Suggestions for an engineer who wants to move Charlotte! :) (Raleigh: job market, places to live)
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Hello everyone!
I just ran across this forum and thought it was the perfect place to get the 'locals' opinions. Ya’ll can be my eyes!! I am an engineer and have been working in the automotive industry the past 3 years. I recently took a buy-out package, so I am on the job market again. I am originally from the south, so I decided this was a perfect time to return to warmer weather. I've been to the Charlotte a few times and absolutely fell in LOVE with the area! I've been job searching for the last couple months in the Charlotte area (and in general North/South Carolina area), and I haven't had much luck. I know its a crappy time of year, as well as being between the 4th quarter and 1st of the year where all the businesses are trying to figure out what they are gonna do, BUT...
I was wondering, does anybody have any suggestions for companies to look into in the Charlotte area that are currently hiring? I have a B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and I have 3 yrs of 'real world experience', and I’m open to any industries. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
I am also a former auto-industry engineer with a master's degree. I moved to Charlotte about 2 years ago.
There are not as many engineering jobs in this area as one would think given its size. Several major employers in the Charlotte metro area have been laying off office staff, including engineers. Two good buddies of mine (and great engineers) were laid off just last week!
I'd probably look closer at the Raleigh area for engineering opportunities in NC at the moment.
If you want to move south but are open to other locations, try Bluebird Bus in Macon, Georgia or International Truck in Huntsville, Alabama. They've had a lot of openings over the years and I've received dozens of calls from them over the years.
EDIT: I forgot to congratulate you on your education! Excellent work! It is great that you have met the proverbial "3 to 5 years experience." That will greatly aid your job search. Just keep an open mind and remember: this is a big, beautiful country with many great places to live. Some great opportunities can be found in the Southwest. I considered it before I came down here and would still like to give it a shot someday. Good luck!
At one point, the research campus in Kannapolis was doing a bidding war for engineers. Now, that was months ago, and I am sure that they have reached their quota, but, that might be a place to look.
Unfortunately, things are not great here, employment-wise as another poster stated. so, good luck! (and make sure that you have a job before you come!)
Location: Charlotte,NC, US, North America, Earth, Alpha Quadrant,Milky Way Galaxy
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99% of the time, when someone doesn't list the name of the company, require a sign up and watch a video- it's almost always network marketing (amway,acn, etc.). No problems with Network Marketing as I know a few people who made a lot, but I wish the network markets would just say so in the beginning.
Anyway...to the OP, check out Westinghouse, I think they are hiring MEs, EEs, etc. I was talking to a buddy who is also an ME who had an interview there.
Good luck!
Last edited by SunnyKayak; 01-21-2009 at 04:43 AM..
I'm in the same boat. 23 years in quality, BS ME, EIT, MBA, supervisor experience, saved companies over $19M. Can't even get a company to let me do a six sigma project while I look for a job.
Applied to GE, Siemens, Duke, Shaw, and Areva. Can't even get to speak to Quality Depts, Engineering Dept, or HR. I've lived in the area over 10 yrs.
Applied to GE, Siemens, Duke, Shaw, and Areva. Can't even get to speak to Quality Depts, Engineering Dept, or HR. I've lived in the area over 10 yrs.
Suggestions?
You seem extremely competent and qualified for many things.
You have been here for over 10 years, how is your network?
Nothing is more valuable than your network.
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I am an engineer and have been working in the automotive industry the past 3 years. I recently took a buy-out package, so I am on the job market again. I am originally from the south, so I decided this was a perfect time to return to warmer weather. 
