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 means of its Core Competency Coaching Program after incomes a civil engineering diploma from College of California-Irvine, working his manner up from discipline 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 tasks. 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 trade till I met Skanska managers at a job honest, 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 trade and about truly doing these tasks. 

I joined Skanska’s Core Competency coaching program, a two-year program for brand new graduates. Each 4 months you’ll rotate to a distinct a part of the corporate—price controls, discipline 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 point out what [that department] is about, whereas leaving you wanting extra.

Which had been your favourite rotations?

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

What had been some challenges?

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

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

To be trustworthy, it was arduous to inform who was Traylor Brothers, Shea or Skanska. A few of my greatest pals 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] folks mover mission. I am simply studying about it. The folks 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 might have for folks getting into the trade?

Be curious. As a younger engineer, should you come into the trade, you is likely to be intimidated. There are a number of members of older generations—discuss to them. You be taught quite a bit. See how they do issues. Take that data and use it as we progress in our careers. It is a rewarding job. Demanding for certain, however undoubtedly value it.