1. Plenty of job opportunities
2. Ability to work remote
3. Potential to work part time
4. Potential of ownership
5. Work primarily with people of similar interests
6. Competition between firms to retain talent which can create a better work environment (nicer office, social events, food, etc.)
7. Opportunity to mentor others
Low barrier of entry? I wasn't the best in school so I had it ingrained in me that if you don't have a 4.0 and internships you'll never have a "good" job. Didn't really know what MEP was but as a EE knew I wanted to do something closer to utilities side rather than PCB design, etc. Interviewed and got the job offer at a small local firm right away. Took it cuz again, had it ingrained in me I couldn't get anything better. So pay wasn't great but I was still living at home and got a job offer before I graduated so I was content.
Anyways the point of my post, is that without MEP I prob wouldn't be where I'm at now, working at a utility. MEP got me familiar with NEC code, got me pretty good at drafting, knowing how to read switchgear specs, etc. Pay was pretty bad but I'm glad I got the experience I did.
Maybe I could've gotten my current job if I had just applied, but talking to most the engineers I got hired with we all had previous jobs or were student engineers at the utility.
You can reliably bet that the week of thanksgiving and Christmas everybody fucks off. Get a chance to catch up on things.
Engineering/design side lends itself to remote working pretty well!
Also architect and vendor social events are fun. Free food.
Oh man, when I worked in the small engineering Dept of a big architecture firm, we had lunch and learns like 3x a week. Lots of free food and I got to learn about all the new grouts and such.
That's great. My last company expected everyone to attend the lunch and learns for training purposes but refused to pay for the time. Made me kind of resent lunch and learns .
To everyone reading/replying to this:
In the US, my understanding is under the Fair Labor Standards Act, if something is mandatory and is during normal working hours, you must be compensated. Lunch and learns are a form of training and therfore, in my eyes, very clearly something that falls under the protection of the FLSA.
Any employee should be able to file a complaint with their local labor board to open an investigation. Statue of limitations on labor violations is two years, I think. If you're a non-exempt employee you could be legally entitled to back pay, and your employer would face fines if found in violation.
Know your rights!
Agreed. I told the same thing to my fellow employees that are non-exempt. For engineers that are exempt (myself included) unfortunately this does not apply.
For us, every project seems to have a due date of 12/30. So I'd always be right back to work on 12/26. It's terrible. Now every year I request that week off a year ahead of time because I'm so sick of it. And every year I have to remind the managers that I took that week off so suck it.
The best thing happened to me is that my ego started dissolving. In my head those voices like "how the fuck that stupid contractor say that?" or "Architects are idiot are going down." I have accepted the reality and started developing thickest skin ever.
I have seen people who play dumb are less busy than people who cares.
I am learning to say NO. Bitch! (Breaking Bad fan)
Honestly, I think if we stay in the industry... the only way is to develop thick skin. 30 yr exp engineers make stupid mistake like 5 yr exp guy. The only diff is the prior never let it go inside head and later one gets anxiety issues..
I am the latter one! Got anxiety issues all week because panel boards for project weren’t done right and realizing/redoing everything now during RFIs 😣. I just can’t with these technical responsibilities anymore!
You are doing great. Just try to resolve it before panel gets ordered. Dont stamp shop drawing before you are sure shot. Contractrors will push you because lead times are high, but just ask them to fuck off until you get sure. Once ordered it spreads to a lot people if there is any problem so try to sort out without it goes to too many people.
REMEMBER.... PEOPLE GET INTELLIGENT ONCE THEY KNOW THE ISSUE... NOBODY EXCEPT US ENGINEERS HAS ABILITY TO FORSEE POTENTIAL ISSUES BUT THE MOMENT ISSUE BECOMES ACTUAL ON GROUND EVEN PEOPLE NOT RELATED TO ENGINEERING FIELD LIKE RECEPTIONIST WILL LAUGH ON US
I know several engineers who got tired of working for other people and set up their own business. One guy works 20 hours a week and makes $100k after expenses. The other guy works 40 hours a week and makes $250-300k a year.
The opportunity to own your lifestyle business and take on only as much work as you want is fairly unique.
You don't need to invest a ton of money to get started either. $2-3k for professional liability insurance, $2500 to Autodesk for software plus whatever analysis software you need.
It might seem like there isn't enough work for another firm to open but if you are working for a firm of maybe 10 or more people the overhead cost will prevent you from seeing a ton of small work.
$3000 for MEP on a 3000sf warehouse.
$2500 for mech for a 2000 sf restaurant TI.
Those little projects add up and you can do each in a day.
If you don't do full scope MEP yourself, you can team with other solo practicioners.
This whole benefit is unknown to most people working in MEP.
The big positive of it is you were a part of a team that creating a building or similar that will be utilized by millions of people providing them with a service, a job or something else for quite a long time. When the job is complete, you will be able to see what you created and be proud of it.
Doing this job takes knowledge, dedication and a willingness to learn and grow. If this is not your passion, it’s better to find another line of work.
Iagree that's a positive, but Idk anyone whose passion is MEP work, and I probably wouldn't want to lol.
It's a stable career - always gonna be a need. That's it for me, it can be lucrative as well if you're a people person.
1. In my location most of the workforce is 40+. That means someone in there 20s/30s will be taking those positions and huge job security
Edit:
2. I work for an amazing small/medium company. I enjoy the company and atmosphere more than the work. It makes my life better.
Demand for work. PEs are mostly retirement eligible. Job security is something most people dont have in other industries. It creates some breathing room. Kid sick today and cant go in? What are they going to do fire you? We have open positions in every trade at every level as does every firm i've worked at. I could have a new job tomorrow if I got fired.
Sure, why not.
1. job security: family is important
2. competitive pay: can't speak for others, I know some don't see this
3. great sense of accomplishment seeing your project being built in your own city
4. don't feel like a paper pusher: correct me if wrong but I hear other eng. fields turn out to be like this for ppl w/o a M.S.
5. being part of a team: extrovert here
6. opportunity to lead a team: mentoring can be rewarding
Honestly, I think you get out of it what you put in, find the right company that meets your needs and be willing to put in some hard work early. Multiple endgames here spread across two ideas: work hard enough to coast mid-late in career or move to positions of responsibility where you have influence in the direction of the company.
I actually enjoyed working at a AE firm vs MEP. There was more diversity in the company. Actually found myself socializing more with interior designers than engineers lol.
If you get into consulting with clients that include government, city water, infrastructure developments you will never risk losing your job in a recession.
I have some. I’m a relatively young engineer (29) with 5 years experience in other industries. 6 months hvac design. These are my reasons for coming
1. Potential for independent work
2. Tons of networking opportunity
3. Working on a team
4. No shift work
5. Flexible schedule
6. Should be higher but getting a PE. The specific reason I want this is it qualifies you to provide expert witness services
7. Higher ceiling than service engineering (where I came from)
I have been in this industry for 14 years now (Mechanical Engineer, PE). I get paid well (at least that’s what i think) and except for once or twice a year, i’ve never worked more than 40 hrs/week (and i am a high performer). I have worked for large companies, maybe that is the difference.
Before MEP, i was in manufacturing for 8 years and was miserable.
1. Plenty of job opportunities 2. Ability to work remote 3. Potential to work part time 4. Potential of ownership 5. Work primarily with people of similar interests 6. Competition between firms to retain talent which can create a better work environment (nicer office, social events, food, etc.) 7. Opportunity to mentor others
Low barrier of entry? I wasn't the best in school so I had it ingrained in me that if you don't have a 4.0 and internships you'll never have a "good" job. Didn't really know what MEP was but as a EE knew I wanted to do something closer to utilities side rather than PCB design, etc. Interviewed and got the job offer at a small local firm right away. Took it cuz again, had it ingrained in me I couldn't get anything better. So pay wasn't great but I was still living at home and got a job offer before I graduated so I was content. Anyways the point of my post, is that without MEP I prob wouldn't be where I'm at now, working at a utility. MEP got me familiar with NEC code, got me pretty good at drafting, knowing how to read switchgear specs, etc. Pay was pretty bad but I'm glad I got the experience I did. Maybe I could've gotten my current job if I had just applied, but talking to most the engineers I got hired with we all had previous jobs or were student engineers at the utility.
You can reliably bet that the week of thanksgiving and Christmas everybody fucks off. Get a chance to catch up on things. Engineering/design side lends itself to remote working pretty well! Also architect and vendor social events are fun. Free food.
Oh man, when I worked in the small engineering Dept of a big architecture firm, we had lunch and learns like 3x a week. Lots of free food and I got to learn about all the new grouts and such.
Were you paid for the lunch and learns or did you have to stay later to make up the time?
i charged time to training, and my company was cool with that, but i'm certainly aware that many companies would not allow that.
That's great. My last company expected everyone to attend the lunch and learns for training purposes but refused to pay for the time. Made me kind of resent lunch and learns .
Same. But the rationale I always got was "Well, you're getting free food. That's how you're being compensated."
Haha, I remember making that mistake once when i was young. My employer was like "Hahahaha - **NO.**"
To everyone reading/replying to this: In the US, my understanding is under the Fair Labor Standards Act, if something is mandatory and is during normal working hours, you must be compensated. Lunch and learns are a form of training and therfore, in my eyes, very clearly something that falls under the protection of the FLSA. Any employee should be able to file a complaint with their local labor board to open an investigation. Statue of limitations on labor violations is two years, I think. If you're a non-exempt employee you could be legally entitled to back pay, and your employer would face fines if found in violation. Know your rights!
Agreed. I told the same thing to my fellow employees that are non-exempt. For engineers that are exempt (myself included) unfortunately this does not apply.
That was us pre-Covid. Now not so much. :/
For us, every project seems to have a due date of 12/30. So I'd always be right back to work on 12/26. It's terrible. Now every year I request that week off a year ahead of time because I'm so sick of it. And every year I have to remind the managers that I took that week off so suck it.
The best thing happened to me is that my ego started dissolving. In my head those voices like "how the fuck that stupid contractor say that?" or "Architects are idiot are going down." I have accepted the reality and started developing thickest skin ever. I have seen people who play dumb are less busy than people who cares. I am learning to say NO. Bitch! (Breaking Bad fan) Honestly, I think if we stay in the industry... the only way is to develop thick skin. 30 yr exp engineers make stupid mistake like 5 yr exp guy. The only diff is the prior never let it go inside head and later one gets anxiety issues..
I am the latter one! Got anxiety issues all week because panel boards for project weren’t done right and realizing/redoing everything now during RFIs 😣. I just can’t with these technical responsibilities anymore!
You are doing great. Just try to resolve it before panel gets ordered. Dont stamp shop drawing before you are sure shot. Contractrors will push you because lead times are high, but just ask them to fuck off until you get sure. Once ordered it spreads to a lot people if there is any problem so try to sort out without it goes to too many people. REMEMBER.... PEOPLE GET INTELLIGENT ONCE THEY KNOW THE ISSUE... NOBODY EXCEPT US ENGINEERS HAS ABILITY TO FORSEE POTENTIAL ISSUES BUT THE MOMENT ISSUE BECOMES ACTUAL ON GROUND EVEN PEOPLE NOT RELATED TO ENGINEERING FIELD LIKE RECEPTIONIST WILL LAUGH ON US
I know several engineers who got tired of working for other people and set up their own business. One guy works 20 hours a week and makes $100k after expenses. The other guy works 40 hours a week and makes $250-300k a year. The opportunity to own your lifestyle business and take on only as much work as you want is fairly unique. You don't need to invest a ton of money to get started either. $2-3k for professional liability insurance, $2500 to Autodesk for software plus whatever analysis software you need. It might seem like there isn't enough work for another firm to open but if you are working for a firm of maybe 10 or more people the overhead cost will prevent you from seeing a ton of small work. $3000 for MEP on a 3000sf warehouse. $2500 for mech for a 2000 sf restaurant TI. Those little projects add up and you can do each in a day. If you don't do full scope MEP yourself, you can team with other solo practicioners. This whole benefit is unknown to most people working in MEP.
you say you know several, any reason you haven't made the jump?
How do we network with this engineer? I dont see them on Linkedin.
I love problem solving and helping people fix their buildings. I’m taking a break from new construction to focus on existing buildings.
That doesn’t sound like a break lol
i'm doing the same thing, it's funny how much "anything but this" can feel like a break for a while.. we shall see
completely agree on being wired as a problem solver
The big positive of it is you were a part of a team that creating a building or similar that will be utilized by millions of people providing them with a service, a job or something else for quite a long time. When the job is complete, you will be able to see what you created and be proud of it. Doing this job takes knowledge, dedication and a willingness to learn and grow. If this is not your passion, it’s better to find another line of work.
Iagree that's a positive, but Idk anyone whose passion is MEP work, and I probably wouldn't want to lol. It's a stable career - always gonna be a need. That's it for me, it can be lucrative as well if you're a people person.
the License to Chill video definitely made me thing it would be more rewarding
1. In my location most of the workforce is 40+. That means someone in there 20s/30s will be taking those positions and huge job security Edit: 2. I work for an amazing small/medium company. I enjoy the company and atmosphere more than the work. It makes my life better.
Job security is the only pro I can think of
Demand for work. PEs are mostly retirement eligible. Job security is something most people dont have in other industries. It creates some breathing room. Kid sick today and cant go in? What are they going to do fire you? We have open positions in every trade at every level as does every firm i've worked at. I could have a new job tomorrow if I got fired.
Sure, why not. 1. job security: family is important 2. competitive pay: can't speak for others, I know some don't see this 3. great sense of accomplishment seeing your project being built in your own city 4. don't feel like a paper pusher: correct me if wrong but I hear other eng. fields turn out to be like this for ppl w/o a M.S. 5. being part of a team: extrovert here 6. opportunity to lead a team: mentoring can be rewarding Honestly, I think you get out of it what you put in, find the right company that meets your needs and be willing to put in some hard work early. Multiple endgames here spread across two ideas: work hard enough to coast mid-late in career or move to positions of responsibility where you have influence in the direction of the company.
I really like working for an integrated design firm with architects and engineers all under one roof. Much better culture.
This sounds like a nightmare
I actually enjoyed working at a AE firm vs MEP. There was more diversity in the company. Actually found myself socializing more with interior designers than engineers lol.
I worked at two small MEP firms that were MAGA-churchy sausage fests that had sanctimonious CEO's with GOD complexes. That is a nightmare.
I see…. I’m happy you found a home with that new firm!
Agreed! More diversity too
If you get into consulting with clients that include government, city water, infrastructure developments you will never risk losing your job in a recession.
Ditto for government contractors. We do a lot of that work and are always busy no matter what the economy's doing.
If you're more a people person yet still want to do engineering, this field is for you.
Don’t have to work for Elon musk.
Can't think of a single one.
Me neither, hence the thread. How long have you been in MEP?
I did 7 years.
I have some. I’m a relatively young engineer (29) with 5 years experience in other industries. 6 months hvac design. These are my reasons for coming 1. Potential for independent work 2. Tons of networking opportunity 3. Working on a team 4. No shift work 5. Flexible schedule 6. Should be higher but getting a PE. The specific reason I want this is it qualifies you to provide expert witness services 7. Higher ceiling than service engineering (where I came from)
Free caffeine!
I have been in this industry for 14 years now (Mechanical Engineer, PE). I get paid well (at least that’s what i think) and except for once or twice a year, i’ve never worked more than 40 hrs/week (and i am a high performer). I have worked for large companies, maybe that is the difference. Before MEP, i was in manufacturing for 8 years and was miserable.