Robert is a Project Manager and Design Engineer from M/E Engineering!

Tell us a bit about you and your journey to M/E Engineering?

I started my career in Seattle, Washington with another consulting firm doing similar work. From there I worked in New York City and Las Vegas Nevada for another consulting firm. Then 16 years ago I found M/E Engineering and relocated to Buffalo, NY and have been with this firm ever since. M/E Engineering is a great blend of big engineering projects and design with a small firm feel. A small firm is where ownership/management knows all the employees and helps them achieve a career (not just a job).

How does your organization drive innovation through technology and engineering?  

The biggest sector we drive innovation in is system design. We strive for efficiency especially as the state pushes for all electric buildings.

What key products, services, or research areas define your organization?  

Unlike a lot of other engineering firms, our products are drawings and designs. We do not make widgets or gadgets, but design systems for commercial buildings that can then be built by contractors. We pride ourselves on being “stewards” for our clients and helping them towards their efficiency goals.

What challenges did you face when you first entered the industry, and how did you overcome them?  

The biggest challenge was learning how the company did things and why they did them. I overcame this by listening to my supervisors and senior engineers, asking questions, and thinking beyond just putting something on paper. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

How can candidates effectively showcase their problem-solving and analytical abilities?  

Since you are graduating from UB with an Engineering Degree, we have faith in your problem-solving and analytical abilities (we have several UB graduates at the firm). We are looking at the engineer holistically.

What advice would you give students to help them stand out in a competitive technical field?  

In our industry it is knowledge and, more importantly, the ability to “talk about” that knowledge to non-engineers. Your personality and ability to communicate is crucial for the consulting world. Show your personality.

M/E Engineering was in attendance at the 2025 STEAM Job + Internship Fair. If you missed them, they are currently hiring and you can find their roles on Handshake.