3 replies to this topic

[TX-2]

Hi folks,

 

I completed my Masters degree in Chemical Engineering and am searching for my first process engineering job. I have interviewed with two companies and things are looking good with both of these companies.

 

Company A is mainly into process simulation using HYSY/UniSim. They build and deliver steady state and dynamic models for Oil and Gas, Refining, Chemical industries. In addition, they also do some MES (data historians, yield accounting etc) SCM but their core specialty appears to be process simulation. Their list of clients is very impressive.

 

Company B is mainly into MES, SCM, Refinery Information Systems, Control Systems like PID tuning etc. They also claim to have the ability to do simulation work but agree that it is not their area of expertise.

 

Since I do not have any work experience in process engineering yet and only limited knowledge of these "big words" like MES, SCM, RIS or Control performance etc. However, I do have working knowledge and experience with HYSYS including dynamic simulation as I have completed a one year college project using HYSYS.

 

Company A: Process simulation work | Relatively lower pay | Comparatively bigger company

 

Company B: MES, SCM or IS work | Relatively high salary | Specialized work | Work limited to Oil and Gas, Refining processes (my area of interest)

 

Please advise which work would offer better long term prospects and why. Thank you very much for your help and guidance in advance.

 

My soul is a chemical engineer but I have some programming knowledge and work experience in IT. 

Edited by TX-2, 14 October 2014 - 03:07 AM.

[Bobby Strain]

You are not going to get opportunities to learn much with either of these companies. If you have an opportunity, start with an operating company. Second best is an engineering company. This gives you the broadest exposure to chemical engineering. And with a good foundation, you can advance much quicker.

 

Bobby

[RockDock]

It is hard to give you advice without knowing your strengths and personality.

 

However, based on limited information I would go with company A. It just seems more fun. While I think Hysys skills are in high supply and low demand at the moment, you can use those skills to develop as an engineer, learning processes and solving problems.

 

Look at the location, too.

[Bobby Strain]

Follow the money to Company B.

 

Bobby