Taylor S.

Title: Bridge Engineer-in-Training
Alma Mater: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, University of Pittsburgh
Hobbies: Camping, cycling, and birdwatching

I chose to pursue a career as a Bridge Engineer because…

The thing I love most about my job is…

The variety of projects I get to work on. I’ve been able to work on a number of smaller projects that all have unique challenges. It’s a great way to grow!

My favorite thing about TranSystems is…

All of the support I’ve gotten to grow my career for which I’m very thankful for. This year I’ve been able to get certified as a bridge inspector and I’ve been really supported as I work toward getting my Professional Engineer license.

Since joining TranSystems…

(After the acquisition of L.R. Kimball) I’ve been given the opportunity to work with folks in different offices. This has expanded my perspective and helped me understand the different ways other people look at and solve problems.

7:30 AM – Update my to-do list

Before work, I appreciate having a slow, relaxing morning. I’ll drink coffee and do the crossword puzzle. I start work around 7:30 AM. The first thing I do is check (or write) the to-do list I start making every Monday before our weekly staff meeting and plan my day according to that. I’ll check my email and check in with project managers to determine tasks and priorities for the day.

9:00 AM – Attend weekly team meetings

I attend weekly meetings with the rest of the bridge group in the Pittsburgh office in addition to frequent meetings about whatever projects I’m working on whenever information needs to be discussed with multiple people in the bridge, roadway, and environmental teams on a project.

10:00 AM – Create HEC-RAS models

I’ve been working on a lot of Hydrology and Hydraulic reports for various bridge reports lately, so the recurring items on my to-do lists are creating HEC-RAS models of existing and proposed structures, writing reports, and calculations such as design storm flow rates and depths of scour. I’m constantly checking in with my colleagues and project managers to share results that they need for their plans or that may impact the course of their design.

12:00 PM – Lunch and fresh air

When in the office, I typically work through lunch and sometimes take a short midday walk by the rivers to get some fresh air. At home, I’ll step away for a little bit to check on my cats, make a quick lunch, and eat on my porch when it’s nice out.

1:00 PM – Attend monthly construction progress meetings

I attend monthly construction progress meetings for SR 0084 Section 494, a multi-structure project that’s in the early phases of construction right now.

1:30 PM – Check in with project managers/mentors

If I’m working from home, I’ll end the day at 5pm. If I’m at the office, I’ll take off at 4pm to make up for the commute or to attend class. On days I don’t have class, I’ll prepare myself dinner and run any errands I have for the day.

With the rest of my day, I’ll either work on homework, practice music, or spend time with family and friends.

2:00 PM – Wrap up Hydrologic & Hydraulic reports

I’m wrapping up the third of three Hydrologic & Hydraulic reports that I’ve done for the Philadelphia Office, for structures damaged in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida last year. These projects have been a neat experience for me as I’ve never done an emergency repair-type project before and they’ve all got their own challenges. We’ve been working on them since January and it’ll be a great relief to get those off my desk.

4:00 – 5:00 PM – Log off and get outside

I’ll usually log off between 4-5. After work, I try to spend a little bit of time studying for the PE exam and then go outside for a little bit to switch out of “work mode,” either by going on a bike ride or a walk through my neighborhood’s park. Then I make dinner and watch Jeopardy with my partner and our two very sweet cats.

What’s Next?

Earlier this year I took the training course and became a certified bridge inspector. I’m currently working towards my Professional Engineering License and taking the PE exam this fall.