National Engineers Week 2026 – Voices from Across AEI
National Engineers Week, held from February 22–28, 2026, recognizes the technical experts driving innovation and shaping our collective future. Founded in 1951, this week honors the dedicated problem-solvers behind our critical infrastructure, advanced technologies, and sustainable achievements.
A primary objective of National Engineers Week is to advance STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education. AEI remains steadfast in our commitment to this mission through mentorship and outreach programs that connect students with engineering professionals, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in this transformative industry.
Reflections from Our Engineers
To celebrate, we invited engineers from across the nation to share insights into their passions, purposes, and unique perspectives. Their responses underscore the diverse pathways within engineering and a shared dedication to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for our clients and communities.
Below, you’ll find the questions we asked and our engineers’ responses. You can also visit our social media channels on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to watch video clips from their interviews.
Why Did You Choose to Be an Engineer?
Many discovered engineering at a young age through a love of math, science, and problem-solving. They were drawn to the way the profession translates scientific principles into practical, real-world solutions that improve everyday life.
Bryan Haddon, Principal, AEI Metro DC
"I chose to become an engineer because I really enjoy the practical implementation of science and technology, rather than studying it to the nth degree. I enjoy being able to help a wide variety of companies advance their science and bring about new technologies for the advancement of both life science and human everyday products. I'm very excited about that."
- Bryan Haddon, Principal, AEI Metro DC
"I chose to become an engineer because I have always loved math, physics, and problem-solving. In high school, I started doing robotics and realized that I would really love to do work like that for the rest of my life."
- Elaine Landers, Mechanical Engineer I, AEI Madison
Elaine Landers, Mechanical Engineer I, AEI Madison
What’s Your Favorite Part of Being an Engineer?
Whether navigating complex constraints or collaborating on-site, the satisfaction of solving tangible problems remains a central theme for our experts.
Ian Anderson, Project Manager, AEI San Francisco
"My favorite part of being an engineer is being able to problem solve, whether it's trying to come up with a design that will work with existing conditions and fit into certain constraints, or whether it's in the field helping a contractor solve a problem that's causing them trouble in construction. It's really a great feeling."
- Ian Anderson, Project Manager, AEI San Francisco
"My favorite part of being an engineer is definitely the teamwork involved in projects. There's something really special about coming together with people from different backgrounds, specialties, and disciplines to solve a problem."
- Joe Clemens, Mechanical Engineer I, AEI Chicago
Joe Clemens, Mechanical Engineer I, AEI Chicago
What Made You Pick Your Specific Discipline?
From childhood curiosity to early hands-on experiences, these stories reveal the spark that ignited careers in specific sectors of engineering.
Melody Wang, Project Manager, AEI Gainesville
"My dad worked in building maintenance, so I grew up in loud boiler rooms and mechanical penthouses. Looking at how the building's cardiovascular system worked and made sense sparked my curiosity. Mechanical engineering was a very natural choice once I determined to be in the building industry."
- Melody Wang, Project Manager, AEI Gainesville
"I chose electrical engineering because I had a curiosity towards it. I enjoyed tinkering with electronics when I was younger, along with working on car stereos for friends in high school. I knew then that I was just scratching the surface of what was actually out there. So, I went down the rabbit hole and haven't looked back since."
- Ryan Nisbet, Electrical Project Engineer, AEI Seattle
Ryan Nisbet, Electrical Project Engineer, AEI Seattle
What Makes Working at AEI So Special?
Our engineers emphasize the profound impact of mission-driven work and AEI’s supportive culture rooted in knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Veronica Aguilar, Mechanical Engineer I, AEI Houston
"What makes working at AEI special is the kind of work that we do. It feels good to know that I'm contributing to the design of a hospital or strengthening educational infrastructure. In general, I think what we do is a public good, and I enjoy that."
- Veronica Aguilar, Mechanical Engineer I, AEI Houston
"It's the people and the culture. Everyone is great and willing to share knowledge and check in on how you're doing. There are so many resources available; you can just talk to anyone."
- Eric Perdomo, Piping Engineer II, AEI Los Angeles
Eric Perdomo, Piping Engineer II, AEI Los Angeles
Thank You, AEI Engineers
Thank you to our engineers across AEI for your dedication, expertise, and the impact you make every day. We are especially grateful to those who shared their perspectives and experiences as part of National Engineers Week, helping highlight the people and purpose behind the profession.