Welcome to “3 Questions with …”, a new feature on the Career Center blog. We’re asking alumni of all graduation years and career interests to share a bit of their experiences and advice.
Fred Huang, E10, (Chemical Engineer), Director, Manufacturing Engineering Programs at Rivian
1. In just a few sentences, please tell us about your current job/graduate program/vocational endeavor.
I lead the Manufacturing Engineering Technical Program Management team at Rivian, an electric vehicle company. We are responsible for managing the design, deployment, and startup of all Rivian production capacity from components to batteries to the full vehicle. It’s an awesome role that combines almost every type of engineering discipline, from mechanical to software to structural, and so on. We are building the machines that will enable the world to transition to sustainable ground transport!
2. How did your time at Tufts influence your career journey?
Tufts gave me an appreciation for the different disciplines outside of my core major. I was fortunate to be a part of Tufts’ entry into the Solar Decathlon and it was fascinating how everyone – from architects to electrical engineers – all brought their unique perspectives to solve a problem. All of us depended on each other’s specialty to be successful, and it sparked in me the interest to lead diverse teams to solve complex technical problems.
3. What advice would you offer to a student who wants to pursue a career path like yours?
Program management is about connecting the dots between different organizations. To do this well requires curiosity, empathy, and also a deep understanding of a few of the organizations you are trying to bring together. Take the time early in your career to solve problems as an engineer or an analyst. These experiences and muscles will form a core technical foundation for the rest of your career.
Rivian careers page: https://rivian.com/careers
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