Meet the Models: Rob Hansen - Utilities Engineer

Rob Hansen let us follow him around a rail yard while wearing our new Skinny Zip Tie. Afterwards we asked him about his work inspecting the railways and what inspires him.

This is the first post in our "Meet the Models" series.


How would you describe your work?
As a Utilities Engineer, I work for the State of California to oversee the safety of our rail transit systems, such as BART and Muni. I review plans for new infrastructure, perform on-site inspections of construction sites, investigate accidents to determine the causes of a collision or derailment, offer recommendations to avert future accidents, and help with comprehensive reviews of the rail agency safety programs. 

How long have you been focused on engineering?I have a Bachelor's and a Master's in Civil Engineering, and have been working in the field for one year.

What do you enjoy most about being an engineer?
The best part of my job is the diversity of work- there's always interesting project. Long term, it is satisfying to know that my work could have enormous effects in the safety of train passengers, rail system employees, pedestrians, and motorists. My job lets me think about how mechanical, structural, and human components interact in a complex system and create ways to keep them all protected.

What inspires you when working?
I find myself inspired by the idea that I can help create safer, better transportation systems, and that someday my ideas will be implemented. This drives me to refine my thought processes and work habits, to become as good as possible at what comes my way. I have a unique freedom in my current position where I can propose creative and radical solutions for safety issues and let lawyers, politicians, and better engineers worry about whether they are practical.