Hi All,

I've seen that there are numerous threads on BE regarding jobs in AUS etc so i hope i'm not asking something thats already been posted.

Just trying to figure out how well the Electrical Engineering job market is currently doing in Perth...I am a senior electrical engineer and project manager for low power DC-DC systems and trying to build up a list of companies to contact in Perth for when we arrive in 2 months.

Hope the answers to this will help others in similar situation too.

I don't think you'll have much problem at all, especially with the impending Gorgon project. Not really sure what you mean by DC-DC systems, but generally electrical engineers are in short supply here. I have to deal with engineering consultants from the eastern states, Singapore, malaysia because we can't find suitable engineers here.

Thanks Jamiefrod!

Appreciate the response. I guess what i'm trying to figure out is whether its worth going through recruitment agencies or direct to the company. Have had some mixed inputs from agents till now (although do totally understand them considering i am only moving in April )

Is the market picking up irrespective of the Gorgon project or is this one of the main drivers behind it at the moment?

Regarding DC-DC i basically mean working with systems after they have been converted from the main transmission line (AC voltage) to a DC voltage.

When I was looking to get an Engineering role just over 12 months ago in Perth, I wasn't very impressed with the agencies and so I contacted potential employers directly or targeted those job adverts on seek that weren't through an agency. Got a good result in the end answering a direct company ad.

Pretty much what i've heard too. Apparently many (if not the majority) of the jobs available are not advertised on Seek or elsewhere...how true this is i'm not sure, but so the rumour goes.

By the way, generally how approachable are potential employers if you cold call them?

Hi infinjohn,

From personal experience don't bother with agencies , directly approach companies.

As for cold calling or turning up at the office depends really , it is lot more common here . The best approach is to look up company website career section and give them call about it,i had a lot more success doing that .

low power DC-DC systems as in converters = power electronics or critical power i.e UPS , battery chargers ?

Hi headsouth,

thanks for the info. Trying to cold call in Europe would definitely leave you with a few select words from the person you are trying to contact

Both actually, do quite a bit of work in UPS (offline, line-interactive, etc) as well power electronics. Some AC-DC but limited.

One other thing i have been wondering is how much time do new employers usually give you to settle in into the new position and learn company specific processes etc? Or do they expect you to be productive as soon as possible and learn while doing?

You will probably have better luck when you are in perth with people replying back. Anyhow, there is APC MGE & magellan-power i know for fact that they have offices here cos i had to do some wotk with them.

Work culture from what i have experienced so far it is pretty relaxed ; turning up to work and not throwing sickies is good start i reckon .

APC have a regional office in Joondalup and are part of the Schnieder group.
APC
Unit 7, 200 Winton Road
Joondalup, WA 6027
Australia

Their main office is in Adelaide [where Clipsal/Schnieder are]. R&D is elsewhere but I'm certain they have engineers on staff to consult on customer projects in Perth also.

Probably better to wait until you are about 1 week to 2 weeks away from arriving - that is much more interesting to an employer than someone who won't be here for 3 months.

To be honest I am sure you will get something relatively quickly especially since you have plenty of experience. The jobs section is bulging in the paper again.

Hi headsouth,

thanks for that! Will look into contacting these guys.

Am also looking to move back into the MV or HV electrical side again either in project management or power systems analysis. Been quite a few years so may need a few months to get up to speed again but another option for me.

Heard from my brother-in-law who lives in Perth that sickies is part of the work culture or "extended vacation"

Thanks Hoofie! Funny thing is we do quite a bit of work for Schneider here, so should maybe try that route too.

I'm guessing most people have gone over without jobs initially and just have found something there right?

mate with that experience , then i would not be too worried . There is plenty of work going on and coming up . For me personally i came here first then applied / called etc.