In honor of National Engineers Week, we’re highlighting Warfel employees with engineering degrees. Experts say demand for engineers will continue to grow as governments and industry work to meet the challenges of a growing global population and dwindling resources. Check out our featured employee today (Field Engineer Robert Lenosky), and follow along all week as we learn more about the team members who make Warfel a leader in the construction management industry.
Describe what you do at Warfel: I provide assistance to the Superintendent on site through quality control checks and schedule management of the subcontractors. I help the project team to work through and complete all phases of the project from buyout to completion. The Field Engineer position allows me to get a sense of both what the field and office sides of the job are like.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Penn State University
Why did you choose that course of study/degree? I had taken masonry as a technical study in high school and this opened my eyes to something I was good at. I could see that I enjoyed building things with my hands, but why not take it a step further and contribute to a project with my mind. I get a great sense of satisfaction when I contribute and get to see an amazing project through it’s completion. I also am fascinated by figuring out how things work or even fail. Engineering is a lot of fun and not just all work.
How long have you worked at Warfel? 6 weeks
What did you do before you came to Warfel? I joined the United States Army following my High School graduation. My time in the Army took me to my duty station in Colorado for three years, during which deployed to Afghanistan for one year. Following my active duty time in the Army, I started college at Penn State in 2014 and later decided to join the United States Army Reserves. During my eight years in the Army, I served as a Combat Engineer and had the pleasure of being a Team Leader/Squad Leader where I led and mentored many soldiers. This leadership role built the foundation of who I am as a person today.
What is your favorite part of your job? I enjoy building personal relationships with coworkers and the different subcontractors we partner with. It’s great to be a part of the teamwork and to see an amazing project come together from start to finish.
What is your most exciting accomplishment? I am very proud to say I have served my country in the United States Army and deployed overseas but I am also very proud to say that following that I completed my degree in Civil Engineering from Penn State.
What advice do you have for students considering pursuing an engineering degree? Stay organized and take your studies seriously. Learn as much as possible to set yourself up for success coming into the work force.
What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? Get to know the employees as well as possible through our website before your interviews. I would have to say that we have the greatest team of employees and if you want to be a part of this team, show interest in the people you will potentially be working with. Teamwork is a huge part of this company and how it operates. The culture is key, and we strive to provide that for our clients. Be prepared to love your job.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? The most important thing I have personally learned in my career through the military and being an engineer would be to never be intimidated by anyone and to never be afraid to ask questions. The less you are intimidated, the more questions you will ask and ultimately the more you will learn in this field. Never stop learning!
If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? I’m not sure who I would pick. Engineering is what I’m good at, and anything else I don’t think would work out for me.
What do you wish people knew about engineering? It’s not always calculations and numbers like everyone assumes. There are so many useful things engineering could be used for. Engineering has molded me into a better thinker, a more efficient worker, and has allowed me to become better at personal relations.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I enjoy watching sports, engaging myself in physical activity, spending time with my dog and girlfriend, and tasting new craft beers.
What’s a fun fact about you that we might not know? I have a deep passion for food and craft beer. My ultimate dream is to retire some day and open my own craft brewery/pub. To me it’s always a place where people go to relax and enjoy good food and good drinks with good people.