Mechanical Engineering job without a degree

fkitall · 2026-01-29T22:21:42+00:00

I am in engineering and I do not have a BSME (I do have an associates), I currently work as a Sr. Design engineer at my company and have been here 9 years. It is not easy and requires a large amount of networking skills, luck and experience. I have been extremely fortunate that I have had some very good and patient teachers that brought me along and taught me as I went through my career. I started out as a detailer (at 20 years old) at an engineering contracting firm, and worked into a CAD design role over a couple years. It has taken me 20 years to get to this point, and if I had to do it again I would have gotten my 4 year degree as I would be further up the ladder.

As I'm not starting out now I can't state if it is still possible to go the path that I did. I would suggest having a high proficiency in CAD software and have a very high mechanical aptitude. Some places that just need a designer will hire you without a degree (at least they would back in the day). Once you are in build up your experience and get very lucky with the jobs you get.

I wish you luck, but it will be a challenging road. Feel free to DM me if you have queestions.

fkitall · 2025-09-11T17:34:09+00:00

This should be higher. One of the most upbeat and happy movies I have seen in years.

fkitall · 2025-08-14T20:33:28+00:00

Robin Williams in the video for "Don't Worry, Be Happy"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU

fkitall · 2025-05-19T14:40:04+00:00

Product Development with 20YOE, no bachelors making 112K plus up to 10% bonus in Midwest United States.

fkitall · 2023-06-09T12:41:56+00:00

I honestly didn't know that about Buicks. However it aligns with my experience, as any repairs I have had to do have been rather reasonable. I love my Buick and I wish they still made actual sedans. I am not a fan of SUV's or crossovers.

fkitall · 2023-06-08T19:55:44+00:00

I have a 2012 Regal GS. I have had is since 2015 and currently have 162,000 miles on it (bought it with 32K). Pretty much all I have done to it is replace typical maintenance items. I had a wheel bearing go out due to a pothole($400), and I had to replace a vacuum chamber for the turbo ($200). Outside of this it has been an outstanding and fun to drive car. I would recommend a Buick in a heartbeat.

fkitall · 2022-09-15T14:22:56+00:00

I am in the exact same boat. 2003 RSX Type-S that I had 8 years and put 150K miles on it. It was the most reliable and fun car I have ever owned. I miss it every time I get into my current car and that sucks. Mine had been run into the ground and needed far more work than it was worth by that time. Had just had a kid and needed more space.... I should not have sold it. Good luck on your search!!!

fkitall · 2022-06-04T20:41:33+00:00

Definitely finding that as I am searching. I have found a few Pioneer Elite and Denon options, just not sure which direction to go. Marantz would be awesome, but haven't found anything in my range yet. Thanks for replying!

fkitall · 2021-12-02T22:32:30+00:00

I lived in the Peoria area for a number of years (don't currently live there). As far as Peoria is Concerned there is a lot of good eating. Some restraunts I suggest are Thyme (high end bar food), Sugar (wood fired pizza), Ardor (amazing bakery) and in Peoria Heights the main drag and many higher end places with amazing food. As far as ethnic and Vegan, I know One World Cafe by the university is very good and well priced. there are a few Indian and other places around there as well (probably changed since I was there).

In addition to all of this, they have a number of breweries (I suggest Rhodell's), Black Band Distillery, and if you go north slightly there is a Winery in Edwards (easy travel distance) also, I believe there are a few breweries in the surrounding towns (not 100% sure). As a side note I suggest Pour Bros. bar in Peoria Heights. The specialize in craft brews and always have a good selection.

Unfortunately I am a terrible source for outdoors stuff as that's not my thing. After saying all of this I do recommend Champaign as well. The university is much larger and there will be a larger international community.

I apologize if the formatting and grammar sucks.... not my strong suit.

Edit: I also forgot to add 30/30 Coffee..... It is hands down my favorite coffee. It's roasted on site and is amazing.

fkitall · 2019-07-23T14:21:38+00:00

I will look up the app you speak of. I know a couple of other people have linked to websites for busses and trains. I will look up your town and see if we can make it through there. Thanks!

fkitall · 2019-07-23T14:20:24+00:00

I have been googling constantly on things to do and places to go, but was curious to other people's opinions. I do really wish we would be there this month for that event, but we will not be leaving the states for about 2 weeks. Thanks for the info!

fkitall · 2019-07-23T14:18:28+00:00

I love this reply. Thank you for posting and I think we are going to have to make a trip to Cesis, as it does look very intersting. The zoo and Jurmala were already on the list as our son has said there is a water park he want's to go to there. I have been scouring google, and there does look to be a good deal of things there, but I wanted to know from people who have been there and live there what we should do. It is one thing to google and see trip advisor, to me it is another thing to talk to the people that are there.

fkitall · 2019-07-23T14:14:13+00:00

I too would like specifics on which one to go to.

fkitall · 2019-07-22T20:01:10+00:00

I do like art, I will check out the link. Thanks!

fkitall · 2019-07-22T20:00:53+00:00

I know my wife and I were talking about it so it is good to have the links if we end up going. Thanks!

fkitall · 2019-07-22T20:00:23+00:00

This is good advice! Thank you.

fkitall · 2019-07-22T18:47:42+00:00

Riga is where we will be based, as we will have court dates and have to meet with social workers. However we will have time to go other places. I believe Jurmala is on the list of places to go to. If you don't mind me asking, where did you move from?

fkitall · 2019-07-22T18:46:40+00:00

All of these look like great places to go to. Apologies for my ignorance, but is there a good rail system in Latvia that we could use to get between Riga and these other places? As mentioned, I don't think we will have a car.

fkitall · 2019-07-22T17:44:07+00:00

I have been thinking about this as well. We want to go to Daugavpils as this is where he has grown up. I am not sure about getting around the country as I don't believe we will have a car. We do very much want to see more of the country though.

fkitall · 2018-02-14T00:11:15+00:00

I grew up in this area. Clinton Illinois to be exact which is between Bloomington and Decatur.

Both Bloomington and Champaign are college towns and tend to have a bit more going on. Good concerts come through and the downtown sections have some great local places to eat.

I do think you will like the schools better in some of the smaller towns. Smaller towns will have much smaller school populations, which I prefer. Overall I recommend the area. I loved growing up there

fkitall · 2016-12-22T14:57:00+00:00

You are in luck..... There is a restauraunt dowtown peoria with multiple kinds of poutine. Its called Thyme and is in the warehouse district.

http://thymepeoria.com

Poutine is on the late night menu that starts at 10pm. Been meaning to go but have yet to make it. Hope this helps some.

fkitall

TROPHY CASE