Systems in Motion: A Day in the Life of a Mechanical Engineer

By: Nicole Pool, Marketing Intern

Behind every high-performing building is an engineer who makes it all work precisely and with intention. At Tec Inc. Engineering & Design, Mike Ferrante, a mechanical engineer with eight years of experience, plays a key role on the team. He demonstrates sharp thinking and a deep commitment to the mechanical side of engineering. Mike can navigate design, coordination, mentorship, and visit sites with the rhythm of each project.

Legends Aviation Museum, Lost Nation Airport, Willoughby, Ohio

I shadowed Mike on a project job site: Legends Aviation Museum's new building located at 1731 Lost Nation Road in Willoughby, Ohio. It allowed me to see engineering in action. From developing drawings at his desk to confirming proper installation in the field, Mike demonstrated the consistency and critical thinking that keep projects running smoothly and leave clients continually impressed with his work.

The Rhythm of the Project Manager's Workday

Mike prefers to tackle his day by answering emails first thing in the morning, then preparing submittals, and coordinating tasks. “When you’re busy, you have a flow,” he explains. This early morning routine helps him set the tone for the rest of his day. Whether it’s time to plan for deliverables or review submittals from contractors, he structures his mornings to think ahead before diving into hands-on or collaborative work.

Mike states that his weeks are never quite the same. “It’s never typical,” he says when I ask him to describe his routine. One day might include hours of precise design work in AutoCAD or Revit, while the next could potentially include site visits, meetings, or desk work. Mike spends most of his time overseeing projects, collaborating with team members, and ensuring that deliverables are on track. He estimates that about 75% of his time is spent at his desk, with the remaining 25% is spent in the field.

From Mike's perspective, working at Tec means embracing the variety. “We don’t often turn down work,” he explained. From working with healthcare facilities to industrial plants, Tec takes on a variety of markets, keeping us productive. The company's versatility makes Mike and many of our engineers nimble, adapting quickly to different tasks. Mike structures his entire week around critical deadlines and stays light-footed while keeping an eye on future projects.

Pencils, Pipes, and Precision

Mike’s work tools blend digital and traditional. His core software capabilities include AutoCAD, Revit, Outlook, and Excel. Each of these plays a role in everything from calculations to coordination. But when it comes to communication, Mike is mindful. He is a strong believer in printing out drawings and marking them up by hand. “Nothing beats a pen or pencil,” he says, “It’s consistent and reliable.”

Historic aircraft displayed at Legends Aviation Museum, Willoughby, Ohio.

Attention to detail is what makes Mike’s work efficient. I observed this firsthand during our visit to Legends Hangar. Mike personally designed and drew all the HVAC and plumbing systems for the building, including: heating, ventilation, air conditioning, boiler systems, natural gas, as well as hot and cold water distribution. As we walked through the site together, he pointed out system layouts and verified installations based on his designs. From equipment placement to pressure zones, every decision was intentional and designed to make the most of every space.

Above all, Mike took the time to double-check every detail. He compared installed systems to his layout drawings and walked through each room to ensure proper functionality. “You can’t rely on others for that information,” he told me. “You have to see it yourself. You don’t want to waste time, and most importantly, you want the owner to be happy.”

Solving in the Field, Leading with Purpose

Fieldwork, for Mike, isn’t just a part of the job; it’s a cornerstone of engineering. These are the issues you can’t solve from behind a screen. He recalled an experience with a malfunctioning boiler system, where faulty piping caused inefficiencies. The problem was identified and resolved after a physical walkthrough. “Sometimes just being there saves hours of troubleshooting,” he said. “You solve it faster, and you do it right.”

What drives Mike most is making a difference for the people on the receiving end. The work that feels most meaningful to him? Projects that give back to the community, especially those who’ve experienced hardship or bad luck with past situations. “I go out of my way for those,” he told me, and it’s clear he means it. Whether he takes the time to adjust his schedule, solve urgent issues, or mentor the next generation of engineers, Mike leaves a lasting impact on everyone he works with.

Lessons Learned and Advice Given

Mike’s approach to engineering is thoughtful and efficient, shaped by experience and a grounded perspective. His most reliable piece of advice? “Write it down. Don’t rely on yourself to remember everything.” This habit has helped him stay organized, accountable, and focused across countless projects.

If Mike could offer a message to his younger self, it would be: “Don’t be afraid. It can be daunting.” Now, eight years into his career, he demonstrates his advice. Mike pushed through uncertainty with a steady commitment to high-quality mechanical work.

From our conversations to our walkthrough of Legends Hangar, it became evident that Mike Ferrante doesn’t just design; he engineers environments that function and endure. His grounded approach to mechanical engineering exemplifies what successful engineering looks like at Tec when the team builds together intentionally and with purpose.