From Navy Apprentice to Control Engineer: My Journey

My path to becoming a control engineer is a fascinating tale of chance, determination, and a blend of mechanical and electronic expertise. This journey began when I enlisted in the U.S. Navy with dreams of becoming an electronics technician.

Becoming a Boiler Tech

Initially, I was enrolled in the electronics tech program, but my partial color blindness disqualified me from this track. Faced with an alternative, the navy sent me to boiler tech school, which I initially viewed as a detour from my original plan. However, I discovered a passion for the field and excelled in boiler tech training.

My dedication and high ASVAB scores earned me the opportunity to enroll in the pilot program for Advanced Propulsion school, where I graduated first in my class with a perfect score. Despite this achievement, the navy pressured me to extend my enlistment and enroll in nuclear power school. However, I declined, leading to a decline in my opportunities for advancement.

First Ship Assignment and Cross Training

Upon being assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy, a conventional powered supercarrier, I found myself working in the boiler controls shop. Here, I maintained and repaired the pneumatic and hydraulic control systems for the main engines and boilers. This experience ignited my passion for control systems and led me to apply for additional C-schools in related fields.

During this period, I also expanded my knowledge in electronics and electrical systems, honing my skills across different maritime controls systems. My time in the Navy provided me with a solid foundation in both mechanical and electronic principles.

Post-Navy Career and Cross-Training

After serving four years in the Navy, I joined a military contractor responsible for marine control systems. This role allowed me to cross-train in both electrical and electronic systems while pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. My ten years in this position further honed my skills and expanded my network.

My passion for control systems and interest in automation led me to work as a field engineer for AVNET, a company that specialized in control systems for industry. This experience reinforced my desire to start my own engineering firm focusing on instrumentation and control systems.

Entrepreneurship and Industry Standards

After four years at AVNET, I established my own company to service instrumentation. This move coincided with the U.S. government's push for companies to become ISO (International Organization for Standardization) compliant. This created a surge in demand for companies that provided calibration and maintenance services for instrumentation.

One of my first major contracts was with a large transformer and motor shop company. However, the biggest challenge I faced was in hiring qualified personnel. This was compounded by the rapid advancement of microprocessors and computers, which were transforming the field of instrumentation. I had anticipated this trend and spent much of my time building computer systems that could interface with real-world equipment.

Reflection and Conclusion

The journey to becoming a control engineer was largely a result of being in the right place at the right time and having the right interests. My military service and subsequent career moves provided a unique blend of experience that set the foundation for a successful career in control engineering.

Throughout my career, I have continually sought to adapt to new technologies and trends, ensuring that my expertise remained relevant in an ever-evolving industry. If you are considering a career in control engineering, prepare to be open to new ideas and opportunities.