Thinking of taking a job transfer back to my home state of Iowa servicing wind turbines for General Electric. I currently work for G.E doing repair work on electrical systems for locomotives.
Basically the new job duties include maintaining the generators and the associated power grid. After the first phone interview it was mentioned due to my education background, electrical engineering, the job could probably go from a field position to office position overseeing the area.:hurray:

Just wondering if anyone has any experience working on wind turbines, love it hate it, possible future career paths?

Thinking of taking the job because I miss the peace and quiet I had in Iowa plus wind energy is really booming for G.E and I see it being a great stepping stool.

Thanks...Eric

Not in the industry but IMO from what I have read, it is a promising future field due to the future need of alternative energy. If it was near me I would be looking closer at it.... Good Luck :)

Thousands of those in my part of the country, should be a good industry to get into.

Try and get those videos together for us, the ones with all the sheetmetal/bodywork, just in case.:D

Eric,

Iowa is either #1 or #2 in wind generation. My next door neighbor works for 3E http://www.3e-co.com/ here in Des Moines and makes service calls on wind generators quite often. The last time I was over at his place we were shooting the breeze about how tall those things are! :eek: I could certainly get you his contact info so you can get his perspective. He works on just about anything electrical - the wind generators are just one of the many things his company services.

Where in Iowa are you thinking about moving to? Most of the wind farms are in northern Iowa. There is a large one just south of Belmond.

Eric,

Iowa is either #1 or #2 in wind generation. My next door neighbor works for 3E http://www.3e-co.com/ here in Des Moines and makes service calls on wind generators quite often. The last time I was over at his place we were shooting the breeze about how tall those things are! :eek: I could certainly get you his contact info so you can get his perspective. He works on just about anything electrical - the wind generators are just one of the many things his company services.

Where in Iowa are you thinking about moving to? Most of the wind farms are in northern Iowa. There is a large one just south of Belmond.

Dana,
I grew up in Clarion just west of Belmond on Hiway 3, m parents still live here and also one of the reasons Id like to go back.

The location of the wind farm is around Story City.

I sure would appriciate any help, if your friend is willing to answer a few questions.

Rob,
Before I moved to KC dad and I built this, its 80 by 40 something with half of it being a climate controlled shop:beers:
If I do move I'll be more able to finally do those videos and start working on my junk again.

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/42800/2142111570102553149S425x425Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2142111570102553149wMlfpn)

Sounds good, very nice shop with lots of room.:thumbsup:

i work on gas turbines with a lot of wind going through them but im betting that doesnt count

I suppose part of that job would be dealing with heights?

Eric there are hundreds of those whirly things within probably 30 miles of me. I've talked to some of the guys that have been putting them up the last couple of years, they make mega bucks.:thumbsup:Come on back-we miss you man!:beers:

Just got off the phone for my 2nd interview and got an invite for the final interview at the wind farm site next friday.
Am heavily leaning to side of packing my crap back up and moving back to Iowa.
So Rob, you might get your videos sooner then I planned

Looking forward to getting them, sounds like you will get a pretty good job:thumbsup:, close to home, thats always a good thing. Good luck Eric.

Rob

Wind turbines are great sources of clean power but I have often wondered why we don't build turbines that utilize the power the oceans waves create while coming to shore???

I hear from the guys at work that run through Iowa that they are popping up all over the place.
I dont blame you for wanting to get away from K.C. area.
Go for it! Best of luck...

My Brother In Law works for a sub-contractor of G.E. working on wind turbines. He travels all over the country. He is single and loves it, plus he is making big money.

Wind turbines are great sources of clean power but I have often wondered why we don't build turbines that utilize the power the oceans waves create while coming to shore???

That is coming, I watched a show on that. Also the power of the tide, turbines on the floor of the ocean, that swivel to catch it coming and going.

Eric, I'd jump all over that, that is a good area to get in too.

After the first phone interview it was mentioned due to my education background, electrical engineering, the job could probably go from a field position to office position overseeing the area.:hurray:


Thanks...Eric

GE is real good about internal promotions if you deserve it. A friends husband started with them back in January as some type of tech. Today he is a site manager and they are wanting to give him a second site. He was told early on - if you do well we'll promote you. His background was as an AF Jet Engine Mechanic Air Force 1 was his last stop before retirement.

Hate to burst yer guys bubble... I have 2 buddies that are on lay off and the jobs program was sending them to be wind turbine techs,,, but both have changed ou tof it ,,, BECAUSE all the Enginers ,,, and technical,,,, and Skilled trades guys who are on lay off have gone over to that training and the training they already have puts them way ahead of somebody starting fresh...........................