guynamedloren, with your passion and experience, I can see the following happening:
Day 1: Move to Bay Area,
Day 2: Land job,
Day 3: Chase dreams
Just show employers what you've done and what you want to do. They'll understand if it doesn't coincide with your degree, and frankly, I don't think they'll care about it.
Wow, this is very encouraging, but is it really that easy? I know the bay area is thriving with tech jobs, but I still feel like it would be a challenge.
Yes it is. The SF Bay area is a bit insane/awesome in that department. I would suggest you calibrate yourself correctly ... if you think you're underqualified, you are doing yourself a disservice. Frankly, I would suggest not even starting your job search for 2 weeks-1month when you move to the SF Bay area. Go to tech meetups, participate in a hackathon or two, hang out at Hacker Dojo, Noisebridge or cafe's in Mountain View. Basically ... get plugged in. It is hard to explain Silicon Valley until you actually go there IMHO. Be vary of posers, and remember that talk is cheap. Once you calibrate yourself, get a job. Show them your portfolio. Mention that you have an engineering degree as icing. I'm sure you have some math courses and decent communication skills. Highlight these as well. Be prepared that you may not get well compensated or work with the best people, and have to switch after 6 months (armed with the stuff you know then, you will be better off).
That said, I think you should reflect on the "coding is easy" attitude. I don't think that is correct. My undergrad was in CS and I used to think I was a code poet ... until I started doing professional coding. I personally consider coding to be more of an art than a science. I do it because I love it and it gives me more happiness than things like playing video games. As an art, I feel it will take a lifetime to perfect. I got a PhD in CS a few years ago but you know what? I still learn new things about coding almost every day. I hope it gives you a lifetime of happiness as it gives me.
I agree with what iqster said. If you do decide to come to the Bay Area, definitely familiarize yourself with the state of tech here first (and network like hell!) and look for a job you love doing. Being a code monkey is only fun if the project is fun. Good luck and stay strong!
Day 1: Move to Bay Area, Day 2: Land job, Day 3: Chase dreams
Just show employers what you've done and what you want to do. They'll understand if it doesn't coincide with your degree, and frankly, I don't think they'll care about it.