Chattanooga Engineers Club

News & Feedback

  • 1 Jan 2023 9:33 AM | Lulu Copeland (Administrator)

    Today

    Happy New Year 2023!

    George Aslinger is our new president and Rama Etekallapalli is our new vice president.  With support of many past presidents, treasurer, longtime members, we have another year to plan and look forward to.  

    Past

    Looking back, we are thankful for many past presidents that continue to contribute to the club and activities important to the "community".  Two shared their thoughts recently...

    From Greg Sedrick:

    We joined CEC in 1990 as personal career and service activities.  Greg was a new young assistant professor at UTC and Mary a practicing engineer.  Joining CEC and activity participating was a path to know the STEM community as well as fill out the community service requirement for Greg’s faculty tenure and Mary’s consulting practice.  What also happened was the incorporation of our family into this new and wonderful professional family.  Paul Shoun, Jack Anderson, Marty Johnson, Lynn Russell, Tom Lyons, Terry Reynolds, Almeda Frazier, Iris Sesko, Norbert Koch, Myron McCay, Bob Bradshaw, Jay Floyd, Doug Jacobs, Jack Wagner, Ed Chapin, Uwe Zitzow, Lulu Copeland and many others became sisters and brother to us as well as aunts and uncles to our children. Being from Missouri this was a great personal benefit!

    On the professional side we were supported by the weekly technical meetings that allowed Greg to sully pass both the FE and the PE exams and Mary to increase her technical knowledge.  We have no doubt the technical sessions were instrumental in Greg’s teaching and applied research at the university and Mary years of contributions to the region. The professional fellowship led to the creation of a Chattanooga Technology Council (not the same entity as today’s CTC) when Greg served as dean of UTC’s engineering and computer science college.  The council united the officers of all the Chattanooga’s STEM societies as we faced declining membership and participation.  The STEM family came together to not only tackle their society membership decline but also to re-energize their involvement in community building activities. Additionally, when Greg and the engineering faculty needed community support for the approval of both the UTC Challenger Learning Center and the new engineering, computer science and math building, the members of the CEC answered the call without hesitation.  

    These gifts from CEC membership led to our continuing our connection to our Chattanooga HOME as our careers took us across Tennessee. We decided to retire in Chattanooga and remain in touch with our CEC family!

    From Gabe Kurtz

    I first attended a CEC presentation somewhere around 2014 and was impressed by the broad engineering knowledge within the members and presentation material at that time. For several years with the meetings being in person, I was only able to go to a few meetings per year with not being able to get away from job responsibilities during lunch time for the presentations.

    With the onset of COVID and meetings going remote, this allowed me flexibility and being able to attend most of the meetings and tours to become much more involved, even to the extent to help by volunteering to become the VP and Chair in 2021 and 2022 to help steer the club, which has been an excellent location to expand being able to serve outside of being involved with Orange Grove Center, UTC, TVA’s ABLED ERG, IEEE, NSPE, EPRI, and others. The most impressive item that I’ve noticed about the membership are not only the broad width of types of engineering background and skills within the membership, but also the amount of continued active ex-chairs that bring large amounts of experience and help to continue to promote, support, and help drive the CEC path forward.

    The CEC has provided many resources to me along the way and a path to continue to help serve others. I’m privileged to being a member, to pick up more actively to support the club within the last few years, and to serve with implementing new streamlined tools to help with online programming, additional funding approved to expand in giving to Bryan College for student scholarships, making new and/or stronger ties with greater Chattanooga educational and industry partners, and am looking forward to continued growth with learning from others and service going forward.

    Future

    Looking forward, the Club hope to continue to make a difference in growing the engineering community, support education and be the convener of groups sharing our vision.  We hope you will share your vision and stories; we hope more will join this profession and HOME.  March 2024 will mark the 100th anniversary of the Club.  Greg has graciously volunteered to lead the planning committee for the event(s).  Please sign up and recruit others to participate.


  • 6 Dec 2022 8:54 AM | Lulu Copeland (Administrator)

    Nomination committee consisting of four past presidents, Steve Poteet, Al Curtis, Timothy Lee and Lulu Copeland held election on October 24 and announced:

    2023 CEC President will be George Aslinger

    George Aslinger is a Solution Consultant with University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services. George holds a MS in Operations Management from Georgia State University and a BS in Engineering from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. George is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt with years of coaching and training experience.  George is currently serving as the Vice President of Chattanooga Engineers Club.

    2023 Vice President will be Rama Etekallapalli

    Rama Etekallapalli is the Quality Manager at Arch Plastic Packaging. Rama graduated with BS in Engineering Technology in Polymer and Plastic Engineering and MS in Plastic Engineering Technology, both form Pittsburg State University. Rama is a certified Six Sigman Black Belt. Rama is a member and the immediate president of ASQ Chattanooga.


  • 1 Dec 2022 7:20 AM | Lulu Copeland (Administrator)

    BRIC (Building Recognition in Chattanooga)

    We are excited to announce the return of the BRIC Awards for 2023, for Chattanooga-based professionals and organizations in architecture, construction, engineering, and design to recognize the people and projects that highlight the best of the best in the building industry. 

    The current schedule is:

    January 12, 2023 – Applications Open

    March 9, 2023 – Submissions Due

    April 20, 2023 – Awards Banquet

    Chattanooga Engineers Club will join ACEC, ASCE, TSPE and SWE to recruit and judge the Engineering Award. 

    All proceeds from BRIC benefit the ACE Mentor Program of Southeast Tennessee & Northwest Georgia and serves to promote careers in the design and construction industry (Architecture, Construction and Engineering) to high school students.  Each year through the generous support of local organizations, companies, and individuals ACE provides scholarships to local students to help them pursue ACE career fields through higher education and training opportunities, post-high school.



  • 16 Nov 2022 6:23 AM | Lulu Copeland (Administrator)

    Chattanooga E Week committee started planning for E Week 2023 in October.

    Gabe Kurtz will be chairing E Week luncheon; Kelli Richardson will be leading award banquet.

    Save the dates plus info for luncheon and banquet - 

    Chattanooga E Week Kick-off Luncheon

    Tuesday, Feb 21 at UTC University Center's Chattanooga Room

    Speaker:

    Matthew Rasmussen, SVP of Engineering Operations, TVA

    Presentation:

    Creating the Future and Solving Global Challenges


    Chattanooga E Week Award Banquet

    Thursday, Feb 23 at the Chattanooga Downtown Marriott

    Speaker:

    Dr. Justin Robertson, Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools.

    Nominations are open for:

    • Engineering Leadership
    • Outstanding Engineer of the Year
    • Young Engineer of the Year
    • Technician of the Year
    • People to People

    Additional information and nomination forms can be found on the 2023 Chattanooga E Week site

    The submittal deadline for nomination packages is Monday, January 16, 2023.  The awards committee will vote on the awards prior to Friday, January 20, 2023, and notify winners.  The awards will be presented during E-Week at the Banquet.

    Thank you to Carmen Harvey for serving as 2023 Award Committee Chair. 


  • 3 Oct 2022 3:14 PM | Lulu Copeland (Administrator)

    Nomination committee consisting of four past presidents, Steve Poteet, Al Curtis, Timothy Lee and Lulu Copeland announced the following:

    Nomination for President – George Aslinger

    George Aslinger is a Solution Consultant with University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services. George holds a MS in Operations Management from Georgia State University and a BS in Engineering from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. George is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt with years of coaching and training experience.  George is currently serving as the Vice President of Chattanooga Engineers Club.

    Nomination for Vice President – Rama Etekallapalli

    Rama Etekallapalli is the Quality Manager at Arch Plastic Packaging. Rama graduated with BS in Engineering Technology in Polymer and Plastic Engineering and MS in Plastic Engineering Technology, both form Pittsburg State University. Rama is a certified Six Sigman Black Belt. Rama is a member and the immediate president of ASQ Chattanooga.

    The nomination committee will accept additional nominations up to the date of election.

    Election will be on October 24.


  • 12 Sep 2022 11:09 AM | Lulu Copeland (Administrator)

    This is from Joe Robbins, Jr.


    To Engineers Club members:  

    (Please share with others)

    I have some really sad news to share. 

    My Dad, Joe Robbins Sr, had heart surgery recently a few weeks ago.  

    My Dad passed away Wednesday Sept 7.  He had 80 good years. Its been a really tough week.

    He really enjoyed spending time learning with you all at the Engineers Club meetings and tours. 

     

    Obituary found here. 

    https://www.chattanoogan.com/2022/9/10/455630/Joseph-Williams-Robbins-Sr..aspx

     

    Arrangements by Lane Funeral Home here. 

    https://www.lanefh.com/tributes/Joseph-RobbinsSr#tributewall

     

    Thanks.

    Joe Robbins Jr

    Robbins & Bohr, LLC

    423-756-4430


  • 3 Sep 2022 1:08 PM | Lulu Copeland (Administrator)

    Job Description

    The Branch Office Manager will be responsible for the overall office success, including sales, business plan development, and growth plan for the office. This position will manage the development and implementation of objectives, programs, procedures and initiatives for the office. The Branch Office Manager will successfully manage the financial results, oversee project management, cost control and client satisfaction.

    • Responsible for the managerial direction of a Branch office.

    • Ensure profitable and sound growth. Achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.

    • Manages the office financials to generate a positive net return.

    • Manages office wide billability and utilization goals, which includes managing work assignments and reviewing performance to ensure the efficient, cost-effective utilization of staff.

    • Champion sales and marketing activities. Identify opportunities and manage team efforts for submittals, proposals, presentations, contract negotiation and related activities.

    • Serves as the technical advisor and provides senior-level input and evaluation on projects.

    • Lead go/no-go evaluations, ensure establishment of project work plans and review fee estimates. Participates in project risk reviews as needed.

    • Provides counsel, assistance, and problem-resolution to office employees guided by company's policies.

    • Responsible for development and retention of managers and staff. Interpret policies, purposes, and goals of organization to staff.

    • Ensure quality and safety standards. Adhere to Burns & McDonnell Quality Control program. Responsible for maintaining the Burns & McDonnell Safety program.

    • Provide professional support in recruitment and assist in all human resources related matters.

    • All other duties as assigned.

    Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Science or related field from an accredited curriculum. Master’s degree preferred.

    • Minimum 12 years related management experience, including 5 or more years managing an office with multiple technical disciplines

    • Excellent written & verbal communication skills.

    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

    • Demonstrated ability to meet finical goals, project management, business development, sales and marketing, recruitment and retention of staff.

    • Ability to apply intensive and diversified knowledge of principles and practices to broad areas of assignments.

    • Must be capable of devising new approaches to problems encountered. Previous consulting experience preferred

    Please apply through company career site.


  • 27 Jun 2022 10:17 AM | Lulu Copeland (Administrator)

    Chattanooga-Hamilton County Air Pollution Control Bureau is seeking to fill two Engineer 1 positions.

    Salary:               $53,896 – 80,844 Annually
    FLSA Status:       Exempt
    Work Hours:      Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    Location:            6125 Preservation Drive, Suite 140, Chattanooga, TN 37416
    Apply Before:    Continuous until position is filled (2 available)

    JOB SUMMARY:

    Incumbents in this classification are responsible for performing engineering work related to evaluating industrial and commercial air emission sources for regulatory compliance. Duties include inspecting air emission sources, reviewing industry permit applications, investigating air pollution complaints, writing inspection reports and memoranda, calculating air pollutant emissions, conducting modeling of ambient air pollutant concentrations and communicating with industry representatives.

    SERIES LEVEL:

    The Air Pollution Control Engineer 1 is the second level of a four level air pollution control engineering series.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

    (The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.)

    Calculates actual, potential and allowable air pollutant emissions using appropriate methods, source parameters and regulatory limitations; reviews emission calculation methods, emission control strategies and pollutant hazards; and uses screening air-dispersion modeling software to estimate ambient air pollutant concentrations resulting from emissions to determine health and environmental impacts.

    Prepares air pollution permits for industrial and commercial sources that include enforceable conditions, emission limitations and operating parameter constraints that conform to applicable federal and local regulations and reviews permit applications for accuracy and completeness.

    Prepares technical reports related to air pollutant emissions from existing, modified and proposed industrial sources which includes conducting inspection observations; writing industrial process descriptions; reviewing emission control strategies; performing health and environmental impact analysis; preparing emission calculations; conducting federal and local regulatory assessments; recommending enforcement actions; negotiating and writing emissions test agreements and performing other related activities.

    Researches and reviews federal and local air pollution control regulations to determine applicability to industrial sources.

    Conducts site inspections of industrial and commercial sources of air pollutant emissions to determine compliance with applicable regulations and permit requirements; observes process equipment and air pollution control equipment and records applicable operating parameters; reviews records and logs required by permit; visually quantifies opacity of emissions and observes emission testing.

    Investigates complaints and malfunctions of industrial and commercial sources of air pollutant emissions and recommends corrective measures and enforcement actions; maintains a database of industrial sources that includes pollutant emissions, emission source parameters and compliance information.

    Participates in conferences, workshops, and training as necessary.

    Performs other duties as assigned.


    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

    Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Civil or Environmental Engineering.

    LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS:

    • Valid Tennessee Driver’s License
    • Certification as an Engineer in Training
    • Visible Emissions Evaluation Certification (within 6 months after being hired)

    Link for more details and to apply - https://apcb.org/careers/

  • 27 Jun 2022 9:44 AM | Lulu Copeland (Administrator)

    HUTTON is a Chattanooga-based, fully integrated commercial real estate, development, and investment company primarily focused on developing, acquiring, managing and constructing single-tenant, shopping center, multi-family and self-storage properties across the United States.

    Hutton is looking to fill a project engineering position with "a curious problem solver possessing a strong work ethic.” The project engineer will work alongside a Development Project Manager and the rest of the project team to perform a variety of functions to move projects through the development process from idea to delivery. They will be involved with real estate acquisition, design, permitting and entitlements, construction administration, and tenant coordination. This position will support and experience all aspects of commercial real estate development.

    Requirements:

     Self-starter, problem solver and ability to perform with sense of urgency

     Ability to work independently or within a group dynamic

     Approach everything with strong attention to detail and intuitive analytical

    thought processes enabling critical evaluation

     Basic knowledge of the design, construction, and permitting process

     Able to work in fast-paced environment involving multiple projects

     Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

     Robust technology skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

     Operates with a mindset of delivering consistent and exceptional customer

    service to all internal and external clients and partners

     Strong interpersonal skills necessary to interact with groups internally and

    externally, including senior executives

     Demonstrated resourcefulness

    Essential Functions:

     Setup internal document folders for each development opportunity, and retain

    and file all documents so they may easily be found by other departments as

    needed

     Schedule all necessary meetings for deal progression and coordinate between necessary departments to ensure required participation, including taking detailed notes and assimilating meeting minutes for distribution.

     Assist in preparing an accurate budget, including sourcing accurate site plans and accurately inputting necessary data into financial models

     Create and maintain reports in the Company’s database system

     Create and maintain routine and ad hoc reporting

     Develop and foster relationships between the Company and national/regional retail clients

    Assist in acquiring all necessary property/project entitlements and

    construction related permits/approvals

     Preparation and on-going administration of Project Activity Reports

    summarizing progress/schedule as needed to manage each project and to

    update various Hutton personnel and its clients

     Aid with the preparation, analysis, and on-going administration of a

    development’s budget/proforma, including site, building, tenant build-out,

    architectural, engineering, brokerage, tenant allowance, and any other “Soft”

    and “Hard” costs

     Aid with creation and maintenance of tracking reports and project schedules

     Provide support in the administration of lease work letter agreements, taxes, insurance, tenant delivery packages, rent commencement letters, etc.

     Assist in the maintenance of a network of engineers, architects, land use

    attorneys/planners, and any other necessary project consultants or vendors

     Assist in the production of, and review and have a thorough understanding of all project related activities; site plans, surveys, geotechnical reports, Phase 1 & 2 ESA reports, Civil drawings, Architectural drawings, Structural drawings, PEMB drawings, etc.

     Reporting and tracking of project budget, change orders, draw review, delivery schedule, entitlements, incentives, and deliverables

    Educational Requirements:

    Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Management, Architecture,

    Construction Administration, Business, Finance, Accounting, Real Estate, or another related discipline preferred.

    If qualified and interested, and fcan blend in well with the Hutton culture – please send resumes to Kristy Colston at mailto:kcolston@hutton.build


  • 12 Jun 2022 11:55 AM | Gabe Kurtz (Administrator)

    UT Center for Industrial Services in partnership with UTC Center for Professional Education is offering a training class beginning on July 29th and running every Friday for a ten week period from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm EDT with a cost of $2950 per person.

    Registration is now open - please see attached file below for more information if interested:

    Lean SSGB UTCIS_UTC Chattanooga July 2022.pdf

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