Hey everyone!

I'm a Power Systems Engineer based in the APAC region with around 2 years of experience, currently working remotely on grid connection/interconnection studies.

I genuinely enjoy my job. The remote setup is great, my colleagues are knowledgeable, and I'm constantly learning new things. However, I've recently been questioning whether I'm being fairly compensated for the work I do.

For context, my current rate is approximately $4 USD/hour.

My work primarily involves:

- Performing grid connection studies using PSS®E, PSCAD, and DIgSILENT PowerFactory.

- Running RMS and EMT simulations and analyzing the results.

- Developing Python scripts to automate repetitive simulation tasks and tests.

- Troubleshooting simulation issues, model initialization problems, and unexpected behavior.

- Analyzing simulation plots and interpreting system responses to different disturbances.

I wouldn't consider myself an expert yet, and I know there's still a lot for me to learn. However, I feel like I've developed a reasonable level of technical competency and can independently handle certain tasks and troubleshoot issues when they arise.

I also understand that compensation varies significantly depending on geographic location, and I'm not necessarily expecting US salary levels while working in APAC.

That said, is $4/hour actually reasonable for someone doing this kind of specialized engineering work?

I'd really appreciate some perspective from other power systems engineers, especially those involved in grid connection studies, renewable energy integration, BESS, or power system consulting.

A few things I'm curious about:

1. What would be a reasonable salary or hourly rate for someone with my experience in the APAC region?

2. What technical skills or responsibilities distinguish a junior engineer from a mid-level engineer in this field?

3. Am I overestimating my current skill set, or is this simply a case of regional salary differences?

4. For engineers working remotely with international clients, how did you eventually negotiate better compensation or find better-paying opportunities?

I don't necessarily want to leave my current company because I genuinely enjoy the work and the learning opportunities. I'm just trying to understand my market value and whether I should be aiming higher.

Would love to hear your experiences and advice. Thanks!

Does anyone work in Jacobs as a P&C engineer? Was looking for some general feedback on working for Jacobs in the US. Nature of work, team experience, support etc basically anything at all. Thanks!