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Name 
David K. Mitchell, P.E.

State of Residence 
Maryland

Type of PE and State(s) Licensed
Civil Engineering. Licensed in Maryland and Virginia. 

College(s) and Major(s)/Minor(s)
Brigham Young University 
Civil and Environmental Engineering  

Current Employer 
Charles P. Johnson & Associates, Inc 

Current Job Title 
Sr. Civil Engineer

Why did you choose engineering? 
I attended the Academy for Math, Engineering, and Science (AMES) for high school in Salt Lake City, Utah. AMES is a public charter high school partnership with the University of Utah. As part of that program, I got involved in the state engineering design competition that connected high school students with engineers in private practice to design something (a castle, a rocket, a bridge, etc.) out of school supplies. These designs would then be put on public display at the Utah state capital building for Engineers Week. After the event, the school supplies were donated to local schools. I like helping people and this event perked up my interest in civil engineering.

What’s the most fulfilling part of your career? 
Being able to design spaces for the public to live, work, and recreate in. It’s also amazing to take my children through a development that I personally designed. The “Wow Dad, you designed this?” question from my kids is amazing.

What advice would you give to anyone considering becoming a PE?  
It is important to always remember that an engineer’s first and foremost client is always the general public. The end user, their safety, and interaction with the design is essential.  

What career or leadership advice would you give to a recent engineering graduate? And to younger PEs? 
Know how to critically think and defend your answers and choices. In engineering, there is seldom one correct answer. Learn what the numbers are telling you and act accordingly.

If you could ask your PE peers to help you with one thing, what would that be? 
Help me defend the values and integrity of the term engineer. It is a prestigious honor. I recently visited a sandwich shop, and they called their sandwich makers “sandwich engineers.” While I laughed at the time at the play on words, I ultimately felt it mocked the professionalism and high standards a professional engineer must aspire to. Help in honoring the meaning of the term “engineer” would be most appreciated.

Why did you join NSPE? 
I wanted to participate in an engineering society that stood for something more than an occasional hangout event.

What do you enjoy the most about being an NSPE member? 
I am a member of the Maryland Society of Professional Engineers Board of Directors. I enjoy being able to advance the engineering profession in Maryland by helping to train the next generation of engineers and uphold the high standards of what it means to be an engineer.

Planning to attend NSPECon26 in New York City August 5-7 this year? 
I am seriously considering attending.

Hobbies 
I enjoy building with LEGO with my kids and visiting national parks.

What are some interesting or fun facts about you? 
I am an orphan. I lost both of my parents by the time I was nine. I grew up with my mom’s younger sister as one of her own. I am also a big fan of watching cartoons with my kids.