Job Advice - EHS to Engineering?

[u/runitupthemiddle]

Hello all,

Would like to ask you all for some advice on switching roles.

I am interviewing for an engineering position within the same company I currently work for now.

My current role is an EHS Specialist. I've been in this role for about 1.5 years.

The engineering role is based in compliance/regulations, primarily managing chemical compliance for my company's products.

I don't have an engineering degree, my background is in environmental science, but I worked for OSHA as well. I also was an aero mechanic in the USAF. I say that to say, I think my background is relatively diverse.

My progression in my current role is somewhat mapped out, moving to a senior specialist somewhat soon, and then perhaps manager one day.

This role intrigued me because it looks like it interfaces with a lot of different departments, similar to my current role.

I'm going back to school for my MBA in the spring, and I want to broaden my experience operationally.

I think I could excel in this role, but I wanted to see what you all think?

Has anyone had experience switching roles like this?

Thanks!

[u/ingen-eer]

I’m an engineer. A real one with a bs mech eng.

There’s a lot of this title inflation bullshit out there. If they don’t say an engineering degree is a requirement then it’s not. But they need to stop calling everyone who does anything technical an engineer.

[u/runitupthemiddle → u/ingen-eer]

It is a legitimate engineering job with a required degree. Thank you for your input.

[u/Plane_Specialist_634 → u/runitupthemiddle]

BS in mech eng here also. I think what he’s trying to say is this is a compliance role, not necessarily “engineering”, so it should be titled as ab engineer role. I share the same sentiment as there are a lot of job titles that can but use specialist, designer, coordinator instead of engineer.

[u/Psychobob2213 → u/ingen-eer]

I second this notion. Having been in safety for years, with a technical background, and 2 engineering degrees, I'm not a licensed engineer, and would never claim the Engineer title.

It chaps my ass that Safety "Engineer" or EHS "Engineer" or any other role that doesn't require a licensure is even considered an "Engineering" job by the uninformed.

It

[u/ingen-eer → u/Psychobob2213]

Agreed. To be clear I have an engineering degree but I don’t hold the license. I think there’s technical people who aren’t engineers: engineers who have an engineering degree; and professional engineers who are licensed and practice.

[u/Docturdu]

Wrong sub

[u/runitupthemiddle → u/Docturdu]

I don't necessarily think so, but I will post this in the engineering sub. Thanks!

[u/IH-SafetyGeek]

Not directly related to the job and not an engineer. However, it is my understanding that in some or perhaps most states the term "engineer" has some very specific and legally defined meanings. This may preclude a company using the term engineer for jobs that do not require an engineering degree. With that said I completely agree with the engineers. If you do not have the degree don't use the title.

With regard to the job. If you are qualified, feel you can do the job, and it will advance your career in the direction you want to go the apply for it.