Jobs in the Charlotte area that are performance related - Lateral-g Forums

**WSSix** · #1 01-22-2010, 10:00 AM

Well, I'm pushing 30 and it's taken me 8 years total since I redid my previous work but I am coming up on graduating with my ME degree in May. I'm leaning towards oil industry and performance automotive. It's no secret I want to work for a company like DSE. I get excited just looking at their products and projects. I have so much I want to learn. I think working for a company like that would be fantastic in helping me understand all that is going on with handling. While they are right now my top choice for many reasons, it would be foolish of me to only try for a job with them. So I am curious if anyone knows where or how I can look for jobs and companies in that area of the world that may be hiring or at least performance automotive related so I can check them out all the same?

While that area of the country is my primary choice, I'm not necessarily against other locations. If you know of other companies that could fit the bill, please mention them. I'm aware of AME and have talked with Matt about what it is like working there. I know of Roadster Shop as well. Anyone else?

Thanks guys. Remember, it doesn't have to be just old cars as much as I'm looking for performance or even race related industry jobs.

6spdcamaro · #2 01-22-2010, 01:24 PM

penske racing is right down the road from DSE

rwhite692 · #3 01-22-2010, 01:43 PM

Between the two choices you listed, and putting all "car emotions" aside, with your ME, I would go oil or nat gas industry if I were you, as a career choice.

**WSSix** · #4 01-22-2010, 04:28 PM

I found Penske's website and they said they weren't hiring and basically got the impression that they aren't interested in even seeing my resume. They do direct you to a site called racecityresumes.com but it is strictly NASCAR. So I am still looking at other choices since I don't like NASCAR at all.

**WSSix** · #5 01-22-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwhite692

Between the two choices you listed, and putting all "car emotions" aside, with your ME, I would go oil or nat gas industry if I were you, as a career choice.

See my thoughts keep pushing me back to that from the stand point of the money I would make, the places I could go in this world, and because I currently operate my own shop. I love what I do but do not have the ability to take the shop to the level that I would want it at. I also would not learn the things I want to as I'd have to hire people that already know while I run everything. The other big actually huge thought that nags me is getting burnt out on cars because I'm involved in them so much. That already happened once which is why the shop down sized and I went back to school. That was more modern performance cars though which got boring. My heart has always been in the old cars. You can only do so much to a C5 before it's no longer interesting. I no longer read any article on any new vette because no one is doing anything truly different.

What was your thought or thoughts on why I should go towards oil and gas?

I'm all ears.

Thanks

rwhite692 · #6 01-24-2010, 08:58 PM

Trey I was simply looking at the oil and natural gas fields for putting your Engineering degree to use because these are stable fields in which people who work hard and apply themselves can make a LOT of money. I have several customers in the oil exploration field and I can tell you that the industry, while it may have it's ups and downs, is doing quite well and certainly doing a lot better than the US auto industry is at the moment. Not to say that you couldn't be successful in the US Auto industry, or the classic car restoration/hot rodding industry but, if what you are looking for is a long term career path, you really should investigate the oil/nat gas energy fields, among others.

**WSSix** · #7 01-25-2010, 06:18 AM

Oh I didn't think you were meaning I couldn't succeed in the auto industry. I was just looking for clarification on your thoughts. Your point is something that is in my head as well. I appreciate your thoughts on the subject.

Anyone else?

Thanks

ragtop69 · #8 01-25-2010, 06:55 AM

I used to be a ME for a automotive performance company. I LOVE cars to my core. My problem was that I was so deep into the industry at work that I wasnt able to get much done on my own projects. The other problem was that the pay was no where near what you can make outside that industry. I actually had the owner of the company tell me that he didnt have to pay poeple what they should make because there was always 20 other poeple that wanted the job. I left the company and went into the natural gas industry and make almost three times what I was making. I now work on my hot rods at home and enjoy the sport again. This was my experience with very large company. Im sure not all of them are the same. I am thankful for the time I spent there and I learned a ton. I also made them a ton of money! I worked there when I was a green engineer and didnt need that much money. My advice would be try it when you are young. Get it out of your system and get some experience. Dont box yourself in to were no one else will take you. Never stop looking for something better! Its your experience that makes you valuable. Good luck to you!

**WSSix** · #9 01-25-2010, 02:59 PM

Thanks ragtop. Can you tell me who you work for now? PM me if you have to. I'm always looking for companies to contact.