Interview with a Mechanical Engineer

Special thanks to JJ Schwartz, mechanical engineer, for contributing his time and sharing his experiences. JJ made Aliyah with Nefesh B'Nefesh in 2005 and he holds a position at IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) as a design engineer.

Can you describe what a mechanical engineer does, for someone who is unfamiliar with the field?
I'm a mechanical engineer, specializing in design.   I draw 3D models with the help of CAD software. I'm in the army now and I'm using Soldiegde. I also work at the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), where I use CATIA. These are detail filled drawing, with exact measurements, and relationships. The drawings are then sent to the manufacturer to be made.

What education is needed for your job, both in Israel and the U.S.?
A Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

For your profession, what work settings are available in Israel?
It depends on what you are looking for. There are start-ups as well as larger, more established companies.  

What licensure is required?
If you decide to work for a government company (such as IAI), you will need to have your degree recognized by Misrad Hachinuch (Ministry of Education). However, most companies won't waste your time, and won't ask you to have your degree recognized.

Do you need to know Hebrew?
No, although it will help you communicate with your co-workers, and it's always a plus.

What experience do I need, in order to land a job?
None. I got my job straight out of college.

What is the market like?
The market is very good. I turned down several job offers. Plus, the army is always looking for professionals.

Are there any technical differences to be aware of, between Israel and the US?
No technical differences, however many formalities are different. Casual dress is the custom (jeans, t-shirts, sandals in the summer), and you'll be on a first name basis with your boss. Of course this varies from boss to boss and from company to company. My overall impression is that on the average, the work environment is a much more casual in Israel than in North America.

What is the average salary range?
Naturally, it depends on your experience and skills. For a fresh graduate, you can expect between 7,000 and 10,000 NIS/month, depending on your negotiating skills and where you work.

What are the best routes for continuing education?           
I personally plan to do a Master's degree part time, while continuing to work full time. I believe that's the best route.

Do I need to join any professional organizations?
No.

Is there anything else you would like to share with new Olim?
Like anywhere else, you'll find what you're looking for through networking and research. People are extremely open to helping others. I personally submitted many resumes to people I know only through email. I found my placement in the army because my friend's uncle's friend is a lieutenant-colonel in the air force. Don't be intimidated, and never use the excuse, "Why would a person like him want to help me?" In general, don't use excuses; be Israeli. If you are worried that you are being pushy, realize that it is the North American part of you that is holding you back… ignore it and move forward. It doesn't mean that you should be rude, on the contrary, people actually appreciate your manners. But it is very important that people don't mistake your good manners for weaknesses…
Good luck!

Can you give me tell me something about your Aliyah experiences?  
I made Aliyah on the Sept 7, 2005 NBN flight. I studied in Ulpan in Beer Sheva, then I moved to Tel Aviv, where I started to work at IAI as a design engineer. On December 18, 2006, I was drafted to the army for 6 months, where I am currently serving in Matzlach. My unit is responsible for all of the replacement parts for the ground forces, and my job is to draw parts that we need to manufacture. After the army, B'ezrat Hashem, I'll be going back to my job at IAI. In my spare time I play rollerhockey (in Ra'anana) and ice hockey (in Metulla, whenever I can make the Thursday night trip up north). I also surf and kitesurf. I'll be 25 next month, and am very happy to be in Israel.