My work experience
I work in my dream job. I am a theme park engineer! In 2006 I was featured as a New Face of Engineering in USA Today. My degree is in electrical engineering and I work for Birket Engineering. Our company is known for providing the safety electrical controls and software for theme park attractions such as roller coasters and stage shows. Since I was a youngster I have dreamed of building theme park attractions. I love the thrills, the story, the special effects - all of it!
I started working for Birket Engineering in October 2003. When I joined the team I immediately began working with the engineers responsible for designing, installing and programming Revenge of the Mummy, The Ride at Universal Studios Orlando. After many long nights of hard work, the attraction opened to great acclaim in May 2004.
In my career at Birket Engineering, I've been privileged to create several large attractions, including a couple THEA Award winners.
- Hong Kong Disneyland's It's a Small World (Opened April 2008) I was the project manager and engineer responsible for installation and commissioning of the show control system and clock tower control system.
- Universal Studios Japan's Hollywood Dream, The Ride (Opened March 2007) I was the project manager and engineer responsible for the design of the on-board show control system (audio, LED lighting, guest interface panel).
- Skyline Church Christmas Lighting Display (Opened November 2005) I was the project manager responsible for a custom designed LED light net system installed on the side of a mountain.
- Hong Kong Disneyland's Fireworks control system (Opened September 2005) I was the project manager and engineer responsible for design and installation of the control system for the nightly fireworks show.
- Universal Studios Hollywood's Fear Factor Live! (Opened May 2005) I was the project manager and one of the engineers responsible for the design of the show control system and safety elements. This attraction was a THEA Award winner.
- Universal Studios Hollywood's Revenge of the Mummy, The Ride (Opened June 2004) I was the software engineer for the ride control system.
- Universal Studios Orlando's Revenge of the Mummy, The Ride (Opened May 2004) I was the software engineer and the lead commissioning engineer for the ride control system. This attraction was a THEA Award winner.
My current job title is Project Engineer and Office Manager for Birket Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited and live in Hong Kong.
When I am not working on the latest attraction, I am usually working on smaller projects such as refurbishing existing attractions, supporting our attractions, and designing and programming systems for our industrial clients. My work varies from day to day and includes creating proposals for new work, attending trade shows, and concepting and designing. While living in Hong Kong, I have also been responsible for product development and sourcing of materials and assemblies in China.
Prior to joining Birket Engineering I was a co-op for Siemens Dematic Material Handling Division. I worked with a team to design and install advanced material handling solutions for Wal-Mart, Walgreens, United States Postal Service and other customers. I attended Kettering University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Engineering and minor in Acoustics.
In my "spare" time, I enjoy building robots and electrical and mechanical contraptions. I also operate a small side business, www.brilldea.com. Part of my inspiration to have a side business came from Dan Miller.
