Employee Spotlight

When Hayden first arrived at Austin Engineering as a surveying intern in 2019, engineering didn’t look anything like he expected.

“I was outside swinging a hammer, walking through the woods, getting muddy,” he laughs. “At first I thought, ‘What does this have to do with engineering?'”

Fast forward several years, and Hayden has become one of Austin Engineering’s licensed Professional Engineers, working on everything from stormwater management and drainage analysis to permitting, surveying and large-scale solar developments. If you ask him what his official role is, though, his answer is refreshingly simple.

“I pretty much do anything I’m told to do.”

That willingness to jump into new challenges has become one of Hayden’s greatest strengths. Rather than settling into a single specialty, he’s intentionally continued expanding his skill set. After recently earning his Professional Engineer (PE) license, he’s already working toward becoming a licensed Professional Land Surveyor so he can continue contributing on both sides of the business.

“I like learning,” he says. “Surveying gives me the opportunity to be outdoors, while engineering lets me solve problems in the office. I don’t want to be pinned down to just one thing.”

Finding the Right Fit

Hayden’s path wasn’t exactly traditional.

Originally studying mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois, he envisioned a career that would largely revolve around computer modeling and design. After interning with Austin Engineering, however, he discovered something he hadn’t expected.

“I liked being able to get outside and actually see what I was working on.”

That combination of field experience and engineering design ultimately pulled him toward civil engineering, where every project presents a different puzzle to solve.

Today, much of his work focuses on stormwater management, permitting, drainage analysis and helping clients navigate the detailed engineering required to move projects from concept to construction.

“Everything I do is about getting a project permitted so it can be built. Sometimes that’s drainage calculations. Sometimes it’s site design. Every project is different.”

Learning Through Every Project

Ask Hayden which project he’s most proud of, and he doesn’t point to the biggest or most high-profile job.

Instead, he talks about the projects that marked turning points in his own growth.

“I’m only about five years into engineering,” he says. “When you work with someone who’s been doing this for 35 years, you realize you’re still learning.”

Each project represents another opportunity to build experience, develop confidence and tackle increasingly complex challenges.

One project that stands out is the Dunkin’ Donuts development in Chillicothe—a site Hayden managed from beginning to end.

Growing up in Chillicothe, he remembers when the property housed an old Pizza Hut. Now, every time he drives through the Dunkin’ drive-thru, he can’t help but notice the engineering details.

“I’ll look at the pavement and think, ‘I did that wrong,'” he jokes.

It’s a reminder that engineering isn’t just about calculations. It’s about creating places people use every day.

Other memorable projects have included drone surveying for large solar developments, stormwater analysis for renewable energy sites, downtown redevelopment work and solving complicated site challenges where creative engineering solutions helped clients overcome unexpected obstacles.

Solving Problems That Don’t Have One Right Answer

One of Hayden’s favorite parts of engineering is that there rarely is a perfect answer.

“The biggest challenge is defining the problem,” he explains. “Every site is different.”

Clients often come in with a vision, but every property has unique conditions, regulations and budget considerations that shape the final solution.

“You can design something that’s technically perfect,” he says, “but if it doesn’t accomplish the client’s goals, then it isn’t the right solution.”

That balance between technical excellence and practical problem solving is what keeps every day interesting.

A Culture That Encourages Growth

Hayden credits much of his development to Austin Engineering’s collaborative environment.

Because the company is smaller, employees have opportunities to explore different disciplines, ask questions and gain experience beyond a single specialty.

“If I want to try something new, I can tell leadership I’d like more experience in that area.”

Just as important is the people.

“We all wear a lot of different hats, and everybody is willing to help each other. You can ask anyone a question, and they’ll give you an honest answer.”

That openness has helped accelerate Hayden’s learning while creating an environment where continuous improvement is encouraged.

Advice for Future Engineers

After earning his engineering license, Hayden has one piece of advice for anyone entering the profession.

“Drop your ego.”

While engineering school provides the technical foundation, he believes experience—and learning from others—is what truly develops great engineers.

“I’ve learned so much from people who’ve been doing this for 40 years. You have to go in humble, because that’s how you keep learning.”

Life Outside the Office

When he’s not solving engineering problems, Hayden stays busy with his growing family.

He’s the father of two young children—a daughter and a son—who, by his own admission, keep him on his toes.

“I’m basically getting payback for what I put my parents through,” he laughs.

He also enjoys woodworking, playing guitar, investing and personal finance. Growing up, he loved drawing landscapes, painting and spending as much time outdoors as possible—interests that, looking back, seem to naturally connect with the career he eventually found.

And if he could have any superpower?

“Hearing people’s thoughts,” he says. “But only if I could turn it off.”

Given his curiosity and love of understanding how things work, that answer somehow feels perfectly fitting.