Jonathan Sefcik
Job Title: Engineer 1
Company: HMI Technical Solutions, LLC
Location: Blue Bell, Pa.
Age: 24
Years on the Job: 1
Interests: Playing guitar and bass, writing music, practicing martial arts, and taking jiujitsu and tae kwon do classes
Through a blend of on-the-job training and his mechanical engineering studies at Drexel University, Jonathan Sefcik poised himself to gain a strong start in the electrical industry. In college, he had two internships — distribution system operations and project management — at PECO, which gave him a background in distribution system design. For nearly two years, he has worked at HMI Technical Solutions, LLC, where he has learned not to back down from a challenge or take on work that he feels is beyond his abilities.
“I’ve been on the job less than two years, and recently assigned to do a massive reconductor/circuit reconfiguration job that would normally go to a veteran designer with at least five years of experience,” says Sefcik, who is the first person in his family to pursue a career in the industry.
Born and raised in Bethlehem, Pa., Sefcik says each workday requires both time in the office and in the field. As part of the field work, he meets with customers and builders, obtains all the necessary measurements and photos and stakes new facilities. As a power distribution designer, he enjoys field work because he is able to interact with his coworkers and show new employees the ropes.
“The change of scenery, meeting new people, and never knowing what’s going to be out there is always refreshing,” he says. “It’s always cool to drive past stuff you’ve designed after it has been built.”
After being able to work in the field, he says he could never go back to a cubicle. He hopes one day to become a lead designer for the Harrisburg region and supervise newer employees.
“My freshman year of college, I never would’ve dreamed in a million years I’d be working in electric utilities, but here I am,” he says. “No matter what, as long as you don’t lose momentum and keep trying your best, your hard work will pay off.”
