Applications Engineers please read..

[Brian Myers]

I'm looking into becoming an Applications Engineer for a local firm. I was curious if anyone has any stories, stats, or advice they would be willing to give about the position or how it's effected their professional/personal lives?

First I want to mention that I had to struggle to find just the right forum for this question. CWC didn't seam right as it's "without CAD". I can't get a reply due to the "non-reply" nature of Career Corner. Training or Education combined simply do not cover the aspects of the duties of this job. It will likely cover multiple software programs which puts the individual communites as not quite a good fit.

So, would anyone be kind enough to share information? I want to thank Steve Bennett in advance for his remarks that he made last week on his own experiences.

[jaberwok]

Hi Bryan.
I've been an applications engineer for both military and commercial engineered parts.
It has simply been a matter of learning all you can about the product which really means being given access to the available information and building on that.
Of course, different products and markets will have some influence but, in general, I don't think it's a tremendously demanding role for someone with an organised mind.

Does this mean you're leaving the AEC area?

[Brian Myers]

Hi Bryan.
Does this mean you're leaving the AEC area?

Yes...no...sorta...maybe...

First I should say that I still have not been officially hired, so I don't want to get too far ahead of myself... but after a lot of thought I do believe its a career move I would like to make and if I'm not hired this time, I'm sure I'll likely do it sometime/somewhere else.

I wouldn't leave AEC... it would likely be using products such as AutoCAD, ADT, Revit and/or any other related industry vertical product. It's taken a lot of soul searching... for the past 9 years I've known Residential design was my future. But, I keep finding myself either being the only CAD expert in the office or in offices that are behind the times in Technology. I've went from being the "CAD Guru" to just being a guy that understands CAD well. BUT I'm still an expert at what CAD can/can not do, the management end of things and where the industry is heading.... I just need to read-up on how to get the products to do the variety of things that I want. (I excel at understanding tech, so that shouldn't be an issue).

So I view this as a move to increase my software skills back up to the status they used to be at. Also, its a chance to practice the things I enjoy doing the most... using technology and teaching it. The fact that it will likely come at a pay rate equal to or higher than I would experience if I moved up to the next level in my current career (which typically would have a much higher level of stress as well) is just another bonus.

But it would require much more travel, perhaps overnight stays, and likely it will require bringing my work home with me. So pay improves my current personal life, but the job will take me away from it as well. Sooooo... it's a big enough change that I really have nothing else to compare it to, which is why I'm looking for thoughts/advice of people that might have run into their own issues or might have thought of other things I never thought of... you know, Positive and Negative feedback.

Thanks for the input John!

[jonathan.landeros]

I'm looking into becoming an Applications Engineer for a local firm. I was curious if anyone has any stories, stats, or advice they would be willing to give about the position or how it's effected their professional/personal lives?

First I want to mention that I had to struggle to find just the right forum for this question. CWC didn't seam right as it's "without CAD". I can't get a reply due to the "non-reply" nature of Career Corner. Training or Education combined simply do not cover the aspects of the duties of this job. It will likely cover multiple software programs which puts the individual communites as not quite a good fit.

So, would anyone be kind enough to share information? I want to thank Steve Bennett in advance for his remarks that he made last week on his own experiences.

I've been an AE for about 6 years, but on the Mechanical Side, and it's can be tough, frustrating, and rewarding (usually within 30 minutes <lol>).

Here's what I like:
1) You have tons of freedom. You don't tend to have bosses breathing down your neck over the little things, which is great, although it's a challenge because now things are on you.

2) You're on the cutting edge. You see what's coming out, as it's coming out. You don't get to be this close to development unless your actually keying code yourself.

3) You get exposed to so much more in industry. I've seen things I'd never have seen otherwise.

4) You're encouraged to think creatively. AE's get to use their heads, which can be a welcome relief. (I worked for a draconian company that allowed us to have their opinion previously).

5) The People. We get to work with some great people in industry that I wouldn't have been able to work with.

The bad

1) Travel, you tend to travel fairly often. Our AEs usually don't go out for too many overnighters, but sometimes we still have to drive 90 miles somewhere.

2) The other People. AEs get to deal with the public in general, which can be frustating. While some people are great, there's others who are far from a pleasure to work with..

3) Hours, it's not a 8 to 5 job. Sometimes is travel, sometimes you're playing catchup because of travel. Other times you inflict it on yourself because the new release of software is so bloody cool (kinda like AUGI <lol>), or your struggling with a problem and refusing to admit defeat.

In the end, I really like being an AE. I tried going back to work in industry and found it to constrictive. I couldn't wait to get back and be an AE again.

Of course these are the experiences of just one AE.

Good luck.

[Brian Myers]

Thanks Jonathan!

The things you mentioned are encouraging! When it comes to dealing with people one-on-one this is where I excel. Also, making contacts with the "good" people is one of the chief reasons I started my own CAD User Group in St Louis. I've had good lessons in my current job of dealing with the "other" people so I'm not expecting many issues there. Freedom in thought and learning technological innovation is a major plus as well.

As for "the bad": Well, I'm on AUGI at 9:00 at night answering this message... I can deal with the hours. :roll:

I suppose the travel and speaking in front of groups are the two biggest issues for me so far. But as time goes on (and presentations are refined and developed) I imagine speaking in front of groups won't be a very big deal and you'll eventually get used to the travel (I know that from a previous job).

Thanks for the input!

[Steve_Bennett]

So, would anyone be kind enough to share information? I want to thank Steve Bennett in advance for his remarks that he made last week on his own experiences.Far too kind Brian... It still is a blast, BTW.

[jonathan.landeros]

Thanks Jonathan!

The things you mentioned are encouraging! When it comes to dealing with people one-on-one this is where I excel. Also, making contacts with the "good" people is one of the chief reasons I started my own CAD User Group in St Louis. I've had good lessons in my current job of dealing with the "other" people so I'm not expecting many issues there. Freedom in thought and learning technological innovation is a major plus as well.

As for "the bad": Well, I'm on AUGI at 9:00 at night answering this message... I can deal with the hours. :roll:

I suppose the travel and speaking in front of groups are the two biggest issues for me so far. But as time goes on (and presentations are refined and developed) I imagine speaking in front of groups won't be a very big deal and you'll eventually get used to the travel (I know that from a previous job).

Thanks for the input!

I'm glad I could help out, Brian. Good luck in your decision!