What is your view of how the economic outlook for 2009 will affect electrical engineers?

[Electrical Engineers Network]

We're looking for your input concerning how you feel the weakening economy will affect electrical engineers. We also hope that readers will offer counter points to any postings. The link below will take you to the Discussion page: http://eleceng.ning.com/forum/topics/what-is-your-view-of-how-the/edit

[Charles J Gervasi]

From what I see, technology is doing well despite all the turmoil. I am hoping it continues this way.

We need to focus more, IMHO, on long term growth than the ups and downs of the economic cycle. This economic problem we’re in now started with too much debt. The main solution being proposed is more debt. If we were less leveraged, living less on the very edge of our means, the ups and downs wouldn’t be as big a deal.

[Electrical Engineers Network]

I would agree and hope that this downturn will not affect electrical engineers greatly, since has you stated, technology is doing very well. The only downside might be large companies that must cut-back spending due to the anticipated drop in sales. One problem is that when these larger companies 'all' start to cut-back, we get into a downward spiral until we all truly hit rock bottom. It would be great if the Fortune 500 or even more companies could make a commitment to continue to spend, since much of the spending does eventually flow back to them in the form of revenue, either from the employees of the other companies that receive their business, or even directly from companies buying from companies. As you say, the long-term outlook is key and maybe these current problems will finally get Wall Street to look beyone the next quarter. Thanks for your input and hopefully others will also weigh-in.

[Miriam]

If the Automotive Industry is destroyed, it will take thousands of Engineering jobs with it. Thousands of Engineering jobs have already been lost in this area. However, if the Automotive Industry completely fails, manufacturers of all types will fail as well. This will also eliminate Engineering jobs.

Here in Michigan, Engineers have had to flee to other states for the hope to find work. Right now ALL the Engineers I know in Michigan assume that they will be out of a job (if they aren't already) within the next few days to a max of 6 months.

No one feels safe. All that are currently working are overworked. Many of the unemployed Engineers have been forced to change careers. I expect this to expand to the rest of the country unless Obama's promises of Infrastructure investment work out.

[Richard Vance]

Electrical engineers will remain in demand but they will have to be flexible to moving.
Telecom is down but alternative AND conventional electric power is up.
Automotive is down but Military is up.
If you are an IT GURU the government has a job for you.

R&D will not be hot so go into alternative energy or government IT.

[Electrical Engineers Network]

Miriam description of engineers out-look in Michigan is tough. As you mention, hopefully Obama's infrastructure and renewal energy investments will help off-set the loses in other areas. During the automotive bail-out Congressional Hearings yesterday, things did look favorable for some relief to the auto industry, with guidelines for them to meet. Currently for solar, you get to sell the SREC (credits sold for renewable energy production) usually sold to utilities to off-set their fossil fuel energy production and you get a 30% investment tax credit. Even with these incentives, the payback is about 10 years and most companies are looking for a 3 year payback. If the Gov't (Obama's plan) can increase these incentives, this could greatly boost the need for engineers, R&D, and also help us be less dependent on oil. Any other expectations on Obama's plans?

[Bob Ceresi]

I have been recruiting electrical and mechanical engineers for the past twenty years. Most of my clients manufacture electrical power distribution equipment. There is always a shortage of experienced engineers in this area. The biggest obstacle to filling these jobs is the unwillingness or inability of qualified engineers to relocate. Often those who will relocate require sponsorship which some companies just can't or won't provide. Unfortunately, we no longer work in a world where we can count on the need for our skills remaining where we live. Engineers may have to consider commuting long distances and returning home on weekends. The concentration of engineers in the auto industry is an example of this. I believe the demand for engineers will remain strong, but just not where we may currently call home. Engineers who get laid off as a result of this economy should be able to find employment somewhere in the U S. When economic stability returns, I expect the demand to be very high. Bob Ceresi

[Ernest Offutt]

Most of the industry is in a slump. However, persons with a high degree of motivation and commitment will always be in demand. As for persons in this field with skills in industrial automation, there will be a dramatic increase for this. With the countrys interest in stream lining, jobs in the automatin field will increase. I personaly look from time to time to find people with these skills, and they are not around... The good ones,, ( I have two in my employ) are being courted continually.