Each year, NSPE presents the New Professional Engineer of the Year Award to a young engineer who has demonstrated a strong commitment to both the profession and the community at large.

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This year’s winner, Khalid Hachil, P.E., certainly meets the criteria. In addition to his impressive accomplishments as lead engineer at Stantec, Hachil founded his own company, Hachil Engineering, PLLC. He has served as an FE Electrical and Computer Engineering Exam Instructor with Kaplan - PPI2Pass, a role in which he has helped more than 600 students to pass the exam.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Farmingdale State College in 2016, Hachil worked for three years at H2M Architects and Engineers, ultimately becoming a lead engineer. In 2019, he earned his master’s degree with a concentration in control systems from the New York Institute of Technology. He became a licensed professional engineer in 2022 and currently maintains licenses in New York, Nevada, and Mississippi.

A Priority on Public Safety and Improving Lives

Hachil’s interest in engineering blossomed at an early age. A self-described "90s kid," he immersed himself from a young age in the rapidly advancing technologies of his childhood–computers, cell phones, flat screens, and streaming. As he matured, Hachil became increasingly curious about the underlying foundation of these emerging technologies—eletrical and computer engineering—and the fundamental role that these disciplines play in nearly all aspects of life in the modern world, everything from medicine to banking and trading to entertainment and broadcasting.

Hachil considers electrical engineering to be much more than just the backbone of societal advancement, he sees it as a fundamental human right. "Electrical engineering provides power," he says, "giving people the right to pursue an education and study past sunset. It powers wastewater treatment facilities, which provide sanitation and prevent disease. Access to electricity and the internet gives people the opportunity to change their lives. It affects every aspect of poverty reduction, infrastructure, stable government, and all forms of social or economic equality."

Hachil’s belief that the engineering profession holds a unique and elevated position in terms of its moral responsibility has driven his commitment to ethical practice and putting public safety first. "At any given moment, the infrastructure and systems we design are actively in operation, ensuring the safety and security of countless individuals," he says, "Consequently, unwavering ethical practice and the prioritization of public safety are not merely important; they are the absolute cornerstone of an engineer’s professional duty."

A Passion for Sustainable Design and Renewable Energy

Hachil brings these strong ethical convictions to the diverse array of projects on which he works at Stantec. His portfolio includes everything from commercial and high-rise buildings to railroad infrastructure, schools, distribution centers, emergency service buildings, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, wastewater districts, and pharmaceutical facilities. While he greatly appreciates the constant variation that keeps his job stimulating, challenging, and educational, Hachil says that his favorite types of projects are commercial and healthcare facilities, not only because of the intricacy, complexity, and levels of coordination they require but also because he finds the architecture and interior design on these projects to frequently be boundary-pushing and aesthetically beautiful. Among these, his favorite completed project has been the pediatric expansion for Stony Brook Hospital, which achieved LEED Silver certification.

The LEED certification should come as no surprise, given Hachil’s passion for sustainable design and renewable energy. He recognizes that professional engineers are uniquely positioned to serve as leaders in these areas, and that onus is often on them to be proactive in promoting their implementation in a manner that can help popularize and mainstream them across all sectors. "This involves clearly articulating [to clients] the comprehensive benefits of sustainable and resilient designs, which extend beyond immediate construction costs," he says. "We must emphasize the long-term resilience, reduced maintenance requirements, significant financial benefits, and enhanced marketability that such designs offer."

Hachil, adds, "While engineers rightly focus on the moral and environmental imperatives of sustainable and resilient design, we must also strategically address the cost implications and tangible return on investment. By demonstrating the financial advantages, we can more effectively persuade clients."

Further demonstrating his commitment to such efforts, Hachil is an active member of the Long Island Chapter of the US Green Building Council, in addition to his memberships in NSPE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the American Council of Engineering Companies.

A Cornerstone for Career Advancement

Hachil’s decision to join NSPE was driven largely by a desire to expand his professional horizons and cultivate new career opportunities. "The Society has provided unparalleled networking opportunities," he asserts. "Being able to connect with fellow engineers and the local, state, and national levels has opened doors to diverse perspectives and potential collaborations. These connections have offered me guidance, shared experiences, and a sense of community within the engineer world. NSPE has truly been a cornerstone for my career advancement and understanding of the broader engineering landscape."

Hachil is greatly appreciative of the wealth of resources available through participation in NSPE, including access to critical educational materials that have helped him stay current with evolving engineering standards and technologies as well as insights into the industry trends and legislative updates that continue to impact the engineering profession.

He is particularly effusive about the impact that his involvement with the Emerging Leaders Program had on his development. "This program provided not just structured leadership development but also vital mentorship from seasoned professionals," he says. "It offered a unique space to learn practical skills, understand industry best practices, and gain confidence in my leadership capabilities."

That confidence is well-founded. At this relatively early stage of his career, Hachil has already received numerous awards for his efforts, including the 2024 Healthcare Hero Award, the 2024 NYSSPE Young Engineer of the Year Award, the 2024 Long Island Business News Rising Star in Engineering Award, and the 2025 NYIT Ingenium Rising Star. He has also earned recognition from Schneps Media for his experience in sustainability and renewable energy designs.

A Meaningful Impact in Engineering

With such accolades on his resume, Hachil has much to offer aspiring engineers and young professionals just starting out in the field. And he does just that through various efforts, including promoting STEM education and mentoring young adults. He has coordinated with his alma maters to establish engineering Q&A seminars that provide students with resources and guidance on career choices, networking, and professional licensure. In addition, he serves as an engineering advisor for Prosple, a platform designed to help students and recent graduates find career and study opportunities.

Hachil has invaluable advice to offer those who are looking to make a meaningful impact in the engineering field, which includes honing skills beyond just in engineering and bringing something unique to the table. "No one is looking for exact carbon copies. They are looking for extreme talents and unique personalities," he says.

Hachil also believes that finding something to commit to outside of work is essential to professional and personal growth. "Go challenge yourself—not just with something that you enjoy, but something that is extremely difficult [and] teaches you the value of hard work. Something that is a valuable skill that allows you to grow over time and gives you a goal and something to look forward to. Something that allows your mind and experience to broadly expand."

For Hachil, that is training in various martial arts, including Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA. Hachil has seen how the discipline, work ethic, mental fortitude, and humility that he has developed through his training have directly translated to his professional endeavors. He also appreciates how they have helped him to become a well-rounded and more confident individual, which in turn has helped him stand out. "Not only am I a professional who has adjusted to office decorum," he says, "but there is also a point of commonality or a unique distinction that I bring to the company and to my network."

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