Switching Engineering Fields?, Looking for Advice

[MNLiaison]

I am contemplating changing to another industry and would like some of your thoughts on my situation. I graduated in 2001 with a B.S. in Composite Materials Engineering and have passed my states Engineering In Training test (General category). I have worked as a Liaison engineer for a General Aviation aircraft manufacturer and also with a commercial airline (which I’m currently employed by). As a Liaison engineer I have dealt with designing repairs to aircraft structure (metallic & composite) and have found it to be a rewarding position. Alas with the state of the airline industry and the current strategy of the company I will no longer be able to perform any structural repair work. I will instead be required to “oversee” those who will be performing such calculations.

Therefore I would like to obtain a job in the civil industry doing structural analysis of buildings, bridges, or any other type of structure. All of the jobs posted for these positions that I have reviewed require a degree in Civil engineering with structural emphases or Mechanical engineering and also experience to boot. So;
1. Will companies hire someone such as my self without any experience or specific education in the civil field?
2. Do I need to go back to school to obtain either a civil or mechanical engineering degree?
3. Do I try to get my foot in the door by accepting a technician’s position and working my way up the ladder?
4. Or is there another option that I am not seeing?
I know that each company is different but I am looking for an overall perspective. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Regards,
MNLiaison

 

[JStephen]

One option is getting an MS in CE rather than getting a second bachelor's degree. I remember reading way back when that it didn't take that many undergraduate courses in CE to get into the MS programs- check into that.

I think your best bet is to stay in the field that you're in. But it's hard to advise when I don't know all the details.

Most companies that are doing structural work as consultants would be looking for someone either with BS degree in CE/SE or with considerable experience with the codes in question if the degree is not in CE/SE.

Several years back when I was looking for work, I found that the aerospace companies would whine to Congress about the lack of qualified people, but they won't put forth a nickel's worth of effort to get anyone qualified. I think you'll find a similar experience going the other way. Good luck.

 

[GregLocock]

"I will no longer be able to perform any structural repair work. I will instead be required to “oversee” those who will be performing such calculations. "

Um, you might not like the sound of the job, but that's a promotion!



Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[archeng59]

I worked for approximately 15 years designing machines as a mechanical engineer. decided to return to school and get a degree in structural engineering because I thought that type of engineering was more "creative" than mechanical engineering. after 10 years in structural engineering, I realized the grass isn't any greener elsewhere. as I look back, it seems that there is more acceptance for "creativity" in mechanical engineering than structural engineering. in my opinion, trying new things in the structural engineering world means people have to try something untested which they seem very reluctant to do because the overall scale of the building is larger than a gas compressor, printing press or transmission (which is what I worked on). just my thoughts, for whatever they are worth.

 

[rd78]

Try looking at firms that design structural items with composite materials. There's a demand for competent composite materials engineers. A couple are:

http://www.FSEInc.com

http://www.ershigs.com