Where could I leap if I need to?
February 24, 2010 12:14 PM Subscribe
Help a Systems Engineer plan to hop industries or skip career tracks altogether. Without going backwards, that is. Or at least let me know which of my goals are unrealistic. (lots more inside with details galore)
I am currently employed as a Systems Engineer for an Aerospace IT contractor in Houston. I am the kind of guy you have in at the beginning of a systems or product cycle who translates user language into measurable testable requirements. I help make sure the customer gets what they really need and not just what they think to ask for. My specialty is something called Quality Function Deployment and Design For Six Sigma. I also do long term planning, change management, process design, and various Business Analysis functions.
I am quite happy where I am, but since the 2010 budget was released, and my project is significantly dependent on the continuation of manned spaceflight programs, I need to be thinking ahead. Not in a panic, mind you, but prudence dictates some exploration.
I would like to do what I do, which is be a big picture, generalist, systems requirements type, in another field. Alternative energy, environmental engineering, medical informatics, and knowledge management are first interests. But I have no specific work experience in those fields.
I have about 16 years of direct software engineering experience, but working for risk-averse NASA means my experience is not exactly in cutting edge stuff. C, C++, Fortran, etc. My role evolved as a Big Picture guy who develops processes, handles knowledge management, and leads teams in multidisciplinary projects (tho I am not a certified project manager.) Eventually I drifted away from "real work" and devoted myself to making the software engineering environment better (e.g. cutting red tape) for those who did the "real work." That's what led me to get a Black Belt in Six Sigma and Lean. Also what interested me in stuff like knowledge management, change management, and statistical process control.
I got a masters in Strategic Foresight from the U of H and did a three year consulting stint and several years of freelance part time gigs doing technology assessment, trend research, strategic planning, etc.
I am a father of four who has put down roots in Houston. Not willing to relocate or travel more than, say 30%. I have a fair amount of work from home experience and I have led global teams remotely on large projects. Don't want to get rich, but need to support a large family, so going back to entry level in a new field is not an option. Double that for quitting and going back to school.
So, how should I structure my search strategy? What might my leads be? And is what I am looking for even possible for someone in my position?
I am currently employed as a Systems Engineer for an Aerospace IT contractor in Houston. I am the kind of guy you have in at the beginning of a systems or product cycle who translates user language into measurable testable requirements. I help make sure the customer gets what they really need and not just what they think to ask for. My specialty is something called Quality Function Deployment and Design For Six Sigma. I also do long term planning, change management, process design, and various Business Analysis functions.
I am quite happy where I am, but since the 2010 budget was released, and my project is significantly dependent on the continuation of manned spaceflight programs, I need to be thinking ahead. Not in a panic, mind you, but prudence dictates some exploration.
I would like to do what I do, which is be a big picture, generalist, systems requirements type, in another field. Alternative energy, environmental engineering, medical informatics, and knowledge management are first interests. But I have no specific work experience in those fields.
I have about 16 years of direct software engineering experience, but working for risk-averse NASA means my experience is not exactly in cutting edge stuff. C, C++, Fortran, etc. My role evolved as a Big Picture guy who develops processes, handles knowledge management, and leads teams in multidisciplinary projects (tho I am not a certified project manager.) Eventually I drifted away from "real work" and devoted myself to making the software engineering environment better (e.g. cutting red tape) for those who did the "real work." That's what led me to get a Black Belt in Six Sigma and Lean. Also what interested me in stuff like knowledge management, change management, and statistical process control.
I got a masters in Strategic Foresight from the U of H and did a three year consulting stint and several years of freelance part time gigs doing technology assessment, trend research, strategic planning, etc.
I am a father of four who has put down roots in Houston. Not willing to relocate or travel more than, say 30%. I have a fair amount of work from home experience and I have led global teams remotely on large projects. Don't want to get rich, but need to support a large family, so going back to entry level in a new field is not an option. Double that for quitting and going back to school.
So, how should I structure my search strategy? What might my leads be? And is what I am looking for even possible for someone in my position?
Are there Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, Northrop-Grumman or similar shops in your area that aren't doing NASA work? DoD or commercial satellite stuff? Sys Engineering or management skills are more of the generalist-type that are in demand right now.
The government also has a demand for experienced systems and software engineers. Perhaps DCMA would be a viable option.
posted by chookibing at 4:56 PM on February 24, 2010
The government also has a demand for experienced systems and software engineers. Perhaps DCMA would be a viable option.
posted by chookibing at 4:56 PM on February 24, 2010
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Lean is still hot, there are lots of people looking for people who understand Lean. Six sigma somewhat less hot, but it's a credential at least. So you might be able to find that kind of work too.
C and C++ are useful languages in the outside world, FORTRAN less so. You might want to pick up something else on the side to increase your credibility. If you're looking for work in a business environment (like banking or retail), you might try Java. If you want work in a more scientific area, like geophysics or geology, you might try Python. Both are easy to pick up on your own, with plenty of free tools.
posted by ubiquity at 12:37 PM on February 24, 2010