Mechanical Engineering

Donkey Kong 12/8/2020 2:06pm
12/8/2020 2:06pm
250 cross wrote:
There are lots of fun/interesting jobs in mechanical engineering, doesn't necessarily need to be in some cool, trendy field. It's been kind to me, have mostly...
There are lots of fun/interesting jobs in mechanical engineering, doesn't necessarily need to be in some cool, trendy field. It's been kind to me, have mostly enjoyed my work, it is a job after all! Getting ready to retire out of aerospace, have three nice mx bikes, hobby cars, heavy equipment, nice home in the country, my own track and a pile of cool other stuff all paid for by engineering work. Only have a BSME but kept putting in my forty lite. The tough part is getting thru school broke when all your other buddies already have cool stuff. Another bonus is a desk job is easy on your body, you are not all tired out and ready for the gym, other training or hitting the track each day.
What sort of pay could a ME with a bachelors expect to earn? What does that career path look like and what opportunity's could be available?
bestmx
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bestmx 12/8/2020 2:38pm
12/8/2020 2:38pm
I was in this position myself 10 years ago.

I completed one year of a Motorsport bEng degree and quickly realised it wasn't for me - showed up day 1 with a small collection of my own tools anticipating some practical work (as the course was advertised) only 'practical' things I did the entire year was measure fuel consumption on an old rover engine from a controlled room and some stuff in a wind tunnel.

During this year, I got one day a week 'study leave' and put this to good use as work experience for a small team/ Ohlins servicer/ supplier, before transferring over to a precision Engineering firm, after explaining the situation I was in - wanting to do practical work and less maths, both firms offered me apprenticeships.

Cutting a long story short, the precision engineering firm machined parts for a pharmaceutical company (GSK) who were offering apprenticeships and were obviously paying more money than the smaller firms.

Apprenticeship completed - mutli-skilled with an electrical bias at the end and I can safely I covered everything above during my 4 year apprenticeship and didn't avoid the aforementioned maths! Machining, material properties, maths, electrical and electronics, CAD design, maths and electrical installation, automation and control and more maths!!

Ultimately, it's really good money, you keep clean for the most part, lots of things to learn, loads of perks (shares/ private health care) and 'development opportunities' (degrees etc funded by the company if that interests you).

They have a site down in North Carolina a few people I know have moved over to - GSK Zebulon.

Could be worth a look? - If you're passionate about working in the industry and that's 100% what you want to do, then I wouldn't let anyone change your mind, but keeping work as work and hobby as hobby, appears to be the choice of many.

Also, not knocking the degree pathway, but it definitely leads to a career where the only tools you use are a mouse and keyboard, which isn't for me..
CM_84
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CM_84 12/8/2020 2:45pm
12/8/2020 2:45pm
bestmx wrote:
I was in this position myself 10 years ago. I completed one year of a Motorsport bEng degree and quickly realised it wasn't for me -...
I was in this position myself 10 years ago.

I completed one year of a Motorsport bEng degree and quickly realised it wasn't for me - showed up day 1 with a small collection of my own tools anticipating some practical work (as the course was advertised) only 'practical' things I did the entire year was measure fuel consumption on an old rover engine from a controlled room and some stuff in a wind tunnel.

During this year, I got one day a week 'study leave' and put this to good use as work experience for a small team/ Ohlins servicer/ supplier, before transferring over to a precision Engineering firm, after explaining the situation I was in - wanting to do practical work and less maths, both firms offered me apprenticeships.

Cutting a long story short, the precision engineering firm machined parts for a pharmaceutical company (GSK) who were offering apprenticeships and were obviously paying more money than the smaller firms.

Apprenticeship completed - mutli-skilled with an electrical bias at the end and I can safely I covered everything above during my 4 year apprenticeship and didn't avoid the aforementioned maths! Machining, material properties, maths, electrical and electronics, CAD design, maths and electrical installation, automation and control and more maths!!

Ultimately, it's really good money, you keep clean for the most part, lots of things to learn, loads of perks (shares/ private health care) and 'development opportunities' (degrees etc funded by the company if that interests you).

They have a site down in North Carolina a few people I know have moved over to - GSK Zebulon.

Could be worth a look? - If you're passionate about working in the industry and that's 100% what you want to do, then I wouldn't let anyone change your mind, but keeping work as work and hobby as hobby, appears to be the choice of many.

Also, not knocking the degree pathway, but it definitely leads to a career where the only tools you use are a mouse and keyboard, which isn't for me..
Agree with all of the above.
I think This post highlights that you need to find what interests/motivates you. BestMx's path would not have suited me, and my path would not have suited him.
Ultimately you will perform best in a role/environment that excites you, nothing would be more depressing to me than to wake up and dread going to work, not saying i spring out of bed and cant wait to get to work. but i certainly do enjoy my role (most of the time)
mxtech1
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mxtech1 12/8/2020 5:56pm
12/8/2020 5:56pm Edited Date/Time 12/8/2020 6:08pm
My undergrad degree was in manufacturing engineering. Currently work at John Deere as a test engineer with the drivetrain division. I’ve spent 10 years in the industry and 8 with Deere.

During my college years, I worked on bikes to help pay my bills. Most of those years I just worked out of my garage. 2 years I worked at a local Kaw/Suz dealership as a service tech. That job eventually led to getting a job for a privateer for the AMA nationals in 2008. I spent that summer BUSTING MY ASS for $500/week....putting in 65+ hrs per week was the norm. Between the long hours, no weekends off, and constantly traveling (driving not flying) it only took me one summer to realize the industry life wasn’t for me. Still have some great memories from that summer and wouldn’t trade the experience for anything, but man it was grueling.

When I graduated college, I hired on at a local mom and pop fabrication shop as a do-all engineer. I spent 2 years there cutting my teeth before I had enough experience to get hired on at Deere.

In the 8 years I’ve been with Deere, I’ve now been in 5 different engineering roles, each a different competency and of increasing responsibility. My starting salary was around $65k and today, well, I am well above $100K. The work is challenging and very rewarding. It can be VERY stressful at times....we always need it yesterday so to speak. But in general, work life balance is good even with the normal week being around 50 hrs Mon-Fri. I get to travel quite a bit to worldwide locations to do various field testing. It’s fun. They also paid my masters tuition in full and they are always supportive of continuing education.

My motorcycle background, and more importantly the mechanical and hands on skills I gained from working on motorcycles, have been extremely valuable, more so now working in drivetrain where I get to work with internal combustion engines, gearcases, gearboxes, etc. I will say some of the projects and machines we work on make motorcycles look like child’s play Smile

My advice to you is pursue your dreams. You will not go wrong getting a ME degree. If you are a solid performer, you will be able to find a job. Whether that be in the moto industry or something more traditional like Auto or Aero.

I would recommend you take as many internships as you possibly can, whether that’s in the moto industry or not. You will be much more prepared when you graduate. In my opinion, the real education doesn’t start until you graduate college and actually start working. Universities teach you the basics and fundamentals, industry teaches you how to apply it.

I would recommend you take a hard look at getting a minor in either electrical engineering or data analytics. This will set you apart from other MEs. Electrification and Big Data is all the buzz right now and we are only in the infancy stages. There’s a huge push right now within industry where companies are focusing less on hard iron development and more on software/electrical/data analytics.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask. I can still vividly remember being in your same position years ago, wondering about some of these career paths.
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Mugen racer
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Mugen racer 12/8/2020 5:57pm
12/8/2020 5:57pm
I too agree with the above comments. You have several options in your backyard. Have you spoken to Penske or East Penn Mfg. ? You’re also real close to Boyesen. You have to do what you really like or it’s a long day, everyday.
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quadzrulebro 12/8/2020 6:37pm
12/8/2020 6:37pm
Follow your passion, and don’t be afraid to move if your passion requires it. If you’re passionate about your career, you’ll be happy wherever it takes you. Don’t listen to everyone that says you can’t make a living in the motorcycle industry. I’ve been an employee in the industry for 20 years now. Do I make crazy money? No. Rich people don’t become rich from a paycheck. Have I ever made big money? No, but I just met with my financial advisor this week and he showed me that my wife and I have managed to squirrel away $1 million dollars toward our retirement. I have personal relationships with famous racers and have gotten to travel the world to motorcycle events with VIP access on the company dime. I have friends that make way more money than me, but very few that are happier. Work your ass off. If you can make a living off your passion, you’ll be one of the lucky few.
wwoberg
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wwoberg 12/8/2020 6:47pm
12/8/2020 6:47pm
ME here also. Not gonna write a big long message. Do it. Lots of jobs for ME's.

I had an interview with Honda when I graduated. 30 yrs ago. Didn't get the job. Took the first job offered to me. Really interested in it and got to be very good at it. Been at it ever since. It's a lot of Field work so I'm rarely behind a desk.
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crusher773 12/8/2020 8:26pm
12/8/2020 8:26pm
I've got an 8th grader now that is hot on wanting to go into engineering. His thoughts are he wants to try and get into the program KTM has in Europe and go there for a while. Not sure how that work being from the US though. If he goes there he won't come back he has a thing for Euro women.
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btroxler
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btroxler 12/9/2020 9:20am
12/9/2020 9:20am Edited Date/Time 12/9/2020 9:22am
I had the same aspirations that you have when I was 18 and they are not bad aspirations to have. With that being said I will give you my engineering background below.

I started school as an ME, then did a couple of COOP's, by the way I strongly recommend this and ended up changing to IE. I realized through the COOP's that I didn't want to sit behind a desk and design all day, I wanted to be in manufacturing and on the floor working with team members, processes and equipment.

COOP's is what helped give me some direction on what I really wanted to do. I thought I wanted to work in a race shop somewhere, but then looked at compensation and it just wasn't worth it.

I have worked in automotive my entire 14 year career. I have now been with Toyota for 10 years and have worked my way into the senior leadership team at only 38 years old and I make a lot more money than I could have ever made at a race team and also the retirement and benefits, you will come to find out, are almost invaluable.

I still get to enjoy my hobby and probably enjoy it more now than I ever have.

I will state this also, while I was in college I worked for a engine builder and ended up doing this full time my first year out of college and absolutely burned myself out. I was working 70hrs a week and every weekend at the track, I quit riding and was completely absent from the sport I loved for 5 years. 9 years ago I got back into it and my time has been better than ever.

Best of luck, Engineering is a hard field of study, keep at it swing for the fences and you will succeed.
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byke
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byke 12/9/2020 9:33am
12/9/2020 9:33am
Another +1 to Dave. I worked for a non-moto tech company just as a regular ol' technician and we could book our own flights and hotels and rentals as long as we weren't being assholes about it, expense reasonable meals, even a beer. Good retirement plan, proper healthcare(not this high deductible bs), dental, etc. Now you get into the moto industry and it's nothing but clique'y tightasses, falling grossly short in every category from the perks of an average job. Seems cool when you're young, but they you'll blink and ten years will have gone by and you'll have nothing to show for it. It's definitely not an industry I'd want to build a career in.
sandtrack315
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sandtrack315 12/9/2020 9:49am
12/9/2020 9:49am
Do the job because you like the job itself, not the industry. We all like moto, but there are tons of jobs in the Moto industry that suck.

ME is a great degree to have, though. Myself, I got a PhD doing computational neuroscience, post-doctoral work in a bio-engineering lab, now I work as a senior scientist in a neuroscience lab that studies brain development and mental illness. Maybe you like to be hands on, but it's nice to sit in a comfy office and just code and write science papers and grants. I can work from anywhere, too.

Either way, learn as much math as you can. Take some philosophy of science, economics, and human behavior classes to round out your education.
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seth505 12/9/2020 9:59am
12/9/2020 9:59am
Haven't read everything so sorry if I repeat anything...

Personally, I went to school for ME but am a MFG Engineer now. I happen to like the manufacturing side/tooling/machines. Bachelors in any engineering is a great base for moving on to any upper career path as well. For example, an ME who goes back for their masters in management is very credible vs a general studies/communication undergrad degree.

The good news: ME work has a brooooad spectrum, all kinds of industries and roles.

The bad news: A lot of ME rolls are BORING. Example: Don't take a mechanical roll and end up updating dimensions and notes on 2D legacy drawings for 8 hours a day.

My advice, go to a school that either has co-op/internships or seek out internships while you're in school. This will allow you to start learning the lay of the land and see what you enjoy/don't enjoy in the real world work environment.
kb228
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kb228 12/9/2020 10:29am
12/9/2020 10:29am
250 cross wrote:
There are lots of fun/interesting jobs in mechanical engineering, doesn't necessarily need to be in some cool, trendy field. It's been kind to me, have mostly...
There are lots of fun/interesting jobs in mechanical engineering, doesn't necessarily need to be in some cool, trendy field. It's been kind to me, have mostly enjoyed my work, it is a job after all! Getting ready to retire out of aerospace, have three nice mx bikes, hobby cars, heavy equipment, nice home in the country, my own track and a pile of cool other stuff all paid for by engineering work. Only have a BSME but kept putting in my forty lite. The tough part is getting thru school broke when all your other buddies already have cool stuff. Another bonus is a desk job is easy on your body, you are not all tired out and ready for the gym, other training or hitting the track each day.
Donkey Kong wrote:
What sort of pay could a ME with a bachelors expect to earn? What does that career path look like and what opportunity's could be available?
Around my area youd be lucky to get $40,000 starting. 60k+ seems to be the standard in big cities. Location and the size of the company play too much of a role to give a definitive answer.

im not done with my degree yet, I have almost 7 years of experience and make $50k without OT. This company has 5 employees and 2million revenue.
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jmc267
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jmc267 12/9/2020 11:10am
12/9/2020 11:10am
B.S. ME here too. I was a general gear head going into college, but went the way of getting a solid job to finance my hobbies. Did a manufacturing internship then a HVAC construction internship. Ended up in the commercial HVAC design/construction industry designing HVAC, steam/water, gas system for many types of buildings. Robust industry that may slow down, but won't go away. Started at $55k salary with good benefits and time off in 2008 in a decent size city with many competitive design firms.
StartedTooLate 12/9/2020 11:28am
12/9/2020 11:28am
As an Engineer, you should stay away from Motorsports of any type. It is a dead end. Engineers will their interest in the field over ride common sense, and they let themselves be totally take advantage of. This results in the whole industry being able to take advantage of Engineering talent. Don't be a sucker. You will do far better in defense, automotive, HVAC, etc.
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PTshox
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PTshox 12/9/2020 11:33am
12/9/2020 11:33am

"I would recommend you take as many internships as you possibly can, whether that’s in the moto industry or not. You will be much more prepared when you graduate. In my opinion, the real education doesn’t start until you graduate college and actually start working. Universities teach you the basics and fundamentals, industry teaches you how to apply it.

I would recommend you take a hard look at getting a minor in either electrical engineering or data analytics. This will set you apart from other MEs. Electrification and Big Data is all the buzz right now and we are only in the infancy stages. There’s a huge push right now within industry where companies are focusing less on hard iron development and more on software/electrical/data analytics."

This above is very smart advise. Take it seriously. Big data is going to be a big deal. And knowing something about how to apply it to various real world projects is a big deal.
FHKRacingZ
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FHKRacingZ 12/9/2020 1:44pm
12/9/2020 1:44pm Edited Date/Time 12/9/2020 1:45pm
Cesar_Molina wrote:
Hey there guys, I am currently a 17 year old in Highschool about to graduate this year. Just looking into my future to see what's out...
Hey there guys, I am currently a 17 year old in Highschool about to graduate this year. Just looking into my future to see what's out there and get things planned out with what I am going to do. Dirtbike racing is my passion or just being involved within the industry of it. I have been racing since I was 8 years old and hope to continue doing it until I am older. I have an interest in math and science and I would like to pursue my career in Engineering. I was wondering if you guys know any big-time racing companies on the East Coast that hire mechanical Engineers. That maybe I could look into. All I could find was Fox racing but that's all the Way in Cali. I have no problem going down South as well like South Carolina or Florida.
EngIceDave wrote:
I am going to be straight with you, and anyone else reading....you don't want to work here. The vision is all candy and rainbows. Moto all...
I am going to be straight with you, and anyone else reading....you don't want to work here.

The vision is all candy and rainbows. Moto all day, tearing it up, party all night like rockstars...or some similar crap.

At first, it seems glamorous, but then, it's just a job. It's the same grind as any other grind.
There's no moto all day, there's no party like a rockstar.
Hell, there isn't even a party or a rockstar.

Pay is low, at almost every level.

People talk about rider's pay being low, I can tell you that across every spectrum of this industry, that applies.
You'll make more as an engineer at Reebok or Lulumon than anywhere in moto, even if you got to a God-like position.

My suggestion to you, get a real job that'll pay for your passion.

Don't make your passion your job, it can crush that passion
I disagree 1000%....

As an engineer with the ability to design and build things, driving that knowledge and drive into your passion is exactly what entrepreneurs do all the time..

I went for Manufacturing Engineering and with a prior past of fabrication and machining, built my own company in the cannabis industry.

The great thing about engineering is you can always find a job that pays well and covers the bills.

Chase your dreams!
muskyhusky592 12/9/2020 5:37pm
12/9/2020 5:37pm
Falcon wrote:
Engine Ice Dave is right. This is a "halo" industry, in that it seems cool and everyone wants to get in. Once you are here, you...
Engine Ice Dave is right. This is a "halo" industry, in that it seems cool and everyone wants to get in. Once you are here, you realize that it's just a job like every other, except they pay you less because there's less money in it.

Maybe take your ME degree to one of the auto manufacturers? You could probably get something solid at GM or Ford. Then again, I bet the auto industry is an even larger grinder than motorcycles.

Or, follow your dreams and get into motorcycle racing. Don't expect to make very much money, though.
LumpDog841 wrote:
Worked for 5 years at GM. Besides some of the usual corporate culture BS it was a great job and great place to work. I would...
Worked for 5 years at GM. Besides some of the usual corporate culture BS it was a great job and great place to work. I would get in at 6 am leave at 230 to the track. Only had to work weekends twice my entire time there. Wasn't "grindy" at all.
I worked for 3 years at HD as an engineer and I wouldn't work less than 50 hours a week. It was grindy for me but jobs are different everywhere.

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freeh
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freeh 12/9/2020 5:58pm
12/9/2020 5:58pm
BSME for me. Someone mentioned Showa already. I hired in as a Project Engineer not planning on getting into the motorcycle side because they hired me to work automotive. In short order, I was the 2W guy and was a liaison engineer for Honda ATV and Harley Davidson. Showa in Ohio is an assembly plant, with some technical support roles in development. Most of the core design work is / was done in Japan at the mothership. Regardless, I was working in powersports and was damn happy. Money was decent too. I made some connections in the industry and ended up at Buell as a design engineer. I was pursuing opportunities at HD and Polaris at the same time, but thought Buell was cooler. haha. I was lucky enough to work on their short-lived off-road project. Getting that job at that time was incredibly lucky, so I would never tell the OP to not go for it. I have seen other jobs in the powersports industry, so it can be done. MX is not likely, at least for an OEM, but you never know what a company like Polaris is going to do next. I ended up pursuing another opportunity at Polaris to be a project manager for Indian about 5 years after I left Buell. I learned that once you have industry experience, that counts for a lot when interviewing potential candidates. The offer from Polaris was nice. Full relocation package, excellent bonus plan, pick one vehicle of your choice to use for a year, etc. It was tough to turn that down. Along the way I also turned down jobs at Progressive Suspension when they were in Hesperia and Bilstein back here in scenic Ohio. All were good opportunities, but not good enough for my wife, who is now my ex-wife. lol.

So to summarize, go for whatever career you want, don't worry about the money, and don't let the wrong woman derail your dreams. Career advice and life advice all in one sentence. haha.

Good luck to you whatever path you choose. Engineering will always be a field worth pursuing.
Nate_Ferderer 12/9/2020 6:28pm
12/9/2020 6:28pm Edited Date/Time 12/9/2020 6:48pm
Lots of good advice in this thread, and also in this linked thread. Check it out, particularly my post on page 3 (for context on what I’m about to say)

https://m.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/Engineering-Jobs-in-the-In…

I agree with what I said then, but would like to update that things have changed this year. Covid disrupted my working environment (WFH) and the things I enjoyed about the city I lived in (as mentioned previously, these things matter a lot). This lead to a career change, I’m now an engineer in the moto industry. While it’s true the pay and benefits aren’t as good, it feels great to follow my passion and I’m happier than I was working in other industries. Engineering jobs are rare in the moto industry. If you want one with an OEM, I suggest you learn German or Japanese ASAP.

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