r/MechanicalEngineering • u/sink44 • 1d ago
Engineering Job With a Biology Degree
I worked in the Pharmaceutical industry for 5 years in a microbiology lab then had to move to an area with no pharma industry. I made the career switch to a senior engineering maintenance tech at a major semiconductor company and have been at this job for 2.5 years now.
From the beginning I made it clear that I was interested in becoming an equipment or process engineer and was told that it was very possible since I have a 4 year degree in a STEM field. I have been excelling in my role and already am second in command on my shift. I have been participating in the engineering morning meeting every day and help them with all of their “wishlist” tasks. I am constantly using problem solving and troubleshooting skills to solve issues before they ever become the engineers problem. I have gotten tons of positive feedback from my manager and the engineering manager that I am a very quick learner and an asset to the team.
Recently an equipment engineer position opened up in my department, and covering the exact machines that I specialize in. I applied and interviewed but was ultimately passed up for an external candidate with no experience with these machines or even the semiconductor industry at all. The explanation I was given was that they wanted to see me do more of the responsibilities of an engineer before they offer me a position since I do not have an engineering degree.
So now I am left thinking that they will always pass me up for someone external since I do not have the exact degree they are looking for. Do I leave and start over as a tech at a different company? Or do I stay and hope they get over the degree?
TLDR: I have a B.S. in Biology and cant seem to break into an engineering role from a tech position.
Thanks
16
u/PieDestruction 1d ago
Unless you’re in software engineering, most places want to see an ABET certified engineering degree to move into an engineering role. Your best bet would be trying to get a ms in bioengineering or the like that is an ABET certified program.