(Harrisburg, PA) Engineers Week (Feb 20-26, 2022) was created by the National Society of Professional Engineers in 1951 to increase the understanding of and interest in engineering careers, particularly from a diverse and well-educated workforce. This week, Dawood is shining a spotlight on some of our engineers to showcase the breadth of knowledge and experience among our staff. Today, we speak with Rainer Niederoest, PE, Senior Project Engineer.
Hi Rainer! Please tell us a little bit about how you got into the engineering field and what your current position at Dawood is like.
Rainer: I attended college at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, and after college I began working in environmental engineering spending 18 years at various firms. In 2019, I started my career at Dawood in the Harrisburg office.
I specialize in chemical and physical treatment processes, designing control systems, remote monitoring systems, and pipe and pump stations. I also conduct pre-design surveys, system optimization, operation and maintenance of treatment systems, air emission inventories, hazard analysis and environmental investigations.
What is so special about engineering and how does it motivate you?
Rainer: When I graduated school, I chose to begin my career with an environmental company which has been a great fit for me ever since. I find purpose and meaning behind serving people and the planet. For example, every day I have done something to keep our streams and water supply from being contaminated—I find that gratifying.
Tell us about one of your favorite Dawood projects and what makes it stand out to you.
Rainer: I spend a lot of my time supporting West Manchester Township, York County, and I enjoy that immensely. The West Manchester staff and board are great people, and I enjoy helping them identify their needs and responding to challenges, while focused on maintaining and improving critical Township infrastructure. It’s great to see that the work I do is positively impacting people.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
Rainer: I have a passion for teaching both at work and outside of work. My wife is an English teacher and we have two little kids, two and five, who learn from us every day.
On the weekends, I volunteer at my church and teach theology to kids. I also enjoy volunteering at Harrisburg Area Community College for STEM educational outreach. Witnessing and helping people grow and progress through their education and career excites me.
For more of our Engineers Week Profiles,