Post Career Options

[Jay32]

I tried searching the threads for this but is it possible to become an engineer after flying? For those who have followed this path what is some advice you can offer?

 

 

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[ryleypav]

An engineer as in mechanical or electrical? Flight engineer? Engineer is a very broad term. I was a mechanical engineer for 5 years prior to flying. I could probably talk to it a bit having been in the industry. That is, if we're talking the same industry. 

[Jay32]

An engineer as in mechanical or electrical? Flight engineer? Engineer is a very broad term. I was a mechanical engineer for 5 years prior to flying. I could probably talk to it a bit having been in the industry. That is, if we're talking the same industry. 

I wanted to be an engineer in the space industry if possible. I know it’s going to be difficult especially after working in aeronautics for a long time. I wanted to know the plausibility and if anyone has taken this path.


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[bs98]

Disclosure: I am not an engineer. But I do have a demanding civilian career that is not related to flying, and requires a lot of schooling. 

These kinds of questions come up somewhat frequently on forums and I don't really know how to address them, because why wouldn't you be able to do whatever you want as a civilian after your military time? 

For reservists/ANG currently serving, admittedly, the "one weekend a month" doesn't seem to exist much for pilots, and all the USERRA regulations in the world won't make your civilian coworkers like you/promote you, but plenty of pilots still find a way to make all sorts of careers happen. If there's a very strong will, there seems to be a way. It just won't always be pretty or convenient.

I know of one guy who finished his residency as a medical doctor while serving as a guard pilot. Took a year off somewhere in between years to deploy, but made it happen. That's about as crazy of a situation as anyone could put themselves in, but he made it out the other end alive.

Edited June 17 by bs98

[ryleypav]

On 6/11/2024 at 3:44 PM, Jay32 said:

I wanted to be an engineer in the space industry if possible. I know it’s going to be difficult especially after working in aeronautics for a long time. I wanted to know the plausibility and if anyone has taken this path.


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I mean, yeah. Why not? If you have the degree, go for it. However, you'll be applying for an entry level position. Do you already have an engineering degree/engineering experience? Are you already a mil pilot? There is no age limit to being an engineer, but it can be a tough gig depending on the industry. Space I'm assuming is in that category. Still, too many questions with your scenario to really give you any solid advice.