At J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) we are celebrating National Engineering Month for the entire month of March. Across our diverse operations we have more than 600 professional engineers on our team - chemical, electrical, mechanical, civil, forestry and naval.  Over the next 3 year (2020 to 2022) we estimate over 950 engineers will be hired across our diverse operations - over 450 in shipbuilding alone.

Our engineers include alumni from the University of New Brunswick. St. Francis Xavier University, Memorial University, Dalhousie University, University of Waterloo, Clarkson University, St. Mary’s University, University of Prince Edward Island, Acadia University, McGill University, and Université de Moncton. 

The top three universities our engineers have graduated from are:

• University of New Brunswick Fredericton – 140+
• Dalhousie University – 130+
• Memorial University – 40+

From making paper to designing naval ships, we are excited to profile a few of our employees on what inspired them to become an engineer.

Ben Mills, a Project Engineer with our JDI Corporate Group graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of New Brunswick in 2013.

Who inspired you to go into engineering?

My family.  My older brother was into modifying cars and rebuilding motorbikes.  My mom was a seamstress and very crafty.  My dad sparked my interest in construction, always taking the time to explain how to use tools and letting me practice on his projects around the house and cottage.  I think all of these influences are what lead me to pursue engineering.

What is the best part of being an engineer?

For me, it’s the diversity of work and people that I get to work with.  Although the process is similar, projects are never repetitive. There are always new challenges and new people to share accomplishments with. I also enjoy creating and building. That’s exactly what I get to do with JDI.

Ryan Scholten, an Associate Project Manager with Irving Forest Services is a recent graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick. Ryan began with JDI this past summer and is currently working on an exciting modernization project at Lake Utopia Paper in St. George, New Brunswick.

Who inspired you to go into engineering?

I was inspired to go into engineering by my Grandfather. He worked in the construction/consulting industry for decades. Whenever I would go to my grandparents’ house as a kid, I would spend hours in the garage with my grandfather and brother. We would design and build crossbows, forts and anything else we could think of. 

What is the best part of being an engineer?

The best part about being an engineer is the ability to be creative and solve problems every day. There is nothing cooler than seeing your own design or idea (that was once a sketch on a piece of paper) constructed in front of you.

Andrew Chiasson, is an Operations Team Leader at Irving Pulp & Paper. Andrew graduated from Chemical Engineering at the University of New Brunswick and has been with JDI for the last four years.

Who inspired you to go into engineering?

My family and teachers inspired me to follow my passion for problem solving, science and mathematics which led me to choose engineering as a career.

What is the best part of being an engineer?

Solving technical problems that have real world applications.

Laura Mijatovic, a Process Engineer at Irving Paper is a Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of New Brunswick. 

Who inspired you to go into engineering?

My father.

What is the best part of being an engineer?

That there’s a lot of variety in the work you do, and your skills are highly versatile. It’s really rewarding to be able to troubleshoot real applications and find a solution in an operation as complex as the ones we work in.

Calvin Rice, an Engineering Manager at Gulf Operators has a degree in Forest Engineering from the University of New Brunswick. Calvin has been with JDI for almost 10 years.

Who inspired you to go into engineering?

I would have to say my parents inspired me to pursue engineering. They always pushed me towards bettering myself and taking on challenges in life. 

What is the best part of being an engineer?

The best part of being an engineer is the ability to participate in the construction of major infrastructure projects, especially within JDI. Knowing that I am actively involved and seeing a project evolve from the design stage to a finished product is always exciting.

Patrick Craig, is a Research and Development Specialist with Irving Equipment. He graduated in 2018 with a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of New Brunswick. 

Who inspired you to go into engineering?

My father inspired me to go into engineering. He has always been a thinker and some of that was definitely instilled in me growing up.

What is the best part of being an engineer?

I enjoy learning new things and solving unique problems. I have been working on Irving Equipment's lift planning computer program called "CraneCAD". CraneCAD uses 3D models of cranes as well as configuration and capacity data to create an intuitive and efficient planning tool for our engineering team. Also, I work on augmented reality applications which help bring our lift plans to life using immersive 3D animations!

Patrick Barry, is a Production Engineer with Halifax Shipbuilding. Patrick graduated from Memorial University with a degree in Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering.

Who inspired you to go into engineering?

A Norwegian explorer and scientist, Fridtjof Nansen was an inspirational figure for me who triggered an interest in Naval Architectural Engineering after learning how he was a part of an expedition to the North Pole aboard a uniquely designed ship named the Fram (1893–1896). He gained international fame for being one of the first pioneers to explore one of the last true frontiers, the Artic and was able to reach a record northern latitude. His techniques of polar travel, as well as his innovations in equipment and clothing influenced a generation of subsequent Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. 

What is the best part of being an engineer?

The best part of being an engineer is the commitment to lifelong learning and never being satisfied with meritocracy. The responsibility to learn from past success’ and mistakes provides an opportunity each day to question how we can make the world around us a better place.  

Alyson Petsche is a Combat Systems Project Engineer at Halifax Shipbuilding. She graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Dalhousie University. 

Who inspired you to go into engineering?

My love for math and science, especially physics, pushed me into a career where I could grow and utilize my knowledge in those areas.

What is the best part of being an engineer?

Having the opportunity to work on tangible products and solutions for an end user.

Lance Henry, is the Director of Mobile Equipment and Maintenance for Irving Woodlands. Lance has Mechanical Engineer degree from the University of New Brunswick. He has been with JDI for nearly six years.

Who inspired you to go into engineering?

Without a doubt my father. He came from very limited means and it’s an amazing story that he was able to achieve his electrical engineering degree. I owe everything to him for sure.

What is the best part of being an engineer?

The ability and opportunity to take on so many different roles. Engineering unlike some other careers really allows you do to do virtually anything. That to me is the greatest thing about engineering.

Josh Snyder is a Civil Engineer for NB Southern Railway. Josh graduated from NBCC in 2010, and then moved on to get a Civil Engineering degree from Dalhousie University in 2016.

Who inspired you to go into engineering?

I don’t think any one person inspired me to go into Engineering but the person who pushed me in the right direction is a Civil Engineer from my hometown named Marcus DeWinter. He is the owner of the construction company I spent my first Summer out of high school working at and laid out of the pros and cons of Architecture vs Engineering and was probably the first person to really give me insight on what the Engineering profession is all about.

Are you an engineering looking for the next step in you career? See our opportunities, and join our team at careers.jdirving.com