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 (Project Engineer Zach Fisher), 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 work through potential design and coordination issues with the Owner and Design team. I review and process submittals, RFIs, subcontractor and owner billing. While I am onsite, I review potential Quality Control issues and work to ensure the specifications and drawings are followed.
Degree: BS in Mechanical Engineering from Temple University
Why did you choose that course of study/degree? My dad worked in residential construction in a multitude of roles, so I’ve been building things from a young age and have enjoyed it.
How long have you worked at Warfel? 3 years
What did you do before you came to Warfel? I built and operated schools in rural Uganda, East Africa, for an Australian-based Non-Government Organization
What is your favorite part of your job? I enjoy working through potential design issues or conflicts with our subs and design team to find a solution that is the best fit for the building and Owner.
What is the worst job you ever had? In college, I got a job at a pizza shop. One my duties was dressing up as the Pizza Slice Mascot and walking around Philadelphia handing out flyers and promoting the store. The suit was really hot, smelled bad, and I was always running into things.
What advice do you have for students considering pursuing an engineering degree? As someone who wasn’t the best student, it was important for me to learn that having a strong work ethic and initiative is more important than just being smart.
What advice would you give someone applying to Warfel? We’re all about people. I want to know you’re capable but, more importantly, I want to have a friend sitting in the office next to me.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career? It’s all about the people, teamwork makes the dream work.
If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be/what would you do? I’d love to have had Buzz Aldrin’s job. First, he went to space which is pretty cool. Second, he travels around and inspires kids to be interested in STEM, which I think is very important.
What do you wish people knew about engineering? I don’t think people realize that engineering is all around them; it’s not just the cars and space ships that are designed by engineers. It’s the door closers, sub-grade (soils), vending machines, fidget spinners, etc. which were all designed and built by engineers.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I enjoy being in the outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, camping, biking, or any other excuse to be in the outdoors.
