Controversy over Cal Poly SLO’s Saudi engineering program

February 26, 2008

The Associated Press wires are carrying an interesting story related to my alma mater, Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo. Apparently the university is planning a partnership with Jubail University College in Saudi Arabia. According to Steve Chawkins of the LA Times, some students and staff at Cal Poly are saying the University should avoid a deal with Saudi Arabia considering the engineering program would be for men only; Cal Poly prides itself on its high number of female engineers and graduates.

Some people think it’s all about the money.

Over five years, Cal Poly would receive $5.9 million from the Saudi government to create an engineering curriculum, build labs and train teachers in Jubail, a sprawling oil center on the Persian Gulf.

The Mechanical Engineering faculty at the university felt strongly enough about it to oppose the partnership in a 15-3 vote.

“No matter how you cut it, we’re supporting the oppression of women,” said Jim LoCascio, a professor of mechanical engineering at Cal Poly since 1981.

My own opinion is a bit more political. Given the nature of the Saudi regime I find it absolutely disheartening that we would be investing our time, money and engineering expertise in any way over there, much less taking money from them. Or are they just giving us our oil money back?

Either way, I am disappointed that my school has begun down this road. I hope the public outcry, for whatever reason, grows to a loud enough rumble to cause the Univeristy to rethink its plans.

Project Mechanical Engineer in West Houston, TX

February 25, 2008

Job Title: Project Mechanical Engineer
Job Location: West Houston, TX
Career Level : Junior (3-4yrs), Mid (5-10 yrs), Senior (11+ yrs)
Job Type: Direct, Contract
Pay Type: Hourly
Maximum Pay: $60.00/hr
Minimum Pay: $50.00/hr
Required Engineering Major/Field: Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum
Required Skills:

Experience in Pipeline and Pipeline Facilities engineering, design and construction.

General Job Description:

We are currently looking for a Project Mechanical Engineer with experience in natural gas facilities. Must have at least 5 years experience with pipeline facilities engineering. Long Term positon with medium sized engineering firm. Great Benefits. West Houston.

Application Instructions:

Email resumes to alan [at] petrotechjobs [dot] com

Contact Name: Alan Feazle
Contact Email: alan [at] petrotechjobs [dot] com

Electrical Engineer in Syracuse, NY

February 24, 2008

Job Title: Electrical Engineer
Job Location: Syracuse, New York
Career Level: Mid (5-10 yrs)
Job Type: Direct
Pay Type: Hourly
Maximum Pay: $65,000
Minimum Pay: $60,000
Required Engineering Major/Field: Electrical
Required Skills:

QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:
Bachelor of Science in Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
2-4 years of electrical engineering background with electro- mechanical design and troubleshooting. Experience with Windows-based products and industry standard CAD systems.
SKILLS/ABILITIES:
Well organized including attention to detail. Good written and verbal communication skills. Advanced math skills. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

General Job Description:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

  • Develop & design electrical systems/prototypes and appropriately integrate with mechanical designs for the purpose of meeting overall product design specifications.
  • Assemble electrical and electronic systems/prototypes as identified in the New Product Development (Stage Gate) process according to engineering data and knowledge of electrical principles using hand tools and measuring instruments.
  • Modify electrical prototypes, parts, assemblies to correct functional deviations.
  • Set up and operate test equipment to evaluate performance of developmental parts, assemblies or systems under operating conditions and record results.
  • Create and document all bills of material, drawings, and life test data for all new projects as well as redesigned existing products.
  • Participate actively as a member of the New Product Development technical team.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.

Company/Client Profile: www.eraser.com

Application Instructions:

Email resume to bjackson [at] eraser [dot] com

Contact Name: Bill Jackson
Contact Email: bjackson [at] eraser [dot] com

Mechanical Design Engineer in Tampa, FL

February 22, 2008

Job Title : Mechanical Design Engineer – Seatbelt Restraint Systems
Job Location : Tampa, FL
Career Level : Mid (5-10 yrs)
Job Type : Direct
Pay Type : Salary
Maximum Pay : $90,000
Minimum Pay : $80,000
Required Engineering Major/Field : Mechanical
Required Skills :

Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain a US Secret Clearance. Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering required. Master’s degree a plus, but not required. Must have at least 5+ years of seat belt restraint systems experience OR must have 7-10 years of mechanical design engineering experience with at least 3 years experience with restraint systems. Experience with seatbelt design for the automotive industry is a big plus.

General Job Description :

Mechanical Design Engineer – Senior Mechanical Designer This opening is for a key position for a small defense sub-contractor located in Largo, Florida. The company designs products for use by the military and other government agencies such as NASA. This exciting position involves mechanical design of seatbelt restraint systems. This position offers the rare opportunity to be involved in designing devices that save lives as well as devices that travel into space. Looking for a hands-on mechanical design engineer to work on the entire process including concept, design, production and testing. Salary is commensurate to experience. Outstanding benefits package available. Relocation assistance is available. Immediate opening! Compensation: $80,000.00 – $90,000.00 /Year + Excellent Benefits Package: Excellent Benefits Package: Medical, 401K, Dental, Vacation + Relocation Assistance.

Application Instructions :

Please apply by sending your resume to staffworksjobs [at] gmail [dot] com along with the job code: MECHD0108-41.

Contact Name : Recruiter, StaffWorks. Inc.
Contact Email : staffworksjobs [at] gmail [dot] com

I agree to Terms : Yes

Search Our Competitions Job Listings!

February 22, 2008

In an effort to bring even greater value to all of you out there searching for engineering jobs, we’ve added a search portal from Indeed that scours just about every other job board out there. If you don’t find the job you’re looking for on Hire-Engineers.com, throw your search into the Indeed search box and get prepared to start sorting through the results. This is the type of job search that WILL NOT be found on Hire-Engineers.com once we’ve developed our sophisticated matching engines. In the meantime though, feel free to use it as a last resort ;-)

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