Ten Minutes With Victor Hernandez—Young Engineer Molds His Career on Major LA Projects

Victor Hernandez is an assistant mission supervisor for Skanska with over a decade of expertise in civil development. He started his profession by way of its Core Competency Coaching Program after incomes a civil engineering diploma from College of California-Irvine, working his means up from area engineer to his present position on the estimated $9.5-billion Westside Purple Line [rail] Extension (now known as the D Line) in Los Angeles, as a part of the contractor’s three way partnership with Shea and Traylor Brothers. Hernandez has managed development operations throughout a number of underground stations, together with Fairfax, La Brea and La Cienega—a part of one of many metropolis’s most geologically complicated transit initiatives. His technical experience consists of deep excavations and shoring techniques, heavy concrete development, MEP, techniques build-out, architectural finishes and civil restoration. This interview with Aileen Cho, ENR deputy editor for infrastructure, was edited for readability.

ENR: What’s your origin story?

Hernandez: I didn’t know an excessive amount of in regards to the business till I met Skanska managers at a job truthful, the place it was displaying off its MetLife Stadium development mission. I like soccer!

Victor Hernandez

They promoted themselves very well. I in all probability would have joined a design agency in any other case. However [Skanska] was speaking in regards to the development business and about truly doing these initiatives. 

I joined Skanska’s Core Competency coaching program, a two-year program for brand new graduates. Each 4 months you’d rotate to a unique a part of the corporate—price controls, area engineering, security. You get to see each division. I labored on the LA Metro Regional Connector, after which on Purple Line in its estimating workplace. There, Skanska had its personal design group focusing simply on falsework for concrete and supporting excavation. 4 months is simply lengthy sufficient to indicate what [that department] is about, whereas leaving you wanting extra.

Which have been your favourite rotations?

The sphere aspect appealed to me. Discipline engineering and assistant superintendent—these have been my favorites. I like being out within the area, seeing day-to-day operations. I’m a hands-on individual. I must see it, really feel it. I began as a area engineer for the Purple Line. Over time, I grew to become a  mission engineer managing development of three stations.

What have been some challenges?

We have been proper subsequent to the [La Brea] tar pits. Fairfax Station is the place I first began working as a area engineer. It had essentially the most tar-impacted soils. It was fairly insane, the stuff we took out of there. Crane mats, every kind of issues [were used] to make the bottom secure sufficient. The scent was loopy. Each time I went again to the workplace, individuals may scent me earlier than they may see me. 

What was it like engaged on a three way partnership with different contractors?

To be sincere, it was exhausting to inform who was Traylor Brothers, Shea or Skanska. A few of my finest mates are from [Traylor and Shea]. One was my roommate for a pair years after. 

Now that the Purple Line mission has completed, what are you engaged on now?

I transferred to the [Los Angeles International Airport] individuals mover mission. I am simply studying about it. The individuals mover was in preconstruction for about two years and is scheduled to be a five-year job. 

You don’t really feel ten years go by. The entire time, it has been an thrilling studying expertise. Each couple of years, the job modified—excavation, heavy concrete, then buildout of rooms, electrical and pulling cables. I used to be studying one thing new each [time].

What recommendation do you’ve got for individuals coming into the business?

Be curious. As a younger engineer, should you come into the business, you is likely to be intimidated. There are loads of members of older generations—speak to them. You study rather a lot. See how they do issues. Take that information and use it as we progress in our careers. It is a rewarding job. Demanding for certain, however positively price it.