Connecting Electrical Engineering Experience and Programming

Hello to everyone,

my name is Ante. I am marine electrical engineer for the last 9 Years (before that one year as electrical engineer in technical office of high voltage switch gear factory). I have a Masters degree in electrical power engineering. I have a lot of experience in Cruise ships systems, from 75 MW power generation to automation system (hardware mostly) and PLC's - hardware and basic ladder diagram.

Since this is actually more electrician's job than electrical engineer's, I would like to start learning programming and working ashore within few years. But i do not have a clear image where to go and how to connect gathered practical electrical knowledge and programming.

I would be truly grateful for advice, if there is anybody with similar experience, transferring from power generation and hardware to programming job with direct application in electrical engineering.

I have extensive knowledge with generators, transformers, cycloconverters, VFDs, controls of electrical motors, application of PLCs, all type of sensors, elevators general electrical knowledge and installations, AUTOCAD electrical, but i do NOT have any experience in programming.

Is it possible to connect programming and gathered knowledge? And is it too late to start learning programming now? I am ready to spend as much time as needed. I am 39 now.

Thank You in advance for the help!
Ante

Right off the bat, you can start with PLC or DCS programming, beyond that you can get a copy of a software language for engineering calculations (Basic, Fortran, Pascal, C, and so on). Think of it as simplified relay logic.

Once you learn one, the rest are just language(software).

Your electrical experience is good because programming in automation requires a good back ground in what is safe practice.

It's awesome that you have so much experience as a marine electrical engineer! Learning programming to connect with your electrical knowledge is totally possible. You can use programming to control and automate electrical systems like generators and motors. It's not too late to start learning programming, even at 39. You can find online courses or tutorials to begin. Your electrical background will help you understand programming concepts better. Additionally, pursuing an Online Masters in Electrical Engineering can further enhance your skills and knowledge.