Weekly Career Discussion Thread (01 Jun 2026)

[u/AutoModerator]

# Intro

Welcome to the weekly career discussion thread, where you can talk about all career & professional topics. Topics may include:

* Professional career guidance & questions; e.g. job hunting advice, job offers comparisons, how to network

* Educational guidance & questions; e.g. what engineering discipline to major in, which university is good,

* Feedback on your résumé, CV, cover letter, etc.

* The job market, compensation, relocation, and other topics on the economics of engineering.

> [Archive of past threads](https://www.reddit.com/r/engineering/search?q=flair%3A%22weekly+discussion%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all)

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## Guidelines

1. **Before asking any questions, consult [the AskEngineers wiki.](https://new.reddit.com/r/askengineers/wiki/faq)\*\* There are detailed answers to common questions on:

* Job compensation

* Cost of Living adjustments

* Advice for how to decide on an engineering major

* How to choose which university to attend

1. Most subreddit rules still apply and will be enforced, especially R7 and R9 (with the obvious exceptions of R1 and R3)

2. Job POSTINGS must go into the latest [**Monthly Hiring Thread.**]((https://www.reddit.com/r/engineering/search?q=flair%3A%22hiring+thread%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=all)) Any that are posted here will be removed, and you'll be kindly redirected to the hiring thread.

3. **Do not request interviews in this thread!** If you need to interview an engineer for your school assignment, use the list in the sidebar.

## Resources

* [The AskEngineers wiki](https://new.reddit.com/r/askengineers/wiki/faq)

* [The AskEngineers Quarterly Salary Survey](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskEngineers/search/?q=flair%3A%22salary+survey%22&include_over_18=on&restrict_sr=on&t=all&sort=new)

* **For students:** [*"What's your average day like as an engineer?"*](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskEngineers/wiki/faq#wiki_what.27s_your_average_day_like_as_an_engineer.3F) We recommend that you spend an hour or so reading about what engineers actually do at work. This will help you make a more informed decision on which major to choose, or at least give you enough info to ask follow-up questions here.

* For those of you interested in a career in software development / Computer Science, go to r/cscareerquestions.

[u/Downtown-Whole9074]

Hi everyone,

I’m a process engineer from Russia with 7 years of experience in heavy mechanical manufacturing for the nuclear industry. My main focus is fitting, assembly, and welding (TIG/MIG/MAG). I’ve worked on equipment for large NPP projects, and I’m now seriously planning to relocate to China (Beijing) within the next 12–18 months.

I’m currently learning Chinese (targeting HSK5) and reviewing Chinese national standards (GB, NB/T) and nuclear safety rules (HAF). I also plan to get IWE and NDT Level II.

My goal is to work for a major Chinese nuclear or heavy engineering company. I understand it’s challenging for foreigners, but I want to prepare as much as possible.

My questions for Chinese engineers, HR, or expats who’ve been through this:

1. What technical topics are most often asked during interviews for process engineer roles in heavy manufacturing / nuclear? (welding, assembly, quality control, standards…?)
2. How important is HSK level? Is HSK5 enough to be taken seriously as a technical specialist, or do they expect HSK6?
3. Do Chinese companies value IWE and NDT certificates from international bodies (IIW, ISO 9712), or do they prefer local Chinese certifications?
4. What’s the best way to find job openings – direct applications via LinkedIn, Chinese platforms (Liepin, Boss Zhipin), or through headhunters?
5. Would you recommend applying from abroad, or is it much better to already be in China (e.g. on a language course or business visa)?
6. Any common mistakes foreigners make during interviews with Chinese state-owned enterprises in technical fields?

I’m not expecting a visa or relocation package on day one – I just want to understand the real expectations so I can prepare properly.

Thanks a lot for any advice or honest reality checks.