Christopher
What are the major engineering job locations?
For those who are in the engineering work force, where do you all live? Do most engineers live in major cities, or more in the suburbs? I don't really want to live in a big city, but I am worried that that will hinder my choices at getting a job, at least a first job. Do any of you all live in the suburbs and commute to a major city to work, or vice versa? Specifically, I am looking into the space side of aerospace engineering, so if you have any answers specific to that field that would be great.
#engineering #aerospace #first-job
4 answers
Nicole Baillie
Nicole’s Answer
Wow! What a difference 2 years and sadly a global pandemic, can make. As I write this response to you in 2020, many, many companies, schools and government agencies have embraced remote working/learning. The model of driving into work everyday seems to have been disrupted, at least in the near term, for those job functions that don't require workers to be at a specific location to do their job. Most of these types of jobs are technology-based.
I share this answer because it sort of turns upside-down the premise of your question. Many leaders in technology are of the opinion that with the introduction of innovative tools like Zoom, the emphasis of having people drive to and work at a common location is less and will stay that way. In my opinion though, those types of roles that require heavy engagement with clients, particularly new clients, will likely include some level of engagement that requires gradual increases(safely) in face to face exercises.
Hope you find this answer helpful.
Peter Sturtevant
Peter’s Answer
Hello, Christopher
It is quite common for engineers to live in the suburbs of a big city and commute to work each day. I did this for at least half of my 40+ year career as a civil engineer. Your specific location of your residence is amost never an issue with a prospective employer unless you have to relocate to take a new engineering job, and then often the employer will help with the moving expenses.
I live in the Seattle metropolitan area. Boeing is a very large employer in my area and is one of the biggest aerospace employers in the world. Less well known is Blue Origin, a space-bound company funded by Jeff Bezos (Amazon Head). That company is located in Kent, WA, a suburb located 25 miles south of Seattle. It is developing small and large rockets to deliver sattelites into earth orbit. Check it out.
Good Luck, Pete Sturtevant, PE
Sandy Thomas
Sandy’s Answer
Very good question! I have to refer you to the following site which provides a lot of information on a variety of fields: https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/where-to-find-engineering-jobs.
Here is a passage from this source "Hot spots for engineering jobs are where the defense contractors, high tech industries and aerospace congregate -- California, the Pacific Northwest, Texas, Arizona and around Washington, DC,” says Jim Turnquist, director of the career center at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan".
Lynette Smith
Lynette’s Answer
Good luck!