Engineer just moved here from Texas. Hard to find a job? (Anchorage: school, college)

[Chilkoot]

Originally Posted by tigerfan3

I have to admit that I don't know anything about your field of expertise. But in general, if you can pass a background check and a drug test you can get a great paying job in Alaska. Your odds are way better than in the lower 48. Make sure you have an Alaskan ID. Be patient. A lot of employers are weary of outsiders who haven't spent a full winter here. Lots of folks bail after they see how cold and dark it gets. Don't be afraid to take a temporary job until something good comes your way later.

This is spot on.

The major oilfied players hire over 50% of their professionals such as engineers from outside Alaska because there just aren't enough of them in state to satisfy the need. I too think it would just be a matter of time before you would land a decent job, unless you have skeletons in your closet.

[roadfamily6now]

My husband is in your field of work and spent a good portion of 3 months looking for work once and he was an Alaskan Resident and very familiar with many of the engineering outfits around here. Competition is stiff for your line of work.

Good Luck. Keep your chin up and I'm sure you will find something soon.

[peznex]

Originally Posted by roadfamily6now

My husband is in your field of work and spent a good portion of 3 months looking for work once and he was an Alaskan Resident and very familiar with many of the engineering outfits around here. Competition is stiff for your line of work.

Good Luck. Keep your chin up and I'm sure you will find something soon.

What did he do that finally got him that job? Did he keep applying online, or visit the actual office buildings, email/call directly?

[roadfamily6now]

not a single online application worked. He is a people person so talking (face to face) to the actual people hiring was what did the trick.

[rwjoyak]

I found a newsletter for the Alaska chapter of ASME at Home. It's dated (issued in May 2012), but may provide some info that you can use to make contacts with folks active in the chapter. They might be able to provide you with additional job-related contacts to follow up on. You could also start attending meetings of the local chapter (if they have them very frequently) to start networking with other attendees.

[Melissa78703]

Originally Posted by Chilkoot

The major oilfied players hire over 50% of their professionals such as engineers from outside Alaska because there just aren't enough of them in state to satisfy the need. I too think it would just be a matter of time before you would land a decent job, unless you have skeletons in your closet.

Worked for Big Oil when I lived in Alaska (as did my ex-husband), and we were both recruited from outside of the state as well. A lot of engineers in this line of work basically get sent where there are positions open, and if there happen to be some available in Alaska, that's where you go!

[Crossfire600]

Originally Posted by peznex

I have moved to Anchorage. My wife is in the military. I recently graduated with a MS in mechanical engineering. I also have a BS in mechanical engineering.
I have searched and found it is very difficult to get a job in the area. I have contacted companies in the area and none of them are hiring. I am willing to travel, even doing the two weeks on, two weeks off petroleum jobs. I am not sure how to find those type of jobs. All I want is a job related to the engineering field. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

WHPacific, DOWL HKM

[jdhpa]

Here are some companies I found that both have offices in Alaska, and hire mechanical engineers. I don't know if they have ME's at all of these offices, or if they're currently looking.

Acuren - Home (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, and Prudhoe Bay)
ASRC Energy Services - ASRC Energy (Anchorage and Barrow)
British Petroleum - BP Global | BP (Anchorage)
CH2M Hill - CH2M HILL - Home (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai, and Prudhoe Bay)
ConocoPhillips - ConocoPhillips (Anchorage and North Slope)
Design Alaska - Home - Design Alaska (Fairbanks)
Exelis (ITT) - www.excelis.com (Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau)
Halliburton - Oilfield Services | Halliburton - Solving Challenges. - Halliburton (Anchorage, Kenai, and Prudhoe Bay)
Michael Baker Corporation - Michael Baker Corporation (Anchorage)
MWH - MWH | The Global Leader In Wet Infrastructure & Water Engineering (Anchorage)
Parker Drilling - Parker Drilling (Anchorage and North Slope)
PDC Inc. Engineers - Alaska Engineers, Planning, Design, Construction, Consulting - PDC Inc. (Anchorage and Fairbanks)
Schlumberger - Home, Schlumberger (Anchorage)
Tesoro Corp - New Document (Kenai)
URS Corporation - URS Corporation (Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Fort Wainwright)

[peznex]

I was able to find a few jobs where I match all the qualifications and job description. I do not see any reason why they would not at least give me an interview, but I've been through this many times before and never get a response. Then, I applied for some others that I thought I could qualify for. I also got the North Slope training certification because it seemed like many jobs asked for it. Thanks again everyone.

[Grannysroost]

You have some good suggestions. I think most would agree it is who you know, as if HR guy is from Texas, he will hire from there if he can. The ratio from local to outside is high on the outside from what we saw. How long have you been in this field? (sorry if I missed it in OP or elsewhere). You need to go pound on doors and make them want you and do not act desperate..confidence rules, but no c*cky either. Best of luck