Advice sought - career progression (reliability engineering)

[Gorilla Boy]

I've been in engineering 15+ years, across several industries/roles (chemicals/merchant navy/FMCG).

I'm currently employed as a reliability engineer within FMCG, at a very old & large firm in the NW and its the opposite of fulfilling. (was promised i would be able to make change and be supported - experienced the exact opposite)

I am passionate about problem solving, standardisation and implementing permanent solutions via RCA/CBM/LEAN etc etc, but the business I'm currently in is so tied up in red tape/old school firefighting its never going to go anywhere.

My question is; I have a broad range of engineering skills/qualifications and a lot of valuable experience. What do i do next?

Any recommendations on what to look into?

I've already looked into becoming a PSSR inspector/surveyor as i know the role is respected, the work varied and I have correct transferable skills.

Happy to provide more info if any of the above seems vague.

[rog007]

Maybe start by identifying what would be YOUR dream role first?

[Gorilla Boy]

rog007 said:

Maybe start by identifying what would be YOUR dream role first?

Thanks for your reply Rog, I've no idea what my dream role is specifically, however i do know that if I'm not passionate about the industry I'm in i will get bored within a few years. Hence wanting to leave FMCG.

What i enjoy work wise:
- Working with new technology (vibration analysis, motion amplification etc)
- Training people in subjects I'm passionate about
- Lean & RCA techniques
- Maintaining heavy industrial and plant machinery (think cummins, JCB, komatsu, CAT etc)
- Continuous Improvement is very much my main drive both professionally and personally