Structural engineers fulfill a very important role in conducting our business at NCI. The end product we sell in the marketplace must be designed economically for the owner while meeting the relevant building codes and project specifications.
The engineering education received by an engineer in his or her undergraduate studies prepares them for training in the metal building business. However, once an engineer becomes proficient in the design procedure, there are two divergent career paths that he/she can take. We refer to this as the “dual ladder”.

It’s obvious that we need engineers to design our buildings. Design represents the technical side of the dual ladder. Engineers can progress over the years by designing increasing complexities of buildings including churches, hangar buildings, manufacturing buildings with heavy tonnage cranes, recreational facilities and many other types. Design expertise is valued by the company and there are levels of recognition and compensation for achieving increased competency.

But, we also need engineers for other roles once they have gained a moderate level of expertise in design. This normally occurs after the achievement of their professional engineering registrations. These roles fall more under the heading of Sales/Management.

The Sales/Management side of the dual ladder offers engineers the opportunity to a) lead other engineers in management roles, b) participate in project management, and c) assist our contractors in the field via Sales. All of these paths require skills that are honed in the business environment rather than by collegiate education.

Certainly to lead other engineers, the manager must have a solid grasp of the design process, but also must demonstrate good judgment in decision-making and possess the people skills necessary to build and direct a team. Project managers must be organized, focused on meeting project milestones and finally, and be the communications hub for internal and external participants to a project. Engineers moving into Sales roles will manage a territory of contractors and help them in the pursuit of business. They quite frequently serve as consultants to their contractors – a background in building design can make the field Sales individual a very valuable employee.