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I understand why engineers are drawn to work for companies with sexy products, like robotics or game design. Earlier in my career, I worked in space launch support. Literally launching craft into space via barely controlled explosions is exciting.? ?? However, I’d like to speak in praise of “ordinary.”?? ?? I became a founding partner at Seeq because I saw the benefits of improving foundational industries that provide critical infrastructure, such as mining and energy. Making these systems work may not be sexy, but if they stop working, so does civilization.?? ?? Engineers and inventors design and build stuff to solve real-world problems. There isn’t anything more real-world than a refinery plant or a power utility.? ?? Yet, it’s surprising that so much of our creative energy, so much of the tech boom, has bypassed industry when investing in these fields can have outsized results. Minor adjustments can increase yield, reduce pollution, and improve reliability, with downstream benefits. Technological innovations that are applied to infrastructure let us move past oil and gas into renewables so we can create better lives for the next generation. Those “ordinary” innovations are worth doing.? ?? Working on industry solutions lets engineers make a tangible difference. The results may not get you on the cover of Time Magazine, but they probably have a bigger actual impact.? ?? At Seeq, we empower fellow engineers who work in industries that power our modern civilization and are core to our way of life. For me, delivering value to those industries is as satisfying as creating a bestselling computer game–and way more useful for society than yet another social networking app.? ? If you feel the same way, I encourage you to keep an eye on our job openings below.?
I also feel there's a somewhat binary distinction between different phases of the product lifecycle, and that was certainly my experience in aircraft system development. This is overly simplistic, but I saw a lot of "attention" placed on rapid prototypes and first flights (there are plenty of examples for other products, including software prototypes and demonstrations) and much less perceived "sexiness" in the production and support efforts which often have -- in your words -- a bigger actual impact.
I was a plant engineer at a coal-fired power plant early in my career. My boss asked me to analyze coal ash content (chemistry), slagging/fouling, and firing processes. By altering the coal chemistry injected into the furnace, we reduced the slagging/fouling issue and increased the furnace efficiency by a few percent. However, that few percent improvement in boiler efficiency reduced the annual coal input by 1,000s of tons with no loss in electrical power output.
Insightful thoughts! Your emphasis on the importance of 'ordinary' industries really resonates. These sectors are indeed the backbone of modern civilization. On a related note, there's an interesting UK project called NFsTay that’s redefining real estate ownership with fractional investments starting at just $100. Their unique Bitcoin-backed liquidity model offers flexibility for investors while providing monthly rental income opportunities. If you're curious to learn more about innovative projects like this, feel free to connect! I’d be happy to introduce you to one of NFsTay's directors for a chat.
Great post Dustin. Reminder that impactful work doesn’t always have to come with glamour or "sexy". The industries that power our every day lives aren't flashy, but undeniably essential. Engineers who dedicate their skills to improving these foundational systems are solving some of the most critical problems we face. I love the point about outsized results: minor innovations in these fields often ripple out into massive societal benefits.
Well said Dustin! I regret that our time actually working together was so short, but glad to see that you are fulfilled in your role at Seeq!
Fantastic post Dustin, couldn't agree more!
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