Which mechanical engineering jobs are the most stable?

[vinicius0197]

From what I understand, there are some industries in Mechanical Engineering that are typically boom/bust (like oil and gas and aerospace). I wonder which ones are the most stable? I think HVAC is a possibility, but I don't know if it's the kind of thing that I would like to work on for my entire life. I do like turbomachinery, and I think it's a very interesting field. Is it a stable industry, also? At least, looks like it has HUGE applications (aircraft, energy...).
Thanks...

 

[SteamKing]

From what I understand, there are some industries in Mechanical Engineering that are typically boom/bust (like oil and gas and aerospace). I wonder which ones are the most stable? I think HVAC is a possibility, but I don't know if it's the kind of thing that I would like to work on for my entire life. I do like turbomachinery, and I think it's a very interesting field. Is it a stable industry, also? At least, looks like it has HUGE applications (aircraft, energy...).
Thanks...

If you can find an industry which utilizes engineers that is not affected by economic cycles, either national, or more importantly globally, you will have discovered the Philosopher's Stone of guaranteed employment.

The best hedge against being adversely affected by such periodic downturns is to gain as much experience as you can from your first day of working, so that you are more adaptable than the typical ME, and thus qualified for more positions..

 

[russ_watters]

I think HVAC is a possibility...

I'm an HVAC engineer and I think it is likely to be more boom/bust than the others, but that is difficult to predict. The last cycle for construction type engineering was a massive boom followed by a massive bust. Petroleum engineering saw a big boom and big bust in the USA, but overall oil isn't going to be something we can do without for a long time. Aerospace as an industry is more level, but companies boom and bust based on the success of products.

So the boom and bust cycle isn't really something you can get away from I don't think. The way you protect yourself from it is primarily being good at your job and making sure you work for a good company.