Q&A with Civil Engineer: Meet Dheyvi Hernandez, Structural Department Reliability Technician

Nov 9, 2023 | Inside BE - Our Culture | 0 comments

Brindley Engineering: Meet Dheyvi Hernandez, Structural Department Reliability Technician

Brindley Engineering is known for its commitment to fostering personal and professional career growth. Not all engineers are born engineers and we strive to educate the benefits of a career in engineering whether by traditional route or by finding an experience with an engineering firm in an unexpected way. A career in engineering can take shape in many ways. You may have read our 3-part series on Fascinating Careers: From the Military to Engineering [part 1, part 2, part 3]. Or perhaps you read our Women in Engineering series: A Career Worth Pursuing. Whatever your path is, Brindley Engineering looks for people who are passionate about what they do, are great team players, and want to be surrounded by big-picture thinkers. It’s what makes Brindley Engineering a Great Places to Work certified company! We hire across many disciplines and positions including structural engineers, QA engineers, structural technicians, reliability engineers and more.

Today we will introduce you to Dheyvi Hernandez, a Venezuela-born Civil Engineer who joined Brindley Engineering in 2022.

Q: Tell me about yourself. Did you go to college? Where did you grow up? What are some of your hobbies? 

A: My name is Dheyvi Hernandez, and I am originally from Venezuela. I have been living in the United States since 2018. Despite being physically separated from my two wonderful children, Ariana and Aaron, who reside in Venezuela, I cherish daily contact with them through technology. They serve as the driving force behind everything I do.

In 2003, I earned my Civil Engineering Degree from the University of Carabobo in the city of Valencia, Venezuela. Following my graduation, I worked as a Resident Engineer for two years at FAPCO, CA. Later, I had the privilege of serving for ten years at CORPOELEC, a prestigious national company, where I contributed my skills to the Simón Bolívar Hydroelectric Power Plant in Guri, Venezuela.

When I’m not engrossed in my professional pursuits, one of my favorite hobbies is creating crafts. I derive immense satisfaction from expressing my creativity and working meticulously with my hands. I’m highly detail-oriented and dedicated to my craft. Throughout the process of any project, I often find myself changing my mind countless times to ensure the best possible outcome.

Q: I heard you drove an Uber or Lyft? How did you get into that line of business?

A: I drove both Uber and Lyft. As an immigrant arriving in a new country, going through the process of adaptation and stabilization can be challenging. However, applications like Uber and Lyft proved to be invaluable in enabling economic activity during this transitional phase. Engaging in this line of work not only provided me with financial stability but also allowed me to immerse myself in the city of Chicago. Through driving for these platforms, I gained a profound understanding of the city, delving deep into its neighborhoods and intricacies. Moreover, the experience presented me with opportunities to enhance my English language skills, immerse myself in American culture, and sharpen my customer service abilities. These invaluable aspects of my ridesharing experience have contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth as I navigated my journey as an immigrant in a new land.

Q: What is your current role at BE? How did you find BE?

A: In my current role is Reliability Technician within the Brindley Engineering Structural Department, and I have found my professional home. As I embarked on my journey to advance my career in the United States, I actively pursued opportunities that aligned with my aspirations. It was through the invaluable assistance of a dear friend (Thank you, Thania) that I discovered the chance to interview at the esteemed Brindley Engineering Offices in Lisle, IL in 2022. This remarkable opportunity opened doors for me, allowing me to showcase my skills and expertise in pursuit of my career goals. I am grateful for the chance to contribute to the dynamic and innovative environment at Brindley Engineering, and I look forward to continued growth and success within the company.

Q: What skills are helpful for you to have in your engineering role? 

A: One skill that has been invaluable to my work at Brindley is my detail-oriented nature. As I carry out my responsibilities in the field, I remain vigilant, keenly observing even the smallest details or defects that could potentially impact the refinery’s structures. However, I firmly believe that being detail-oriented doesn’t imply losing sight of the bigger picture. In fact, it involves harmonizing a focus on details with a comprehensive understanding of how these smaller pieces intricately fit into the larger context. This unique skill set empowers me as a reliability technician to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and security of the systems I work with. By meticulously attending to every detail, I contribute to the overall improvement and success of the projects I undertake at Brindley.

Q: Any advice for job seekers on entering the engineering industry?

A: Never underestimate the power of your dreams. Dreams can shape your life and ignite greatness within you. My advice is simple: Believe in yourself, trust your abilities, and have unwavering confidence in what you can achieve. Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and improvement, and never let setbacks discourage you. Surround yourself with positive influences, those who believe in you and share your enthusiasm. Continuously learn, seeking knowledge and skills that align with your dreams. Remember to enjoy the journey, finding joy in each step, each victory, and each lesson learned. And above all, never give up. Your dreams have the potential to make a difference in your life and the world around you. So, keep dreaming, believing, and striving for greatness. The possibilities are limitless when you dare to chase your dreams.

“Never underestimate the power of your dreams. Dreams can shape your life and ignite greatness within you. My advice is simple: Believe in yourself, trust your abilities, and have unwavering confidence in what you can achieve. Embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and improvement, and never let setbacks discourage you.”- Dheyvi Hernandez, Structural Department Reliability Technician, Brindley Engineering

Q: What is it like to work at BE? What’s the culture like?

A: At Brindley, we cultivate a warm and inclusive family culture that embraces the value of everyone. We prioritize a supportive environment where everyone feels appreciated, encouraged, and united by shared values. By fostering strong connections among our employees, we create a positive work atmosphere that fuels success. We provide a workplace that enables personal and professional growth. Our unwavering focus on support, shared values, and active engagement paves the way for high employee satisfaction, unwavering loyalty, and enhanced productivity. Together, we build an exceptional community at Brindley, where individuals flourish both in their personal lives and careers.

“Together, we build an exceptional community at Brindley, where individuals flourish both in their personal lives and careers.” – Dheyvi Hernandez, Structural Department Reliability Technician, Brindley Engineering

Q: Can you describe the Brindley Engineering culture in 3 words?

A: Family, support, and professionalism.

Q: What is a fun fact about you? 

A: I can’t seem to leave my house without activating my GPS. It’s like my personal navigation companion, ensuring I never wander into the unknown or get lost in my own neighborhood.

But wait, there’s more! When it comes to giving gifts, I have a unique approach. I pour my heart and soul into each present, ensuring that the recipient knows it was thoughtfully conceived, meticulously designed, and specially crafted just for them. It brings me immeasurable joy to see their faces light up as they realize the thought and effort behind their one-of-a-kind gift.

Join the team today! We’re hiring structural engineers, QA engineers, structural technicians, reliability engineers and more.

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