The State of Engineering
This week we are in conversation with Daniel Calabro, structural engineer and founder at Ferris.00:00 – 03:01 | Foundations and FuturesExponential growth, the foundational role of AEC industries, and a personal origin story rooted in the events of 9/11 set the tone for Daniel Calabro’s passion for structural engineering.03:01 – 07:16 | School, Steel, and South FloridaA college football career at RPI, a surprise love for Python, and a move to South Florida during COVID all led to hands-on experience designing steel connections for NASA’s Artemis launch tower with Bechtel.07:16 – 12:03 | Talent Crisis in EngineeringA detailed look at the declining supply of civil engineers and Daniel’s data-backed projection that by 2031, only 10 engineers will be available for every 26 job openings in the U.S.12:03 – 16:09 | Losing the NarrativeCultural competition from tech companies and content creation platforms is siphoning away potential engineers, while engineering remains under-marketed and misunderstood.16:09 – 20:52 | Value, Risk, and RetentionThe profession’s high-risk, moderate-pay equation is explored alongside burnout, respect, and why retaining engineers requires more than just raising salaries.20:52 – 29:28 | Error Reduction and AI AssistantsReducing mistakes is framed as the industry’s biggest efficiency lever, with Daniel proposing automation tools that double as educational systems—what he calls “recipes.”29:28 – 37:09 | Crutches and CalculatorsA philosophical conversation unfolds on whether AI creates dependency or simply represents the next evolution of engineering tools, much like calculators or CAD.37:09 – 46:03 | Designing the FutureAI’s rapid creative evolution is examined, from sentiment analysis to generative art, along with why civil engineering must embrace these tools before falling behind.46:03 – 52:58 | Pride, Projects, and PurposeEngineering is reframed as a purpose-driven profession with power to shape communities, inspire wonder, and earn respect—if the industry is willing to tell that story more loudly.52:58 – 53:04 |Final WordThe episode closes with appreciation, optimism, and a challenge to engineers everywhere: take pride, take ownership, and take the mic.Go build something awesome!CHECK OUT THE PARTNERS THAT MAKE OUR SHOW POSSIBLE: https://www.brospodcast.com/partnersFIND US ONLINE: -Our website: https://www.brospodcast.com -LinkedIn: / constructionbrospodcast -Instagram: / constructionbrospodcast -TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@constructionbrothers?lang=en-Eddie on LinkedIn: / eddie-c-057b3b11 -Tyler on LinkedIn: / tylerscottcampbell If you enjoy the podcast, please rate us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to us! Thanks for listening!