A modelling and simulation engineer for Boeing Ground-based Midcourse Defense, or GMD, Weiskircher mostly deals in a world that’s conceptual, using a modelling system to simulate and predict how a customer request will perform in a real-world scenario.

“I work in hypotheticals, so it’s easy to suffer from analysis paralysis,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, we analyse every detail, but at some point, you have to get creative, trust your analysis and move forward.”

Forward momentum is central to who Weiskircher is. But despite his decisive nature, he struggled to choose a career path out of college.

“I was afraid of getting stuck. I feared signing my life away at a job that lacked creativity. When I got the offer at Boeing, I saw so many paths forward, I knew I would never get bored.”

Creativity — and the ability to exercise it — played an important role in his decision.

“Not many people think of engineers as creatives. I get that,” Weiskircher said, laughing. “But no matter how out-of-the-box the idea, it’s often up to an engineer to explore if it’s possible. I am always willing to believe it is.”

Creativity in motion

In the summer of 2016, that mindset proved to be the right approach when Weiskircher, after recently completing his undergraduate studies, decided to push himself creatively.

He heard about a competition where student and non-student teams compete to design — and for some, build — a hyperloop pod that travels through a depressurized tube, ultimately achieving high-speed travel.

Never one to back down from a challenge, he decided to put a team together and compete.

“We threw around some whacky ideas. We could have stayed in the exploration phase forever, but eventually, we used our knowledge to make a call.”

They pitched their idea for a pod that uses a magnetic levitation system, allowing it to float above the track at all speeds, up to 300 mph (483 kph). This novel idea earned them a place in the next phase of the competition, building the prototype.

In front of local media and an excited crowd at University of Illinois, Weiskircher’s alma mater, they demoed their hyperloop pod as it levitated above the track.

Though Weiskircher’s time on the team ended before the competition’s next phase, the experience reinforced his perspective that even the most out-of-the-box idea is worth pursuing.

Honing his craft to meet customer needs

Today, Weiskircher uses this same approach in his daily work.

“When a customer request comes in, I still get to exercise that creative muscle by exploring what’s possible and then making a recommendation based on that exploration,” he said.

In just four years at Boeing, he has already worked on space launch systems, satellites and presentations for lawmakers.

“To be this young in my career and help decision makers make decisions — that’s more than I’d hoped for,” he said.

In and outside of work, Weiskircher keeps moving forward. In March of 2022, he competed in another competition, sailing 341 miles (549 kilometres) in the span of seven days. Starting the journey with 91 other teams, only 31 made it to the finish. Weiskircher and his partner were among them.

Their first time competing in the grueling competition, they earned 12th place overall and third in their class.

“I will always push myself personally and professionally. Sailing, riding motorcycles, flying — it all helps me keep the creative edge that’s critical to meeting and exceeding customer expectations.”

Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News