Howdy all,

Go easy on me as I have gone back and forth about posting this, but I figured I would shoot my shot.

Background:

I do not have an engineering degree (one of my great regrets in life). I have an above average engineering skillset developed throughout my life but mostly in my current role.

Essentially, I function as the engineer for the laboratory (aerospace metallurgy). Current title is R&D/SME. In addition, I do all of our tooling design, CAD drawings, 3D printing, technology change management, conference topic presentations, etc.

The issue:

I am ready to move on from this company after 7 years (not encouraged by the current direction by our C-suite) and into a pure engineering role. Obviously, I cannot get anyone to take a look at me because I do not have an engineering degree.

The ask:

If anyone knows of a role in the DFW area (I live north of the DFW) that would be willing to take a chance on me, please let me know. Might consider a relocation for the right offer.
-OR-
If anyone has any advice on breaking through this wall other than "go get a new degree", that would also be appreciated. A new degree just isn't in the cards right now or near future.

Thanks in advance.

Do you have any degree at all?

Sometimes the big Aerospace companies will hire people as "engineers" even if they only have a loose STEM background (Math, Physics, etc) OR they have some kind of ex-military or general aerospace experience.

It may be hard to break through the HR filters for a bonefied "engineering" position, but I would simply apply to jobs in the area at all the major aerospace firms for positions you believe you could perform well in (Mechanical Engineering), and you may get lucky. Lockheed, Raytheon/Collins, L3Harris, Bell Helicopter, etc....all major employers in the DFW area.

It may set you back slightly in terms of the compensation bands, but you may be able to break through that over time if you're competent at your job. I know that many people go back and get a degree that may not require as much hard engineering experience (such as a Masters in Systems Engineering).

I do have a business degree from A&M.

Thanks for your response. That is my current tactic, just not having any luck getting anyone to look at me. I get to the first round of interviews they confirm I don't have an engineering degree and end the interview there.

Some ideas if I can loosely apply my own experience in the finance and accounting world...

I don't have an accounting/finance related degree but it's what I enjoy and have a high aptitude for. I was just really bad at time management and prioritization when I was in school.

All that being said, I've had a lot of success over the last 20 years in accounting and finance roles. There's been more opportunities than I can count where I was interested in a role only to learn it required a CPA, hard stop. What I've found to be the case in situations like that is that the hiring manager was a CPA and was inflexible on the requirement. One of my past roles required a CPA but I had a good placement agency on my side that got me the interview and I ended up getting the job. Here are a few things that have worked for me:

1) Know the hiring manager/team's background. If you find someone who has a similar background to you, you are 10x more likely to get a warm reception when you apply for the role. Case in point, our director of engineering does not have an engineering background that applies specifically to what we do but you can put him in any technical discussion with our customers and he can knock it out of the park. His reputation and experience stand on their own.

2) Professional certifications have been helpful to me. I don't qualify to sit for the CPA exam but I did pass the CFA and CMA exams on my first try. I don't know what specifically applies in your case but things like Scrum, Agile and PMP come to mind.

3) Target smaller companies with less space between you and the people that set policy. If a policy/practice says that XYZ position requires a PE, then getting a variance from management is going to be quite a bit easier in a small chain of command than a company that's going to require 5 signatures, a BOD approval and some overseas communication.

This is great advice. Thank you.

In Texas, firms that do public engineering design work are very specific about who qualifies as a licensed Professional Engineer or Engineer in Training. It is based on state law related to qualifications-based selection (vs. Low bid). Therefore, they are typically very protective and specific about the term "engineer". If you don't have an engineering degree, I would recommend avoiding it, especially if you're interested in widening your range if potential firms.

That being said, many firms are struggling to find Sr. Design Technicians (e.g., CAD, BIM, MicrosStation, etc.) and are paying a premium compared to years past. Even more valuable are senior designers who can and are willing to train and manage production teams while the licensed engineers tend to focus more on managing the clients, contracts, and the preliminary design concepts.

Another angle could be using your degree and experience to the a Project Mgmt Professional (PMP( certification which is sought after but not engineering specific.

I know some Electric Utilities like PEC, Austin Energy, and others have openings for Electric Designers. Pay & Benefits at the Utilities is very competitive. Also you be in Engineering. The electric utilities are exempt from stamping and sealing.

Thanks for all the feedback. It has been helpful.

A lot of companies have Engineers and Engineering Techs. Applying for one of the Tech jobs would help you at least get a foot in.

In light of the PE comment, I'll repeat myself:

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There's been more opportunities than I can count where I was interested in a role only to learn it required a CPA, hard stop. What I've found to be the case in situations like that is that the hiring manager was a CPA and was inflexible on the requirement.

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Don't let it inhibit your search. As others have added, there are many more places that don't require licensing than do. If someone wants a PE, move on and don't dwell on it.

Sorry I used the term "sign off" as that does imply a PE which is not what he asked about.

The OP said he wants to transition to an engineering role without an engineering degree.

I work every month with engineers from the SOT, Lochner, LAN, HDR, Wood, Cobb, Atkins, Halff, Pape, TNP, WSB, etc. I feel pretty confident that not a single one of these companies is hiring someone as an "engineer" who does not have a degree in engineering.

Maybe I am wrong, but isn't it more accurate to just tell OP that it isn't going to happen, ie... tell him the truth?


OP, go to some night school and get the piece of paper. Even if you got in as a ground floor engineer's assistant, you will never move up in an engineering firm unless you are an engineer. You will be ceiling'd as an entry level dude.

knoxtom said:

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Sorry I used the term "sign off" as that does imply a PE which is not what he asked about.

The OP said he wants to transition to an engineering role without an engineering degree.

I work every month with engineers from the SOT, Lochner, LAN, HDR, Wood, Cobb, Atkins, Halff, Pape, TNP, WSB, etc. I feel pretty confident that not a single one of these companies is hiring someone as an "engineer" who does not have a degree in engineering.

Maybe I am wrong, but isn't it more accurate to just tell OP that it isn't going to happen, ie... tell him the truth?


OP, go to some night school and get the piece of paper. Even if you got in as a ground floor engineer's assistant, you will never move up in an engineering firm unless you are an engineer. You will be ceiling'd as an entry level dude.

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Sounds like you'd be surprised how many engineers are out there without an engineering degree.

Perhaps in your role it is required, but there are many others where it is not.

Shelton98 said:

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Naveronski said:

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Sounds like you'd be surprised how many engineers are out there without an engineering degree.

Perhaps in your role it is required, but there are many others where it is not.

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Yeah, that's not an engineer.

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Job title and scope of work says different.

Your skillset is more than likely that of a Mechanical Designer. No you don't need a degree if you've had ample experience in doing engineering functions. Entry level engineers do those things but quickly move up in experience shortly after that. I know some really good guys that are Mechanical Designers whose expertise is far more than engineers, but they've also been at it for a long time.

In short, I think it might be helpful to seek Mechanical Designer roles and probably do contract work until you find the industry or company that best fits what you're looking for in a career. But, understand that you will need to calculate and prove how many hours you've been using x, y or z 3-D modeling software. If you're not using 3-D software, you should--that's the name of the game as a Mech Designer. If you're only using one 3-D software package, get a certification on it. That will help, but learning a 2nd one will help a lot too. It will also help to know what software package companies are looking for; I may be wrong, but I think Creo and Solidworks are two of the bigger ones to make sure that you have experience with. Experience in using these software programs at work is the key though.

I don't know your entire situation but if you're designing the tooling. Are you also in charge of overseeing the manufacturing side of it or are you just submitting the drawings? This is a skill that will be helpful for potential employers to know and understand.

In short, no you don't need an engineering degree, but it will take some convincing and knowing what you want for your next job and career. Good luck.

Sorry if I didn't see it but what kind of engineering are you interested in? Does heavy civil engineering/construction interest you. I know multiple construction inspectors who have worked their way up to project engineers (resident engineers in Texas) without having their PE. Perhaps this is unique in my area but it's a thought. Look into construction management companies in your area and see if anything interests you. Not sure what you're looking to start out with in pay but I imagine you could elevate quickly. Good luck.

Figure out a way to get a degree. Start now.

Naveronski said:

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Shelton98 said:

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Naveronski said:

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Sounds like you'd be surprised how many engineers are out there without an engineering degree.

Perhaps in your role it is required, but there are many others where it is not.

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Yeah, that's not an engineer.

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Job title and scope of work says different.

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It's illegal to use the title engineer without a PE.

Howdy Dammit said:

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Naveronski said:

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Shelton98 said:

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Naveronski said:

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Sounds like you'd be surprised how many engineers are out there without an engineering degree.

Perhaps in your role it is required, but there are many others where it is not.

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Yeah, that's not an engineer.

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Job title and scope of work says different.

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It's illegal to use the title engineer without a PE.

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No, generally it isn't.

It is illegal to offer engineering services to the public unless licensed, or you fall under one of the other provisions.

But at a private business? You can be an engineer all day.

Naveronski said:

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Howdy Dammit said:

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Naveronski said:

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Shelton98 said:

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Naveronski said:

---

Sounds like you'd be surprised how many engineers are out there without an engineering degree.

Perhaps in your role it is required, but there are many others where it is not.

---

Yeah, that's not an engineer.

---

Job title and scope of work says different.

---

It's illegal to use the title engineer without a PE.

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No, generally it isn't.

It is illegal to offer engineering services to the public unless licensed, or you fall under one of the other provisions.

But at a private business? You can be an engineer all day.

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At a private business, you can be "called" an engineer all day.

Job titles don't always reflect reality. At a private business you can also be "called" a doctor all day.

For what it's worth, I spent the last couple years at Lockheed Martin working with a very bright young men with no formal training in college. He was hired in as an engineering aid. I had him doing some simple CAD and FEM work for me. A few months ago, he was officially transitioned from an engineering aid to a design engineer. So it's rare, but it happens for the right people.