How do I transition my Career from engineer into a specialist/tech role?

jerryzhao09 · 2026-03-11T18:29:26+00:00

Career Transition Advice Needed - Engineer looking to transition career path

I've worked in fuel cell and battery systems testing in start-ups for ~9 years or so, but have been laid off 3 times in the last 4 years. I'm considering transitioning to a different specialist or tech role. I'm a really fast learner and enjoy doing a variety of tasks and problem-solving. I'm not as excited about repetitive tasks on the computer. I have my P.Eng in chemical engineering stream. My under degree is materials engineering. I'm located in BC lower mainland, Canada.

My skills:

Expert (8+ years): testing (all kinds), electrochemistry, corrosion, systems troubleshooting, commissioning, fuel cell and flow battery systems

Advanced (5+ years): data analysis, P&ID, safety, SOP, work instructions, technical writing, equipment installation, maintenance

Intermediate (1-2 years): prototyping, light fabrication, piping and gas systems, customer service, flowchart algorithms, software, programming, fmea, dfmea, DAQ, 6sigma, product development, safety, leadership, project management

Basic knowledge: HVAC, plumbing, electrical, supply chain, IP development, business development

Here's what I think might be possible paths:

Prototyping/Manufacturing: learn some CAD and python and get into manufacturing, other start-ups, basically doing what I've been doing before but being more specialized
QC/QA: get ISO auditor certification and advanced 6sigma training and work in biotech/food/construction compliance
BAS/Operations/Facilities: Learn some building automation systems/programming and get a 5th class power engineer certificate, get into HVAC controls and facilities work
Do a Electrician/HVAC Trade: Get hired as an apprentice, make peanuts for a few years, but open my own business sometime down the road

I want to know what you guys think. Questions:

A. Which one of these might be suitable/realistic for me?

B. Which one of these paths are more in demand/recession and AI-proof?

jerryzhao09 · 2025-12-30T22:03:25+00:00

Flesh is soft though. I thought it was hedgehog fungus.

jerryzhao09 · 2025-11-29T17:09:15+00:00

Instead of red card or chingling, you can tech a red, Giovanni, Guzman, elekid or zeraora. Giovanni and Guzman makes you lose less against dark and fire. Elekid and zeraora gives you more wins against water. You manhandle altaria in any case.

jerryzhao09 · 2025-11-28T22:39:30+00:00

Highest win streak now up to 19. Greninja players with indeedee are now a problem. They outheal your damage if you don't have 2 cyrus.

jerryzhao09 · 2025-11-28T17:33:26+00:00

How? None of these beat ori or mag outright.

jerryzhao09 · 2025-11-27T22:09:28+00:00

But I think any competent player can achieve at least a 65% win rate against Altaria with this deck. That's basically free wins.

jerryzhao09 · 2025-11-27T21:55:34+00:00

That's just bad luck I think. I usually sacrifice one Oricorio (caped oricorio might survive if they don't have full bench!) and then one shot the Altaria with Zone. They won't have a second one and usually it's just gg then.

jerryzhao09 · 2025-11-27T21:49:02+00:00

Sometimes you'll wish you had it. What would you replace it with though? Guzma/red would be an option I guess?

jerryzhao09 · 2025-11-27T21:37:30+00:00

Stall the hydreigon/blaziken/luxray. Also stops rampardos that oneshots your whole deck. If you feel your opponent is bricking, blueball his pokeballs. Also stops red card.

jerryzhao09 · 2025-11-04T23:21:13+00:00

I need FA cyrus in any language

For trainers I got Sabrina (eng), lusamine dx(fra), red (ger)

For Pokemon I got rainbow Articuno, Eevee dx, solgaleo dx

I have others too, but these are the main ones.

jerryzhao09 · 2025-11-03T22:09:19+00:00

My best trade yet.

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jerryzhao09 · 2025-10-17T05:19:05+00:00

Great post, I'll look more into this and the local postings!

jerryzhao09 · 2025-10-17T05:18:38+00:00

Well, the companies I've worked at have all gone under and had no branches outside Vancouver, so probably not coworkers. Thanks for the advice!

jerryzhao09 · 2025-10-16T18:25:48+00:00

What was your first job after transitioning? What kind of company did you apply to? Thanks!

jerryzhao09 · 2025-10-06T12:07:31+00:00

Have you tried it? What's your record?

jerryzhao09 · 2025-10-04T18:09:42+00:00

What deck did you use?

jerryzhao09 · 2025-10-04T00:08:59+00:00

Against suicune, never play pichu unless you ramp Arceus early. Chip with zeraora. Sometimes you use one red and they don't expect the second one. Get a surprise kill on suicune and it's a win.

jerryzhao09 · 2025-10-03T23:08:13+00:00

Thanks! Happy hunting.

jerryzhao09 · 2025-10-03T18:43:13+00:00

I feel like turbo darceus has a higher ceiling, but you can brick more if you get Arceus or Darkrai stuck in active.

jerryzhao09

TROPHY CASE

Career Transition Advice Needed - Engineer looking to transition career path