My career path has lead me far away from what I actually love doing. You know the type of thing that you get so wrapped up into it that you forget to eat? And when you realize it you aren’t even mad because of how much you got accomplished 😂 Well that is me when it comes to design. Not regular design work, but modifying or creating from scratch. I mostly use fusion360 but can learn most any program I need, I just love the flow of fusion. I’ve been self taught in fusion but have gotten to where I can build most any part or assembly until my computer just can’t take the heat. I recently had a friend connect me to a local business who needed a large part of their machine turned into a modified version/file to be machined so they can replace the old one with something bigger and better. I didn’t know there was a need for that but I got what they needed done in about 2 hrs and it wet my taste buds so now I want more. I have 3d scanner and different types of 3d printers and access to Cnc plasma and tooling so I’m familiar with the process of design to functional part. I do it all the time for fun and that is part of what I love also. I want to replace my income with this. I’m currently in real estate. It’s been decent income but I’m tired of constantly marketing myself and in way I’m tired of dealing with the public in general. I’d like to make 150k-200k if I can stay where I’m at. Income could vary if I needed to pick up and move for the perfect opportunity. Can this be done? Would I be better off staying independent taking outsourced jobs for multiple companies? I want to make a transition away from real estate but I’m a broker with agents so I can’t just close the door and turn off the lights on them but I can step away and give more leadership to an associate broker. Possibly sell it to him all together if I find the opportunity I’m looking for.
Wouldn’t you need to know about tolerances of metals, etc if you were asked to design important structural items?
I admire your passion. Maybe you need to think about how you position and market yourself to your potential clients. Google maker’s space or wood/metal workshop near your place and talk to those who hang out there. You might get some inspiration there. Good luck and hope you achieve what you want.
Maybe hardware Prototype engineer. But it’s not remote. I don’t know where you live. If big cities you can outsource your skills. You will need to find customers.
When you say engineer is that usually a degree required for the position?
Yes usually it’s a degree. Well in Quebec Canada and Ontario the title engineer is protected and you cannot call yourself an engineer. In the US it’s a different story and varies. Generally it requires a degree but if you have a lot of experience it could work. It’s super hard to say.