As we celebrate National Engineers Week, we’re launching a three-part interview series featuring various engineers here at RPA Engineering who are helping to shape the future of engineering. This year’s theme is “Design Your Future” and we asked our team to discuss how engineers tackle global challenges and build a better tomorrow.
As the world evolves, so too must the field of engineering. Future challenges will demand not only technical expertise but also adaptability, collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning. In this interview series, our panel shares their insights on the key skills engineers must develop, the role of education in preparing the next generation, and the mindset needed to tackle global challenges. From embracing emerging technologies to fostering creative problem-solving, these conversations highlight how engineers can drive meaningful change and shape a more sustainable, resilient future.
What are the key skills engineers need to develop to remain relevant and effective in addressing future challenges?
Jonathan Belinski:
I think a key skill that engineers need to remain relevant and effective is to always be open to new ideas. As technology progresses, not only in design software but also in materials, the engineer must adapt and learn to utilize advanced technology. The engineer must use their experience with familiar materials and design techniques to guide them when designing with advanced materials; however, they cannot expect to tackle these innovative ideas in the exact same way they have in the past. They must adapt and change and always be willing to be open to learning more about the next great idea.
Alan Fritschy:
Engineering is a downstream process, driven by the requirements of the customer. A deep understanding of the specific needs of objectives, constraints, and nuances of each individual project is essential – just as it was 3,000 years ago.
Samantha Owens:
Staying current with the latest engineering software/tools, gaining the ability to look at a system as a whole and understanding its impact in its environment, and personal/soft skills. Most of the problems we solve are for people that have minimal understanding of the technical solutions, and being able to communicate effectively with those stakeholders is important.
Matt Russell:
The biggest skill engineers need to develop is the ability to teach themselves. For me, college did a great job at not only teaching me specific topics, but it also provided me with the ability to teach myself. A lot of our job today as engineers is staying relevant with new codes, new technology and emerging industry trends, so having the ability and the willingness to teach yourself is imperative.
Kate Harper:
In the built environment and facilities engineering sector, there are many opportunities to create a more sustainable and resilient future. Buildings in the U.S. currently account for approximately 40% of energy consumption – a number expected to rise with continued development. As engineers, we must cultivate the skills necessary to adapt to an ever-changing landscape and meet the needs of the future. A commitment to curiosity and continuous learning will be essential as new systems and technologies emerge. Strong coordination within project teams—across stakeholders, clients, developers, architects, and experts in areas like alternative energy, climate change, AI, and machine learning—will be essential. By developing these skills, engineers can effectively address future challenges and promote sustainability in the built environment.
Paul Parise:
It is important to maintain the fundamentals of engineering that have been taught for many years. However, having a solid foundation of hard skillset complimented by use of technology to allow us to be more effective is an increasing need. Additionally, having an actionable plan to keep pace with changing technologies will provide a pathway for ensured future success.
A commitment to curiosity and continuous learning will be essential as new systems and technologies emerge.
What role does engineering education play in preparing the next generation to tackle global problems?
Jonathan Belinski:
The vital role of engineering education is to teach the students how to learn. While studying for an engineering degree, the students must learn to research, think about the problem from different perspectives, and choose a solution to the problem. This is the same process that they will use daily in practice. Mastering that process in college will prepare the young engineers to engage with real world problems right at the beginning of their careers.
Alan Fritschy:
A week in the field is worth four years of a college education, and a good mentor is worth more than gold.
The willingness to collaborate with others and recognize their points of view when valid, is an important aspect of tackling challenges on a global scale.
What advice would you give to young engineers passionate about solving global challenges?
Paul Parise:
While we are all engineers, we may have very different attributes. Some are technically gifted; some can manage projects, others can effectively communicate their ideas so that they become real, and others are combinations of these attributes. Figure out what your strengths are and align them with your passions. Then apply yourself in that direction.
If you could inspire a single change in how engineers approach global challenges, what would it be?
Matt Russell:
Listening to other people’s point of view. Neil DeGrasse Tyson has a great quote, “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough about a subject to think you’re right, but not enough about the subject to know your wrong.” To me this means that engineers need to approach challenges with an open mind and acknowledge they don’t know everything. The willingness to collaborate with others and recognize their points of view when valid, is an important aspect of tackling challenges on a global scale.
Paul Parise:
Most of our decisions are cost driven. Engineers welcome the opportunity to push boundaries and tackle difficult challenges but are often limited by cost constraints. Having the design freedom to go after ideas that may be more expensive, but within reason would greatly benefit society. Truly performing cost-benefit analysis of scenarios rather than making decisions solely on cost first would allow engineers to better serve the greater good.
Meet Our Panelists
