ListenA Successful Career in AEC with Nick Heim, Structural Engineer & VDC Engineer
Enhanced Scanning owner Forrest Sim interviews Nick Heim on how careers in engineering are evolving with the introduction of new technologies.
Executive Summary
- Core Theme: The evolution of the engineering profession—specifically how traditional, foundational principles intersect with modern technology, field observation, and artificial intelligence.
- The Nature of Engineers: Nick highlights that engineers are generally conservative and resistant to change. They are not completely opposed to new methodologies but must be thoroughly convinced by proven results before adoption.
- Human Judgment vs. Software Proficiency: Nick emphasizes that professional competency is completely separate from software proficiency. A great engineer must master first principles (like statics) and engineering mechanics by hand. Knowing how to use “the sticks and keyboard” cannot replace human judgment and “back of the napkin” double-checks.
- Quality Control & The “Safety Blanket”: Engineering firms rely on standard building codes and a 1-to-2-layer internal peer-review process (Project Managers and Principals) before stamping a product. Sometimes, an engineer is required on-site simply as a legal “safety blanket” or compliance mechanism to give clients and local counties peace of mind.
- The Role of Technology & AI: On-site data collection is transitioning away from traditional clipboards and cameras to automated inspection software and non-destructive testing (NDT) like ground-penetrating radar. Nick believes AI will actively augment the industry—such as identifying concrete defects or quantifying material strength—but it will never replace the engineer because AI cannot take legal responsibility or sign and seal structural plans.
- Industry Economics: Forrest shares a frustrating experience where a client canceled a vital safety assessment due to cost. Nick explains this is common and stresses the importance of upfront client vetting. He emphasizes that asset owners should proactively document structural conditions before leasing or moving into a facility to protect themselves from liability.
- Career Advice & Mentorship: Nick attributes his career success to strong mentorship and advises aspiring pros to “sit back, listen, and observe” because mastering a specialty takes a lifetime. He points out that while a four-year degree is the traditional baseline, there are legal alternative pathways to licensure with a two-year degree, as well as critical adjacent field-technician roles that do not require formal engineering degrees.
About Enhanced Scanning
Enhanced Scanning is a subsurface locating company that serves the construction, engineering, and scientific communities. The company is committed to promoting safer locating practices through advanced technology, thorough technician training, and a focus on providing accurate information before work begins. Enhanced Scanning owner Forrest Sim is an industry leader who regularly speaks at industry events across the country on topics related to utility locating, concrete scanning, and other subsurface locating practices. His experience and knowledge have helped establish Enhanced Scanning as a trusted resource for professionals who need a better understanding of what is located beneath the surface.
Through the use of non-destructive locating technologies—including ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) and electromagnetic induction (EMI) locators, magnetometers, push cameras, and pulse wave generators—Enhanced Scanning can provide customers with a thorough and accurate picture of subsurface conditions. Depending on the project, that may include identifying underground utility lines, locating post-tensioned cables and other features within a concrete slab, or detecting changes in soil structure.
Having a clear understanding of what lies below the surface can make a significant difference in project safety. By providing detailed locating information before excavation, drilling, cutting, or other work begins, Enhanced Scanning helps its customers identify potential hazards and make more informed decisions about how to proceed. The goal is to give contractors, engineers, and other professionals greater confidence that they understand the subsurface conditions they are working with, helping them avoid preventable damage, delays, and safety risks.
