Sr. Electrical Engineer Gary McCullough works out of Network Connex’s Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania office on wireless, EV charging, and data center projects in many markets around the US. He shares what his role looks like and sheds light on why an electrical engineer’s primary responsibility is public health and safety.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER PATH AND WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
I got my first taste in the construction industry as a summer helper in my father’s electrical union. After I graduated from college, I began my career as a Facilities Engineer and have had numerous engineering positions since. I started doing Telecommunications design in 2006 and found I enjoyed it. I’ve now been with Network Connex for eight years.
WHAT KINDS OF EDUCATION OR ON THE JOB TRAINING HAVE HELPED YOU BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR CURRENT JOB?
The Bachelor’s Degree I earned in Electrical Engineering Technology laid the foundation and provided the theoretical knowledge. Experience gained over the past 37 years, starting as an Electrician’s helper to roles as an electrical designer in A&E firms as well as a Project Manager, have provided me with the skills and knowledge that I use here at Network Connex.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY AT WORK LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
The majority of my time is spent developing and reviewing electrical designs, responding to emails and phone calls, performing electrical calculations, writing letters and mentoring our junior electrical engineers and designers. We have a great electrical team here at NC.
WHAT CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU THINK ARE NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR ROLE?
I think several attributes are really important to this role: attention to detail, listening, communicating, critical thinking and a high standard of ethics.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR TIME OUTSIDE OF WORK?
I’m a history buff and enjoy haunting around the Gettysburg Battlefield. I also enjoy model railroading and building models.
I’m also a huge baseball fan, both MLB and Minor League, and I have a part time gig as a Ticket Scanner with the Harrisburg Senators. I’ve met some of the players, but with my position I typically get to meet and chat with the families of the players.
And, once in a while, an MLB scout.
TELL US A FUN OR SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOU!
Fun fact: My wife and I were high school sweethearts and have been married for 37 years. She’s a saint.
Surprising fact: In the 1990s I had a position that required overseas travel to our Embassies around the globe. I’ve been to 32 countries.