Mechanical Engineer, Westinghouse Electric Company

My name is Andrew Detar. I graduated from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Getting Started as an Engineer
In high school, I was a strong math student and I enjoyed physics, so I considered both architecture and engineering as a possible careers. It was my high school architecture teacher who first suggested I look into engineering. He had noted that my designs were driven more by feasibility than by art. Although I was impressed with modern architecture and the students who created it, I always needed to know if it was realistic. My architecture teacher mentioned that this perspective hindered the artistic nature required for an architect, but exhibited the thought process of an engineer. Afterwards, when I discussed an engineering career with two working engineers I knew personally, the conversations gave me the needed insight into the profession. It was the influences of all these individuals that inspired me to pursue a career in engineering.

Getting the First Job
While in college, I determined that my interests lie in thermal-fluid sciences. I scheduled my electives around this interest and also became involved in undergraduate research. The research was focused on twisting airfoils with shape memory alloy wires to control the lift distribution along an airfoil. This experience, combined with my educational background, greatly prepared me for a career in my area of interest. I was able to express my interest in thermal-fluid sciences during my interview with Westinghouse and with the support of my scholastic experiences I was hired and began my career with the company.

My current Life as an Engineer
My career with Westinghouse began immediately following my graduation from college. I was hired into the Transient Analysis and Setpoints group in Windsor, CT. I conducted analyses that support the licensing basis of nuclear power plants.  Using computer programs specific to the nuclear industry, I modeled the power plant and simulated potential accidents. This ensured that any change to the configuration of the plant would not adversely impact the safety of the plant or inhibit the plant’s ability to survive any foreseeable accidents. My first major assignment was conducting analyses to support the replacement of the steam generators for a plant in Southern California.

Lessons and Disappointments
The biggest lesson I learned from my first assignment was how to utilize the knowledge of my senior engineers. My work was mainly based in the thermal-fluids sciences, which my Mechanical Engineering degree had prepared me for. However, I did not have much knowledge on plant systems and nuclear sciences. Like most new jobs, you are initially bombarded with reading material, training, and manuals. Initially, I was overwhelmed and feared that there was a fine line between asking too many questions to increase my understanding and appearing incompetent. Through the guidance of my mentor, I grew to learn that senior engineers are more valuable than any training or manual. It was only when I learned to utilize the experience of the individuals in my group that I began to excel in my work.

One of the first analyses I worked on taught me another lesson. The analyses did not meet the customer’s expectations and when they formally shared their concerns, I realized the error was preventable and I should have been more diligent in my initial review of the work. Although I was able to correct the error and ultimately give the customer a high quality product, I learned that I needed to communicate concerns and questions in a timely manner. This is especially necessary in areas that are unfamiliar. I also began to ask for feedback at the completion of each of my projects in an effort to improve myself as an analyst.

Engineering is inherently the process of solving problems and overcoming challenges. To address this, I found that I have to be confident, yet humble. I have to be willing to admit when my knowledge is lacking and seek the advice of my colleagues. I also learned how critical timely communication is when other parties are involved. Most importantly, is maintaining a professional attitude, especially when it is my work or ideas that are being challenged.

Your Connection to Engineering
The best thing about engineering is that every day provides new challenges and problems. Although my work is focused on one aspect of determining the safety of nuclear power plants, the work is not repetitive. I enjoy working through new problems that force me to learn new material as well as rely on what I have learned in the past. I am always expanding my knowledge of my work and the nuclear industry, but there are days when I can be bored with certain material. On some days my work is my passion and on others it is just my job but I realize that I still have a lot to learn about my job and becoming a good engineer.

The nuclear industry is currently going through a renaissance. In the U.S., construction of new nuclear power plants is seriously being discussed for the first time in over 20 years. Due to this growth, there are numerous opportunities within the industry. I would like to focus on paths that will enable me to increase my technical understanding and leadership ability, especially with respect to the new plants. Although I find my current job rewarding, I am still young and know that I need to take advantage of these opportunities before I can truly determine where my niche is. Five years from now, I am sure I will have a stronger technical foundation and will be able to pursue opportunities which will lead me to my niche within this industry, and my passion will grow.

Outside Engineering
My personal time has always been very important to me. I believe it is critical to make time for your family and yourself. You can very easily burn yourself out which causes your work to suffer as well as give you unnecessary stress and anxiety. Based on national trends, it is easy to see that it requires a conscious effort on the part of the employee to maintain this balance, and it is absolutely vital to his or her success.

While working in Windsor, CT, I had the opportunity to volunteer my time at the New England Air Museum. I became involved through a co-worker who was on the Board of Directors at the museum. I worked with him in the restoration hangar and boneyard. I learned a lot about our military’s aeronautical history and the restoration process. I also enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, sports, and cycling. I like going to car shows and would love to eventually restore a vehicle with my father.  I do have some engineering traits and, as such, enjoy building model cars and aircrafts.

Final Thoughts
The advice I can give to prospective engineers looking to actualize their dreams and goals is: if you are not passionate about your dream or goal, you will not have the determination to see it through. Set goals that correspond with your interests and abilities. The emotional tie will help you overcome the challenges associated with reaching your goal and make success much more rewarding.

Remember that no matter what you are doing, if you really care about it and really regard it as important, people will recognize your efforts and respect them. Use their support to carry you through the times when you did not get everything right. Finally, never compromise your integrity in an effort to achieve your goals.