Staff Spotlight: Xiaolin Yang, EIT

We are excited to welcome Xiaolin to our Monrovia team! As an engineer-in-training specializing in structural engineering, Xiaolin brings a strong academic background and hands-on experience to our projects.

What inspired you to pursue a career in structural engineering?

Growing up in China, I saw my city change every year as new skyscrapers shot up all around. Seeing all those high-rise buildings go up made me want to understand how they were built and led me to structural engineering. I’ve always been good at math and science, so pursuing an engineering degree felt like a natural fit for me.

Can you tell us about a challenging project you’ve worked on and how you overcame the obstacles?

Every project has its challenges. I tackle them by breaking tasks into smaller steps and prioritizing the most important ones first. This approach helps me manage complexity and keep projects on track.

What do you enjoy most about working at Civiltec?

The 80/9 schedule is awesome, it gives me the flexibility to maintain a better work/life balance. I also really enjoy the variety of activities Civiltec offers, like having lunch together or participating in the Mario-Tennis tournament. These events help me connect with my colleagues and, most importantly, they provide a great way to relieve stress.

How has your experience at USC shaped your approach to engineering?

At USC, I met a lot of great professors and mentors who provided invaluable advice for both my academic and professional career. Their guidance has significantly influenced my approach and development as an engineer.

What skills do you think are essential for success in the structural engineering field?

Solid engineering knowledge, strong work ethic, and effective communication.

Can you share a memorable moment or accomplishment from your time in the industry so far?

The Airport Metro Connector at LAX was my first project after graduating at my previous job. It was rewarding to see my designs being built and having a meaningful impact on the community and city.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in structural engineering? Have you recently shared anything that you would like to share? 

I follow industry news on LinkedIn. Recently, I came across some exciting research on self-healing concrete led by one of my professors at USC. This new material is more affordable than other types of self-healing concrete. Hopefully, we’ll see it being used in real construction projects soon.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in engineering?

Work hard and ask more questions.

How do your hobbies, like Lego building, influence your work as an engineer? What recent builds have you completed?

I haven’t had time for Lego building recently, but I’m excited to get the NASA Artemis Space Launch System set next. Lego building really sharpens my focus and attention to detail, which are crucial in my engineering work.

What are your professional goals for the next few years, and how do you plan to achieve them?

I plan to involve myself in more projects and work hard to enhance my engineering skills.