We’re excited to welcome Hananiah Tangpuz to EEI as a Mechanical Commissioning Engineer, where she will support mission‑critical mechanical commissioning efforts. As a recent graduate with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, Hananiah brings both technical curiosity and a thoughtful perspective on building performance and energy efficiency. Her path to EEI is shaped by meaningful personal experiences that influence how she approaches engineering and sustainability. Drawn to EEI’s focus on high‑performance systems and collaborative culture, Hananiah is eager to grow hands‑on in the field while learning from experienced team members. In the Q&A below, Hananiah shares more about her background, what motivates her, and what she’s excited to work on as she begins her journey at EEI.
Q. Can you tell me about your background and what you studied? What experiences led you toward building performance or energy efficiency work?
I’m originally from San Jose in Tacloban City, Leyte, Philippines and pursued my degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. My passion for energy efficiency and sustainable building design is very personal. I am a survivor of Typhoon Haiyan, one of the most powerful storms in history, which devastated my hometown. Experiencing that event firsthand shaped how I view the role of engineering, not just as a technical field, but as a way to protect communities and improve lives.
That experience motivated me to focus on building performance and energy efficiency, where I can contribute to designing smarter, more resilient systems that reduce environmental impact while supporting long-term sustainability.
Q. Tell me about your role at EEI, and why you chose EEI specifically?
At EEI I am a Mechanical Commissioning Engineer and support commissioning activities for large-scale mechanical systems through testing, inspections, and performance validation. I chose EEI because of its strong focus on building performance and energy efficiency in mission-critical environments. The opportunity to work on complex, high-impact systems while optimizing performance aligns closely with my passion for sustainability and continuous growth as an engineer. I also really like EEI’s culture which has a strong sense of teamwork and community. I feel supported, heard, and encouraged to contribute, which has made a big impact on my growth both professionally and personally.
Q. What are you most excited about working on or learning in your role at EEI?
I’m most excited about the opportunity to work on complex mechanical systems and actually get hands-on experience with them. As a recent graduate, it’s been really valuable to be part of complex projects that include types of testing and commissioning, where I can apply what I’ve learned and continue building my skills.
Q. How do you see your career developing here over the next few years? What skills do you hope to grow?
Over the next few years, I see myself continuing to grow both technically and professionally within EEI. I want to build a strong foundation in commissioning by gaining more hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems and taking on greater responsibility in projects over time. I’m especially interested in strengthening my understanding of system performance, troubleshooting, and how different components interact as a whole. I also want to improve my ability to communicate technical ideas clearly and work effectively across teams. I hope to progress into an L4/L5 lead role where I can independently lead testing efforts and support a team through commissioning activities. In the long term, I’d like to contribute bigger ideas to the company and eventually move into a managerial role where I can help guide projects and mentor others.
Q. What do you like to do outside of work? What is a fun fact about you?
I enjoy staying active and taking time for self-care. I also have a strong passion for art, so I like painting, creating crafts, and exploring music because it helps me relax and express creativity outside of engineering. I enjoy going to church, spending time with my family, and traveling. I also really value engaging with different cultures and learning from new experiences, which helps me stay open-minded and connected to the world around me.