MARIA ELLIS
Job Title: Electrical Design Engineer
Company: M.C. Dean
Location: Tysons, Va.
Age: 23; Years on the Job: 2
Interests: Playing soccer and volleyball, painting, doing DIY projects, and baking
During her high school engineering course, Maria Ellis was selected to participate in the IEEE Olympics at a local college, which sparked her interest in electrical engineering. She also interned with the Department of Defense during her time at Penn State for two summers in a row.
“Both summers included working alongside electrical engineers observing their day-to-day tasks and understanding the power design industry,” she says. “These internships guided me in the path of electrical engineering that I currently work in.”
Born and raised in Mountain Top, Pa., she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a minor in engineering leadership development. She is working toward her PE and LEED AP and has obtained her LEED Green Associates designation.
As an electrical design engineer, she is working on a federal project in Maryland. On a day-to-day basis, she is developing detailed electrical designs while working in a multi-disciplinary team to ensure all power requirements are achieved and a quality design is produced. The most challenging part of her current role is the fast-paced schedule.
“I thrive in this type of environment because of the learning opportunities I get in a shorter amount of time,” she says. “I also love how closely I am able to work with our trade partners to develop strong relationships and work together as a team.”
In five years, she hopes to have accomplished two goals — earned her master’s degree in renewable energy and obtained her PE license.
“I am working toward becoming an engineering leader within my company, which includes leading a team of design engineers while also having a technical background to assist in future projects and solutions,” she says. “I strive to be a role model engineer for my peers and succeed in a diverse and challenging industry.”
