In November 2020, Eavin Kunnamkudath, an engineer in our Substation & Transmission Design Department, was granted his Professional Engineer License from the Texas Board of Professional Engineers & Land Surveyors! Eavin graciously agreed to a little Q&A to share his personal and professional interests. Read on to learn a little more about Eavin…
What’s your name and job title?
Eavin Antony Kunnamkudath, Professional Engineer (P.E.)
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in UAE, but I am Indian by origin and nationality. I moved to the US in 2015 and ever since, I have been living the “American dream.”
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I have my Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from NIT Warangal, India, and my Masters in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M, College Station.
How long have you been working at MEI?
I have been working with MEI since the summer of ‘17 when I came in as an intern and later joined full-time after I graduated.
What sort of work do you do?
A lot of my work comprises substation electrical design and some distribution line coordination design. This includes developing plans and profiles of site layouts, AC/DC schematics, electrical control houses, relay panels and settings, testing and commissioning support, and SCADA design. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on multiple arc-flash, short circuit, harmonic analysis, and grounding studies while working with MEI clients.
What does your typical day look like?
I start my day at work with two packets of sugar and a whole cup of black coffee. Caffeine does nothing really for me. I just like the taste of sugary black coffee. Then, I sort through emails and prioritize tasks for the day. Usually, that may involve responding to emails or making calls to vendors and/or other consultants.
Similar to most engineers, I have at least three different colored pens handy at all times. Like Bil would say, “We just draw squiggly lines on paper and get them drawn on CAD or added into a report.” I try to do an informal “meet and greet” with everyone on my team on a daily basis so that it helps me know what everyone’s workload is and if there are ways that I can help or be helped when needed. It’d be difficult to describe a typical work day when it comes to the work since it may range anything from redlining drawings, running various studies on software, writing reports, attending meetings, etc. No two days look the same for me.
What do you like the most about your job?
I love that my job is challenging. Being in consulting gives you opportunities to work with multiple clients with different needs and various projects. This definitely broadens my understanding of the power industry while pushing me to learn new skills and stay up to date with technology.
What’s your favorite thing about MEI?
Work culture – I love that I can walk into anyone’s office if I need some clarification without thinking twice and not worrying about someone pulling rank. I also appreciate that most work that we do is team-based and no single individual is burdened with limitless tasks. MEI is not a sweatshop but you can be assured that projects get done in a timely manner because of the mutual support from peers in your team.
Do you have any hobbies outside of work?
I love traveling and planning trips. I’m about 40% done with my mission to visit all 50 States. I also enjoy making covers of songs and have recently picked up a craze for spelunking.
Any other fun facts you care to share about yourself?
I have fallen from 14,000 ft and did so willingly. And if you were wondering how I was strapped to someone else with a parachute on a plane. He said we would jump on the count of 3. He lied.
Last question… Is there anyone that has mentored you throughout your career?
I have learned so much from my substation team at MEI but particularly Sean. My steep learning curve was powered by the wealth of knowledge and experience that he possesses. He has taught me most of what I know today about the power industry, working with multiple software, and dealing with clients. Additionally, he has always been supportive and patient even when you make mistakes or need assistance. Some day when I begin to mentor others, I’d like to be able to do what he does.
Published February 1, 2021