Pros
Mechanical design engineer Mechanical engineering team for cheese equipment was opportunity of a life time. Interesting, engaging work that was a constant learning experience for 5 years, with an engaged team, good leadership and mentorship, great purpose. Industrial Engineering Plenty of opportunities for improving manufacturing. Interesting, state of the art equipment being produced that does incredible stuff.
Cons
Mechanical design engineer: Workload high, involvement in serious technical issues hazardous to work life balance. Industrial Engineering Manufacturing management doesn't trust or listen to manufacturing engineers, rely too heavily on the doubts of their fabricator personnel who have done the same thing for years. No one understands intangible benefits. No one willing to take up reigns and help form the business case, so not even worth speaking up. Reactive, incapable management who value independence and don't foster teamwork. Even if you improve processes and come up with business cases to improve leadtime and quality, such as through using capable equipment, if its not getting rid of processes to be someone else's problem it won't happen. Lack of vision for what world class manufacturing looks like. No opportunity to visit other factories and collaborate on systems. Speak up, disagree, will get the axe
