Our newest Senior Structural Engineer, Eugene Ungermann, brings a versatile background that significantly enhances our engineering team and its projects.
We asked him some questions about his unique career path, management philosophies, and his opinion on structural engineering topics.
Here’s his perspective.
How did your career path lead you from sales, marketing, and real estate into structural engineering?
Eugene took a winding path back to structural engineering. He started his career at a firm in Los Angeles, working his way up to project manager before stepping away to explore new challenges in real estate and insurance.
Years later, he found his way back into the structural engineering industry by working in business development and then eventually returning to hands-on engineering and team leadership.
That mix of technical experience and people skills is something he brings to the table every day in his current role.
Is there a lesson you learned in a completely different field that surprisingly applies to engineering work today?
Eugene’s background in real estate, insurance, and marketing has provided him with a unique perspective that he brings to the engineering work he does today.
He learned how to think in terms of the bigger picture and align structural solutions with a client’s broader goals during his time working in real estate development. Working with developers and building owners in a different way beyond structural engineering has given him specific insight into cost, constructability, and budgeting that benefits the clients he works with at Pinnacle Engineering.
His experience in the insurance industry contributed to his approach to leading teams, emphasizing the importance of clear goals, support, and shared success.
During his time working in business development and marketing, he recognized the importance of strong client relationships.
“People want to feel like they’re more than just a number,” he says. “When you invest in those relationships, the work becomes that much more rewarding.”
What types of projects do you enjoy most as a senior structural engineer? Why do you enjoy them? Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on?
Eugene enjoys the early phases of a project, where he can help shape the structural vision and concept. He enjoys working closely with architects to bring their ideas to life while finding creative and cost-effective structural solutions.
He also enjoys helping contractors problem-solve and bringing practical insights to the table.
“I can usually picture how a building should come together before the drawings are even finalized,” he says.
Eugene shared an example of a project that involved advising a client to shift a planned loading dock away from an existing building. Although his initial suggestion was met with hesitation, his structural expertise ultimately saved the client from excavation and underpinning work costs. It led to a smoother overall construction process.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of your job, and how do you approach problem-solving in your projects?
One of the more challenging parts of his role is keeping up with the technological changes in structural engineering.
Eugene leverages the strengths of his team, particularly younger engineers who are more experienced with the latest tools and modeling software.
As a manager, he is focused on collaboration and asking the right questions to guide the structural design process.
He is inspired by high-rise buildings that incorporate a variety of materials, such as concrete, wood, and masonry. There’s something about the scale and complexity of those structures that continues to motivate and challenge him as an engineer.
Is there a philosophy or mindset you try to bring to every project or team you’re a part of?
Eugene brings a mindset of exceeding expectations to every project he leads.
For him, it’s not just about meeting the scope. It’s about delivering thoughtful solutions that go beyond what the client initially asked for.
He’s especially passionate about helping clients understand things they may not even know to consider, drawing on his experience to add real value.
Whether it’s catching a small change that saves significant costs or thinking a few steps ahead to avoid future issues, Eugene believes sound engineering is forward-thinking.
One example he shared was advising a client to shift an AC unit just four feet on the roof. This adjustment ultimately saved time and material.
“I don’t want just to be an order taker,” he says. “I want to help our clients look good to their clients, too.”
Do you have any structural engineering or design inspirations, books, or resources that have been helpful to you in your career?
When it comes to staying up to date in all things structural engineering, Eugene is always looking for new ways to learn.
He regularly explores online courses, industry publications, and conferences to see how other structural engineers are approaching their work in new ways.
Lately, he has been exploring how AI tools like ChatGPT can support the work.
From making technical reports more readable to researching code requirements across different jurisdictions, AI has become a helpful part of his toolkit, especially with Pinnacle’s projects spanning multiple states, cities, and code requirements.
If you could design any structure anywhere in the world, what would it be? Is there a particular structure that’s always inspired you?
If Eugene could design any structure in the world, it would be a massive timber-frame resort tucked away in the mountains. As someone who loves skiing and spending time in the mountains, combining that setting with wood construction would be a dream project for him.
What is the workplace culture like at Pinnacle Engineering so far? What drew you to work at PEI?
“The culture at Pinnacle Engineering is genuinely collaborative.”
Eugene was drawn to the firm’s commitment to professional development, its supportive team environment, and its drive for innovation.
About Pinnacle Engineering
Pinnacle Engineering’s wide-ranging expertise, commitment to challenging the norm in structural engineering, and supportive workplace culture ensure that team members reach their full potential. We are always looking for passionate and qualified structural engineers.
If you’re interested in a career at Pinnacle Engineering, submit your resume here.
