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What is the best "behind the desk" job?

What job/specialty in Mechanical Engineering is not focused behind a desk?

  • I am at a junior level working on my mechanical engineering undergraduate degree. I have what most would consider a good co-op position working at a product develop center for a large comany. I have done some undergraduate reasearch on control systems working to maximize power from wind generators. I loved the wind generator work but I yearn to be out and involved in more interactive areas. Honestly, I could be a mechanic and be happy but I am worried about my back giving out when I am 50. I envy my cousin who is a civil engineer in Montana who spends most of his time on-site (although he works very hard, day and night). Anyway, I would love to hear any ones suggestions. I do not necessarily desire to be outside but that would be a plus. Also, I know that as an engineer some time must be spent behind a desk.

  • Answer:

    I would suggest trying to get in touch with a contracting/design company (i.e. Traylor Bros, Keiwitt, etc). Positions with these companies have ME's going into the field and working on site with the contractors and performing designs out there. Some work is at a desk, but a lot of it is in the field. Be prepared to move a lot though. As most projects only last 3-5 years, then you're off to another location. Best of luck!

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I would suggest trying to get in touch with a contracting/design company (i.e. Traylor Bros, Keiwitt, etc). Positions with these companies have ME's going into the field and working on site with the contractors and performing designs out there. Some work is at a desk, but a lot of it is in the field. Be prepared to move a lot though. As most projects only last 3-5 years, then you're off to another location. Best of luck!

nfbudler

many of the non-desk jobs are seen as less glamorous and often lower paid,but can be more rewarding. Some of them include field/technical service, maintenance engineering, outside sales (selling and working with people on equipment product lines, going into plants), and construction (including working as one of the few engineers for construciton firms, where you do a lot of utility systems designs, and then directly oversee installation)

bbullough

I am a mechanical engineer that works for a chemical company. The good part is that the plants need mechanical experts to keep the equipment running. Chem Es know only the process, but the practical aspect of reliability, optimizing, PPM, and design are the relm of the ME. Petrochem or even Oil Field Service companies would be a good out of offfice experiance.

Bill

I am a mechanical engineer that works for a chemical company. The good part is that the plants need mechanical experts to keep the equipment running. Chem Es know only the process, but the practical aspect of reliability, optimizing, PPM, and design are the relm of the ME. Petrochem or even Oil Field Service companies would be a good out of offfice experiance.

Bill

many of the non-desk jobs are seen as less glamorous and often lower paid,but can be more rewarding. Some of them include field/technical service, maintenance engineering, outside sales (selling and working with people on equipment product lines, going into plants), and construction (including working as one of the few engineers for construciton firms, where you do a lot of utility systems designs, and then directly oversee installation)

bbullough

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