How did you get started in this field?
I began my first steps into electrical engineering at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia. After completing my core classes there, I transferred to Georgia Tech in Atlanta where I received my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. My first job out of college was at Arseal, an engineering firm in the oil and gas industry. Two years after that, I began working at MR Systems as an Electrical Designer.
How did you learn about MR Systems?
Quite a few years ago, I was discussing with someone about my current job and education. Months after that, he spoke to me to see if I would be interested in working at MR Systems. After further discussion and negotiation, I decided that transitioning to MR Systems was the right move to make.
How has MR Systems changed since you started working here?
Since I started at MR Systems, we have improved the standards and templates we use in order to increase productivity. As a result, all of our new drawings are being done more efficiently, allowing for ease in finding an existing project and the details within them. Overall, MR Systems has grown significantly since I came on board, and it looks like we will continue to do so.
How has MR Systems helped your career development?
Prior to MR Systems, I didn’t know much about controls. Most of my experience from my previous employer was in power distribution. I now know how to design industrial control panels efficiently and according to UL standards. I have been exposed to projects large and small, and have better learned how to delegate work when necessary. Lastly, I have learned a lot about using AutoCAD Electrical and my proficiency in using the program has greatly increased.
What is your proudest moment at MR Systems?
My proudest moment was in my first annual review hearing the other members of my department say they felt that I had exceeded their expectations in terms of my job performance.
What are the most interesting and challenging projects you have worked on at MR Systems?
The most challenging project I have worked on is the Gwinnett County, GA Crooked Creek project that I am working on currently. The scope of the project is impressive on its own, but the amount of I/O in the panels is making it where we have to use multiple enclosures for a single control panel. Because of this, I am having to take things into consideration that I have not had to before; like space between enclosures and how to connect them physically and electrically. The most interesting project I have worked on was for South Island PSD, SC where we had to design a console style control panel that had pilot lights and pushbuttons all over it- it looked like a command center!
What advice do you have for future employees?
Try to learn as much as you can from the people you work with, but also don’t be afraid to speak up when you have an idea. MR Systems is a place where you can learn a lot, and people are open to making changes if it makes sense. Just because we have been doing something a certain way for a long time doesn’t mean it can’t be improved.
