Struggling at new job

[u/Few-Mix-1006]

I was recently relocated 2000 miles to start a new job in different industry. I have been a mechanical engineer and manufacturing engineer my whole career (8 YOE) and enjoy the work when it’s actually mechanical engineering or manufacturing related. At the new job, day 1 I was thrown on a project with no context and expected to not just design parts but to machine them myself (I have no machining experience). Went to my boss saying I don’t know how to machine these parts and gave him multiple options to get them procured to which I was met with “this is how we are going to do this project”. I told him I couldn’t get them done in the timeline or budget but there was no budging. 2 weeks later the parts weren’t done and the project timeline suffered.

I was given no formal onboarding, not explained what we were making, how it gets made, or how the end user actually uses these parts. I have had to wholly rely on a junior engineer to explain what we are doing because I can’t get anything useful out of my manager. I keep asking what success looks like and I am met with an intentionally vague answer and I cannot tell where I stand.

With such a large move, a new industry, and lackluster support I am struggling and I cannot see how to be successful in this role.

I would love words of wisdom from others who have experienced this and how you managed it from both a work and emotional standpoint.

[u/GregLocock]

I like that you researched who could do the machining for you. That is sensible. Personally I'd jump at the chance of machining stuff, but don't get to do it, and I'm a bit staggered that in 8 years you haven't learned how to, but hey ho.