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This is exactly what I did. After graduate school (focused on the wireless networking space) I was really burned out on software development. Important context
by quasse 5y ago
This is exactly what I did. After graduate school (focused on the wireless networking space) I was really burned out on software development.
Important context is that my undergraduate degree was in mechanical engineering, even though I ended up moving straight into CS afterwards.
I found a job as a machine design engineer at a company that designs computer controlled milling machines and I've loved it ever since. 90% of my day to day job is mechanical, but I have a plenty of domain specific knowledge to handle the CNC side of things. I've found it's the perfect balance for me.
One word of caution for you about physical engineering: If you are working at a company that sells a physical product (not just working on 100% research and development ala Bell Laboratories) you will spend a lot of your time working on supply chains, handling quality control, helping the purchasing department, answering customer support questions that are escalated to you, etc. I would say that actual textbook mechanical engineering is about 20% of the job.
Addendum: I see that you are interested in the machining side of things as well. If you are looking for mechanical design jobs, this is something you will want to ask about early in the interview process. Some companies never let mechanical designers into the R&D lab to make prototypes and instead have a dedicated staff that only does that. Other companies (like mine) specifically select for engineers with manufacturing skills and encourage you to be able to make your own prototypes.
- kurthr 5y agoIf you're willing to code firmware, there are also a number of jobs related to prototype building and "design". People need someone to build their CES demos. This is far more likely to get your hands dirty making actual functional systems, without all of the supply chain ODM and contract manufacturing complexity. You'll learn the importance of using good connectors and blinky debug lights. Stanford has a Design Division within the Mechanical Engineering department. Another place to look is medical, if you like rigorous testing and prototyping. However, prepare for the fact that you will never make as much money.
- daniel_reetz 5y agoYep. I quit my job at Megacorp Inc to do exactly this, and it's been rewarding. I can't tell you how restorative it is to spend time alone in the workshop, solving problems one after another, and making real, functional stuff. I left a lot of wealth behind in the form of RSUs/TC, but no RSUs can buy what I have now.
- culopatin 5y agoThis sounds like what I’d like to do. Any tips of what to focus on in school/side projects?
- idlecool 5y agoWoah. This is exactly what I am doing right now. I recently left my job after 10 very eventful years in software engineering and leadership. I am currently working on a home automation hardware product, which does require PCB design, 3D Printing, and Firmware Development. I was trying to have it as a hobby for several years as I am very passionate about software development, but my full time job was taking so much of my time that I was never able make much progress. Now that I am working full time on the home automation product, I am moving much faster and I am working towards a pre-launch on Crowd Supply, which is in a couple of weeks. I am depending on my savings right now, and my goal is to make atleast sustainable income in the next 1-2 years and keep working on more home automation products. Machining does sound fun to me, and I have a few things that I want to machine, but I don't have access to a metal CNC machine or know anyone who does. You can find a lot of software and hardware people in Silicon Valley, but not many CNC folks.
- s5300 5y ago> Some companies never let mechanical designers into the R&D lab to make prototypes and instead have a dedicated staff that only does that. I want to second this. I went into MechE specifically to be a MechE that also gets to do hands on portions in machine design. Unfortunately, as a young teenager with this goal in mind, nobody told me this is a very rare thing - especially for fresh out of college positions. Very small niche, you’ll have to search far and wide to find a decent job as a MechE that also lets you touch the things you’ve applied your MechE to.