Welcome to our series, Getting to Know the Team! If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a structural engineer or simply wanted to learn more about the people behind Engineering Solutions, this series is for you. We’ll feature a new team member every month, so be sure to check back regularly and enjoy our next installment below!
Name – Josh Voight
Location – Harrisonburg
Title – Structural Engineer
Years with Engineering Solutions – 1 year
When did you know you wanted to be a structural engineer?
I’ve known I wanted to be an engineer since graduating high school in 2013. However, I did not know I wanted to be a structural engineer until 2016 when I was browsing the course catalog for Civil Engineering and realized I was interested in most of the courses offered. I switched into Civil Engineering with a structural focus and have been happy with my decision ever since.
What is your typical day at work?
My typical responsibilities include carrying out calculations, some design, drafting, and occasionally a site visit.
What is the best part about your job?
Seeing the collaboration between Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Architect, and Customer and watching projects progress through the various stages!
What are some of the challenges in your job?
Every project offers a unique challenge to me, including things like a design using a material or method I am not familiar with, a complicated connection, or interpreting various codes.
Tell us about one of the coolest projects you’ve worked on so far.
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church has been a very cool project for me! Although my part has been minor, it has been interesting learning how to design using cold formed steel and seeing just how complex the construction of a church can be.
What is your favorite Core Value and how do you live it out?
I would say my favorite core value is integrity. Integrity is very important to me, both professionally and personally. To me, integrity is about being honest with others and yourself, producing your best work, and having the best of intentions with everything you do.
If you had to give one piece of advice for working with a structural engineer, what would it be?
Be open with the engineer about every detail. What may seem minor could potentially be a huge factor in the design process. Communication is difficult at first, but the more we discuss a project, the clearer the picture becomes.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy going on hikes with my pets, spending time with my family and friends, and soccer.
Tell us about your family.
I come from a very large family stretched between Pennsylvania and Virginia. I have 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Each of us have a unique background which makes family gatherings very fun!
Fun fact about yourself?
I set the cross-country record at my high school and was one of the top 25 cross country runners of all time at Waynesburg University.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is definitely lasagna!