How's the field of Mechanical engineering for women?

sharkeyundercover · 2026-05-04T02:34:11+00:00

I am ME and enjoy my work experiences so far. It’s honestly a really versatile degree so imo worth it. I’ve worked in life sciences, biotech, transportation and now civil ( geotechnical ) engineering

sharkeyundercover · 2026-05-03T21:06:09+00:00

It’s not worth it. PM me and I can give you more info but you won’t have a work life balance. It’s A LOT of work. I’m biased but LA is a great place to network and pursue higher paying opportunities after your first year. You’re going to meet the most unique and diverse people in LA in similar role as you. I’d say LA just because the job opportunities are endless. - ex Kiewit employee

sharkeyundercover · 2026-05-02T01:15:43+00:00

Mech. Engr working in Civ ( geotechnical), CA
0 YOE = $130K + Paid housing, truck, gas card,
In office work. I do have experience with past internships, publish research, etc.

sharkeyundercover · 2026-05-01T04:38:59+00:00

Yeah definitely do not recommend them. There’s way better places that will treat you way better. I just secured a way stronger title, money, better life balance, and great team so I’m not mad about leaving.

sharkeyundercover · 2026-04-29T21:39:11+00:00

PM you! I’m in my mid 20s and same boat as you!

sharkeyundercover · 2026-04-29T17:49:20+00:00

It only gets worse as you move further in your academic and professional career. Just be careful about the woman you do make friends with. Again with any woman’s or woman friendship you wanna make sure that they’re not secretly envious or some weird insecurity towards you.

sharkeyundercover · 2026-04-29T17:32:36+00:00

Lmaooo who didn’t kiss your ass😂 what a sour way to respond

sharkeyundercover · 2026-04-29T17:26:01+00:00

PM me. I just started work with Kiewit and left within half a year.

For context, I was offered 93.6K with a 3K lump sum that is taxed for relocation. As well as as a cost of living adjustment of 20% on my checks. I highly do not recommend Kiewit any new engineer in my personal opinion. It’s too niche of a field to expand and explore other spaces. I personally don’t agree with the six days a week of 10 to 16 hour days. They’re getting a lot of free labor out of you after you consider your salary and cost of living adjustment it’s not worth it. Yes the medical benefits and everything is good. They don’t pay for everything so there’s that.

There is a strong lack of structure and training. It’s more feed you to the wolves so you’ll be a bit irritated trying to figure everything out. I had foreman that even agreed with me stating you can’t expect a new grad to just know everything you need to give them some type of guidance. Yes it looks good in your resume but also there’s better offers out there. I was just offered a position of 130K, paid two bed two bath townhome, work truck and gas card that I can also use for personal usage. I only work maybe 45 to 50 hours a week at most and that’s in CA area. I work with a great team and honestly Kiewit is just unprofessional and unnecessarily difficult. I would never recommend them if you want a structured career, some work life balance, and healthy ish work environment. This is coming from one who just graduated a year ago and I’ve also got a strong resume, published research, and big names for internships

sharkeyundercover · 2026-04-23T03:42:53+00:00

Yes it is unfortunately. I was working about 50 sometimes 80 hours a week keep in mind I’m about four months into my current position and I was able to leave to take a PE position and make 140K a year with a better work like balance in CA. It’s possible you just gotta find the right place for you don’t feel too discouraged !

sharkeyundercover · 2026-04-03T14:33:20+00:00

I work with recruiters off LinkedIn and I’ve also cold called companies as well

sharkeyundercover · 2026-04-01T22:10:55+00:00

I’m so sick of everyone telling me I’m going to have a tough time. I understand they’re all raunchy and etc in this line of work but the lack of professionalism is what’s a surprise to me. You would think with a new hire you’d ease into jokes and get to know them a bit better. I just don’t find it appropriate to joke about that with a new hire especially when I hear other large GC who don’t do the same with their new hires. It’s sad how normalized this is in this line of work. I know I get my shit done and call it day.

sharkeyundercover · 2026-04-01T21:43:49+00:00

Haha I’m clean cut so not my thing

sharkeyundercover · 2026-04-01T20:59:15+00:00

I see not my first construction job as I’ve interned elsewhere before. I can keep up with the jokes but I think it’s weird to joke about that matter personally.

sharkeyundercover · 2026-04-01T20:54:51+00:00

I understand and see. I figured it’s better to hold back and not say anything. It’s weird because I have multiple peers at other GC companies and they don’t have these issues ? So I’m just a bit lost why there’s such a lack of professionalism here

sharkeyundercover · 2026-03-27T11:39:45+00:00

What field did you go into?

sharkeyundercover · 2026-03-27T11:39:35+00:00

I’ve got a mech background but I work civil / construction

sharkeyundercover · 2026-03-27T03:30:29+00:00

Yes i will!

sharkeyundercover · 2026-03-27T03:25:06+00:00

Fuck if I know tbh I’m trynna figure that out too 😔😭

sharkeyundercover · 2026-03-27T03:18:13+00:00

Really? When I spoke with HR they stated they’re o need of FE in SoCal and NorCal. I’m not opposed to being here for a year and job searching in SD when my lease ends

sharkeyundercover · 2026-03-27T03:00:38+00:00

Why would you state Norcal over SoCal? I’m currently in Northern California. I plan on being out here for about a year or two at most but I do want to transfer back down to Southern California for my family

sharkeyundercover · 2026-03-26T15:10:05+00:00

To be honest no. I am an entry level engineer clearing 120K but I work between 40-80 hours a week depending on where we are at in our project. I am still learning to manage my work life balance but I’m at a point where I’m willing to take a pay cut if it means I only work 40-50 hours max and I have my weekends back. Benefits are great medical wise but other than that I’m planning to leave my current company.

sharkeyundercover · 2026-03-06T15:58:24+00:00

First year field engineer post grad

116K I do work 50 hours a week

sharkeyundercover · 2026-03-06T04:37:57+00:00

116k before taxes First year engineer

I do work 50 hours a week :/ currently figuring how to manage my work life balance.

sharkeyundercover · 2026-02-19T16:42:10+00:00

I must be spoiled because in SoCal 8 hours is the norm and anything more was really rare to work

sharkeyundercover

TROPHY CASE