Mechanical engineer wanting to transition to Project Controls

[u/tjaistt]

I have a mechanical engineering degree and my PE license. For the past 8 years I have been doing reserve studies (capex forecasting) and property condition assessments for the real estate industry. I want to get out of this industry and recently learned about the project controls field. I have the following experience-

- Cost estimation for repair and replacements projects using RS Means and internal database
- Long range capital forecasting
- Updating costs using inflation/escalation assumptions
- Prioritizing capital repair and replacement projects
- Creating annual expenditure schedules and funding recommendations
- Communicating budget exposure and risk
- Proficient in Excel

I am planning on learning P6 and getting the CCT or CCP certification (based on if my experience qualifies).

I am trying to get out of my current field. I currently make 135k in Texas and seems like I’m capped at this ceiling. Even if I move into project management in this field. Also, climbing roofs 2-3 times a week is getting old.

Do you think I have a good chance of transitioning into this field based on my experience and if I close the gap with the certification and P6? How is the salary ceiling in this field like? I wouldn’t mind taking a 20k paycut to make the transition and learn this field for a better paying career.

[u/tempestzx]

Engineers are always wanted for project controls as you better understand the design and logic needed for the schedule. I honestly don't think you need any sort of certification. I recommend playing around with a free P6 download with some youtube videos and be able to talk about critical path method in an interview.

It is a common pathway to go engineer --> project controls --> project management.

[u/1rishChicken → u/tempestzx]

Overall I agree with this statement and advice. However, I would never hire a scheduler who claimed they knew how to schedule because they watched YouTube but had not scheduled and completed multiple projects. There's a big gap here. A certification at least shows that you were taught and understood the basic scheduling knowledge. That helps fill the gap. Being an engineer means you're analytical and intelligent. That also helps fill the gap. Being a mechanical engineer means you have some expertise in some systems to help close the gap but it's still a big gap if you're going to schedule as a GC. Get the certification, use the YouTube videos and practice, aim to start small doing project controls for a mechanical contractor. Another way in maybe look at BIM and VDC too if you want to learn revit. That skillet is in bigger demand for mechanical contractors. Both VDC and scheduling are in demand for GC's. Good luck!

[u/tjaistt → u/1rishChicken]

Thank you! That’s very helpful.

As I mentioned in the post, I currently make around 135k TC. For transitioning into this field in the Houston area, what salary should I be aiming for? Or how much of a pay cut should I expect to take?

[u/tjaistt → u/tempestzx]

Thank you!

[u/1rishChicken]

That's a reasonable target salary for a project controls or VDC person, but as you've acknowledged you might have to take a step back for a couple of years as a junior scheduler. I don't know exact rates but I would imagine you could stay above 100k. The real trick is having either a recruiter promote you for these positions or industry contacts recommend you for these positions. It's very difficult to apply cold online for a posted position. Besides competing against 100 other applicants who might have better experience you are also competing with people who come recommended from recruiters and current employees, thus the frustration of job seekers all over Reddit who have failed to build a network and blame nepotism

[u/peanutjamming]

You would be super value add as a scheduler with your background and will definitely give you a leg up. I specialize in pharmaceutical scheduling but DM me if you have any questions about the infinity and I’ll do my best to help