I'm going to get downvoted to hell for this, but "software engineering" is not necessarily, and historically hasn't been, engineering, or "physical engineering"

I'm going to get downvoted to hell for this, but "software engineering" is not necessarily, and historically hasn't been, engineering, or "physical engineering" as you called it. Also historically it was possible to get an engineering job without an engineering degree or similar, but that really isn't the case anymore. So you may be SOL unless you want to go back to school for four years. That said, there are plenty of similar positions that don't need degrees, such as mechanical/electrical/civil designer or technician, but you more than likely need a certificate of some sort. Don't give up! Edit: Another commentor brought up industrial automation engineering, which doesn't necessarily need a degree. I've known many industrial automation engineers who were self taught. The pay is great and you can basically do it anywhere. PLC's are one of the most common and important things that most people have no idea even exist.