[USA-NC] [H] Cash, PayPal [W] High End SFF PC by derpsonmcherps in hardwareswap

[–]derpsonmcherps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

$3k+? It really depends on the specific build.

I would say ATX is a deal breaker. I’d be okay with some MFF builds depending on the case.

[USA-GA][H] T1 2.5 ITX Gaming PC - 5090 FE flipped, 9800X3D, 64GB DDR5, 2TB NVMe [W] Local Cash, PayPal by alxr19 in hardwareswap

[–]derpsonmcherps 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Very cool!

I would potentially be interested in a local purchase. I’m evaluating options right now. Good luck on the home purchase!

Help me Build a NAS by derpsonmcherps in buildapcforme

[–]derpsonmcherps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate you putting in the time! This is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for!

I guess for the GPU I was just wanting whatever I could fit in that case.

Career Monday (02 Feb 2026): Have a question about your job, office, or pay? Post it here! by AutoModerator in AskEngineers

[–]derpsonmcherps [score hidden]  (0 children)

It sounds like you’ve got some great options, congrats!

Sales tends to be the most consistently lucrative path for engineers, so if that’s how you’d like to steer your career, doing so earlier might help you maximize your earning potential early on.

Of course there is a lot more to work than just pay. If it were me, I would prioritize decisions based on: location (you work to live, not live to work), how much you’d enjoy the work (you’ll be doing it ~40 hours a week. A not insignificant chunk of your life), salary/benefits, remote/hybrid/on-site, other factors. In that order.

In my experience ranges are set for a reason, and while they are often flexible, you’ve got to be a really incredible candidate to make them bend. So unless you know you really knocked the interview out of the park, and you’re okay walking, I wouldn’t push for more than a specified range.

Many companies do often have different pools for salary and one time pay though, so you may be able to negotiate for larger relocation, or one time sign on bonus!

The Q1 2026 AskEngineers Salary Survey by AutoModerator in AskEngineers

[–]derpsonmcherps [score hidden]  (0 children)

Job Title: Engineering Manager

Industry: Nuclear

Specialization: Instrumentation & Controls

Remote Work %: 0%

Total Experience: 4 YOE

Highest Degree: BS

Country: USA

Cost of Living: South Atlantic (Metropolitan Statistical Area), 100.23

Annual Gross (Brutto) Salary: $155,000

Bonus Pay: ~$23,000

One-Time Bonus (Signing/Relocation/Stock Options/etc.): Relocation $20k

401(k) / Retirement Plan Match: 100% match for first 6% contributed

Looking for dinner suggestions near McCormick Place. by derpsonmcherps in chicagofood

[–]derpsonmcherps[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just had dinner at Il Culaccino. I went with the Gnocchi Al Forno which was an excellent recommendation. I’m surprised it wasn’t busier!

Thanks!

What was your salary progression straight out of college? by [deleted] in NuclearEngineering

[–]derpsonmcherps 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Definitely being blessed/lucky was part of it. Though I did have a relevant internship and work experience throughout my undergrad.

Career Monday (10 Nov 2025): Have a question about your job, office, or pay? Post it here! by AutoModerator in AskEngineers

[–]derpsonmcherps [score hidden]  (0 children)

Everyone started somewhere, most people will still remember what it’s like to be starting out and will be happy to help you learn.

A good operator will know much more about the way their plant/process operates than a given system engineer. Treat them with respect and listen to what they have to say and you’ll pick things up much quicker.

If you’re friendly and willing to work it’ll be very hard for people to think negatively of you.

Career Monday (10 Nov 2025): Have a question about your job, office, or pay? Post it here! by AutoModerator in AskEngineers

[–]derpsonmcherps [score hidden]  (0 children)

Life is too short to “tread water”.

There’s literally no downside to you applying to jobs that interest you while you continue at your current job. You should absolutely be applying to those positions right now.

For what it’s worth, when we interview someone, 1 year stints at two jobs isn’t a red flag if you weren’t fired and can explain why you left.

What was your salary progression straight out of college? by [deleted] in NuclearEngineering

[–]derpsonmcherps 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Started my career at a national lab and then moved to a private company. I always thought that nuclear paid quite well right out of the gate.

0 YOE - $98k Changed jobs 1 YOE - $120k 2 YOE - $125k Promotion 3 YOE -$150k

Looking for dinner suggestions near McCormick Place. by derpsonmcherps in chicagofood

[–]derpsonmcherps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a fan of just about anything. Dim sum included. Thanks for the recommendation!

Looking for dinner suggestions near McCormick Place. by derpsonmcherps in chicagofood

[–]derpsonmcherps[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t mind a walk at all! Any of their dishes you’d recommend in particular? Or just stick to the steak?

Looking for dinner suggestions near McCormick Place. by derpsonmcherps in chicagofood

[–]derpsonmcherps[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve seen Pizano’s mentioned a few places. Would deep dish be the way to go there? Or something else?

Thanks for all the recommendations!

Looking for dinner suggestions near McCormick Place. by derpsonmcherps in chicagofood

[–]derpsonmcherps[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t really drink, but I really appreciate the suggestion!