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HOT JOBS PROFILE: Engineering

Engineering is the creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes, or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behavior under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function, economics of operation or safety to life and property.

As one of Michigan’s leading job industries, engineering and advanced manufacturing is being defined as  “the use of technology to improve products and/or processes, with the relevant technology being described as advanced, innovative, or cutting edge.”

Applicable Programs in the Area

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Mechanical Engineer

$45,000/yr (average entry level wage)

Daily Tasks

  • Addressing customer needs.
  • Working on completing existing projects.
  • Developing new specially made parts for PCI.
  • Working on improving the manufacturing process and the quality of the products..

Career Path

  • Started off in the automotive industry retooling assembly plants.
  • Got a degree from college.
  • Worked at Chrysler until an opportunity arose to move up north.

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Electrical Engineer

$25 - 30/hour (average entry level wage)

Daily Tasks

  • Helping with the electrical work in the new buildings in the Great Lakes region.
  • Lots of project work.
  • Making sure all the buildings are supported electrically and troubleshooting any problems.

Career Path

  • Worked in various areas of the plant, operating equipment, and filling any open positions.
  • Was able to secure an electrical position at Carmeuse after working there for 2 years.
  • Started in an electrical apprenticeship program and went through a journeyman's course.
  • Got a position as an Electrical Supervisor, then went to school for a degree in Electrical Engineering.

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Structural Engineer

$30 - 40/hour (average entry level wage)

Daily Tasks

  • Designing the parts that will be used to repair aircraft.
  • Also designing specialty parts for cargo loading and restraint design systems.

Career Path

  • Spent 10 years in the Air Force as an Aircraft Mechanic.
  • After the Air Force, he worked at Kalitta in Ypsilanti for 10 years.
  • Then went to Texas and got his degree in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Came back to northern Michigan in 2004 to work for Kalitta.