Engineering Career Milestone

McLaren Engineers Pass PE Exam
2023

Elena Helvajian

Entertainment Engineer

PE Civil Exam – Structural

A graduate of Purdue University, Elena is an entertainment engineer focused on mechanical and structural analysis for some of the coolest projects in the industry, from theme parks to theaters and beyond.

“I have always been passionate about theatre and inspired by the love and hard work that goes into every production, every piece of art, and every event. The entertainment industry can be fast-paced and stressful, but most of that work comes directly from the heart! At McLaren, I get to develop technical solutions to structural problems while still aiming to preserve each work’s unique artistic integrity.”

Bryan Check

Civil Engineer

PE Civil Exam

Analytically skilled and a creative problem-solver, Bryan specializes in site/civil solutions aimed at improving communities in and around NYC. From stormwater management solutions to site development, utilities engineering, and municipal work, he has been an integral part of impactful projects at the New York Botanical Garden, a series of Bronx community parks projects, and multiple New York libraries.

“I really enjoy working on projects that bring joy to the community and enrich the places where people will create lasting memories. As a civil engineer, our work isn’t usually the first thing you notice but it quietly serves to shape a safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing built environment. I’m most passionate about developing stormwater design, hydrology, and site layout solutions.”

Brandon Vecere

Civil Engineer

PE Civil Exam – Water Resources + Environmental

A graduate of Rowan University with BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Brandon joined McLaren as a civil engineer providing innovative solutions spanning site planning, layout, design, and inspections ranging from large infrastructure projects to private site development.

Specializing in stormwater management, Brendon is passionate about engineering resiliency to mitigate the effects of climate change.

“Climate change impacts stormwater runoff and, as engineers, we need to account for the future in the way we design and develop flood control measures. As we see the frequency, duration, and magnitude of future weather events increase, it is exciting to be part of a team ensuring stormwater designs will continue to protect water quality, local habitats, and our communities for years to come.”

Taylor Zimmerman

Marine + Coastal Engineer

PE Civil Exam – Water Resources and Environmental in New Jersey

A graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology, Taylor is a marine and coastal engineer focused on the impact that severe weather events have on coastal communities and structures. Their experience consists of shoreline stabilization studies, coastal analysis, design, and inspection, and Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and bathymetric surveys. As an FAA certified UAS pilot, Taylor has been at the forefront of McLaren’s use of drones to increase efficiency of data collection, and provide results which are more detailed and extensive.

“I like being in the field and collecting data! It’s cool to create 3D models and be able to recreate exactly what is onsite digitally! It makes the design and rehabilitation process easier, because you can clearly see everything onsite without any ambiguity.”

Nick Pellegrino

Marine Engineer

PE Civil Exam – Construction in New Jersey

A graduate of The College of NJ – School of Engineering with BS in Civil Engineering, Nick is a Staff Engineer in McLaren’s marine division. He spends most of his time in inspection and design of waterfront structures and construction, he is looking forward to one-day managing both inspection and construction projects.

“Our waterfront and waterway infrastructure, such as piers, bridges, bulkheads and culverts are subject to highly advanced measures of structural deterioration. Inspection of these structures helps us analyze structural conditions to best guide the development of designs and countermeasures that can keep these vital structures solid and stable for safe public use. Being part of a team that is involved in the full-lifecycle engineering of marine structures – from new construction to inspection, rehabilitation and beyond – I can support our clients with thorough understanding and unique insights into their project needs.”

Ethan Wells

Construction Engineer

PE Structural Exam in New Jersey

A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a BS in Civil Engineering, Ethan specializes in providing clients with specialty value engineering construction services such as delegated connection and misc. metals designs, temporary and permanent shoring solutions, structural inspections, peer reviews, crane and rigging designs, erection sequencing logistics, and steel detailing services.

“Providing construction support services during building erection is an integral, and often overlooked, aspect of structural engineering. The ability to quickly and easily fabricate, assemble, and install a building’s or bridge’s structural system is critical to the success of any project. By assisting with design during construction phase services, we can cut down on project budgets and schedules while simultaneously providing our clients with a final product better tailored to their preferences. Having the ability to work one-on-one with contractors, fabricators, and erectors regarding the logistics of building construction provides great insight into the construction process. As engineers, it is our job to provide a final product that, while satisfying the building’s structural and architectural requirements, can also be built in a safe and efficient manner. It’s important to understand that a design is only as good as the team executing it and it takes everyone to make a project successful.”

2023 McLaren Award

Ethan is also the winner of McLaren's 2023 Client Hero Award, honoring him for his dedication to fostering lasting client relationships and delivering unparalleled customer service!"

Tim Yakaboski

Civil Engineer

PE Civil Exam in New York

A skilled civil engineer with a Bachelors of Civil Engineering from University of Delaware, Tim is making a significant impact on communities across NYC and the Northeast by specializing in the implementation of innovative green infrastructure site planning practices to address the impacts of flooding and stormwater runoff pollution. During his time at McLaren, he has tackled a wide array of civil engineering projects, ranging from site plan development to utility layout design and coordination, and has a great deal of experience with the design of parks, green spaces, and hardscapes across the City. Tim specializes in grading, drainage, and soil erosion and sediment control design, and is instrumental to crafting Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) that are integral to creating a more sustainable and resilient future.

“Civil engineering in New York City has its challenges, especially with the implementation of the Unified Stormwater Rule that was just published in recent years. In the face of climate change, these challenges are amplified, making our work as engineers even more critical. I am focused on helping mitigate these issues, protecting our communities, and enhancing water quality to building a more resilient and sustainable future for NYC.” – Tim

Patrick Ruddick

Marine and Coastal Project Engineer

In his role as a Marine and Coastal Project Engineer, Pat’s passion lies in leveraging his technical skills to make a tangible impact on waterways and marine infrastructure. Specializing in waterfront inspections, marine infrastructure rehabilitation, and marine construction management, his experience spans across the nation. Pat’s most notable projects include Lake Erie Ice boom Anchor surveys, work on the rehabilitation of the Laurel Hill Bulkhead, and NYC Transit Maritime Structure Underwater Inspections, where he had the opportunity to dive inspect all subway bridges and causeways in his hometown of Broad Channel.

Having received a BS in Civil Engineering from Manhattan College, Pat’s career trajectory has seen him hone his expertise in waterfront inspection and waterfront infrastructure design, helping to shape communities.

“My tenure at McLaren has exposed me how reliant our society is on our waterways, the surrounding land and its associated infrastructure. Whether it be for trans-oceanic shipping, commuting, protection from severe weather, or simply for recreation, our oceans, bays, beaches, rivers, and ports play an extremely active role in our everyday lives. To be able to apply my technical skills set, collaborate and be mentored by a team of expert professionals and see a tangible impact on our waterways has been extremely fulfilling. I’m really proud to be taking this next step into my career and really look forward to continuing to contribute to the McLaren Marine Division.” – Patrick

McLaren Engineers Pass PE Exam 2023

Elena Helvajian

Entertainment Engineer

Bryan Check

Civil Engineer

Brandon Vecere

Civil Engineer

Taylor Zimmerman

Marine + Coastal Engineer

Nick Pellegrino

Marine Engineer

Ethan Wells

Construction Engineer

Tim Yakaboski

Civil Engineer

Patrick Ruddick

Marine and Coastal Project Engineer

McLaren Engineers Pass PE Exam
2023