This month, WT Group is shining a spotlight on members of our engineering team. Each one exemplifies the essence of engineering - a blend of technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and the satisfaction of seeing ideas materialize into reality. With a passion for innovation and a dedication to excellence, they continue to make significant contributions to their engineering fields.
Q&A with David Van Lieshout, Project Manager III, Telecommunication Engineering
Walk through your educational background:
At Western Illinois University, I earned a degree in Industrial Technology with a specialized focus on component design and creation utilizing 3D CAD software for design purposes. My education also encompassed the implementation of assembly line processes, incorporating advanced technologies such as CNC, robotics, and tracking systems for efficient production. Additionally, I pursued a secondary degree in Business Management and Accounting, complementing my technical expertise with valuable skills in financial management and leadership.
What you like about Engineering?
I’d say the problem-solving aspect. I tend to see something new with every project and that provides a growth opportunity in both knowledge and experience.
Describe your career path:
During college I interned at a small engineering firm that dealt with projects related to my field of study. I took park in design projects that focused on everything from widget design to production line processes to enhance efficiency or quality control issues. Following graduation, I transitioned to a full-time role at an environmental firm performing ground water and soil testing due to leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs) at gas stations. I was responsible for drafting site plans with property boundaries and inserting chemical impact plume for environmental reports. After a couple years, I was looking for a new challenge and that’s when I joined WT Group where I started working on a U.S. Cellular project.
What exciting projects have you worked on?
There are several projects I've worked on, although I must be cautious due to confidentiality agreements we maintain (NDAs). One notable project involved implementing a DAS (indoor antenna system) at a venue used for a recent Super Bowl. It was fascinating to witness how the design was meticulously tailored to accommodate the space's usage and capacity requirements while preserving the building's aesthetic appeal.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The collaborative nature of a lot of our projects with both our clients and the team here at WT Group. Witnessing the innovative solutions and designs that emerge from these interactions is truly fulfilling.
The WT Group provides clients with a single-source engineering solution to help maintain the integrity of all projects from start to finish. With over 50 years of experience, WT Group’s highly skilled engineering, design and consulting teams ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy in the most cost and time-efficient manner.
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