced protection engineers. You may find that it is a smaller gap between telecoms and protection than the gap between telecoms and primary plant.