CMTA, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

June 2022 • Baltimore, MD

What I liked

I started full time at CMTA in June 2022, and I have been loving it so far. It is very fast-paced and they have faith in their new hires to do meaningful work right off the bat, but they also provide plenty of support and learning opportunities. They have managed to keep a small company feel in spite of how much and how quickly they've been growing in recent years. There is also something very fulfilling about seeing a K-12 project come together and really having tangible evidence of the positive impact of the work.

What I wish was different

Sometimes there is a hurry up and wait vibe as a big push happens to wrap up one stage of a project and then there isn't any follow up on that front for a while.

Advice

In this job, more so than some other places I've worked, you really get out of it what you put into it and there is a lot of opportunity for growth, but they don't force or pressure a new employee to put too much in too quickly. They enable you to find a balance that works for you, so it's important to be deliberate and intentional about not burning yourself out but still having goals and a timeline in mind and putting in the work to make it happen.

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Mechanical Engineering Co-op

January 2020 • Arlington County, VA

What I liked

I liked that they will teach me everything I need to know and will answer any question I have. I also like that I'm working on actual projects with full time staff rather than side projects. It's a great learning experience and the people are super friendly and easy to get along with. Also, even with Coronavirus, they still kept the co-ops on board and allowed us to work from home.

What I wish was different

I wish I could do more site visits, but we're trying to limit those due to Covid.

Advice

If you like design, this would be a great place to work with some great people and it gives you a lot of experience with actual work.

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Mechanical Engineering Intern

June 2021 • Louisville, KY

What I liked

I was an intern for CMTA design during the summer of 2019 and now work full time with CMTA Energy Solutions. The culture at CMTA is really what makes it a great place to work. Along with huge potential to grow, utilizing problem solving and making a positive impact on the environment, you’ll work with great people. As a young engineer right out of college, I’ve learned a lot and see nothing but potential to grow as an engineer.

What I wish was different

My experience at CMTA has been nothing but positive. Energy Solutions specifically has a great on boarding program to help new hires, and gives their co-ops real work experience.

Advice

CMTA Energy Solutions is always looking for co-ops and interns, and I personally think working during your college years does a lot for you going into the future. You’ll learn how to interact in the workplace, along with valuable skills that are resume boosters and useful in the real world. If you’re looking for a company that involves interns/co-ops in real projects and gives you valuable experience, I recommend CMTA. There are openings in offices all across the country, and doing some research and visiting CMTA’s website will show you everything you need to know.

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Energy Solutions Co-Op

May - August 2021 • Louisville, KY

What I liked

Everyone at CMTA was welcoming and more than willing to teach me about the industry and help me out with anything I needed from day one. This was my first co-op experience, so I did not have a whole lot of knowledge in regards to working in the engineering industry going in. Post co-op, I now know how to make drawings and base plans in AutoCAD, have a general understanding of the various HVAC systems, and understand the different components of PV arrays and how solar power works. I learned all of this from other people at CMTA who took the time to teach and mentor me, despite having busy schedules themselves, or from the employee training resources that CMTA provided to me. To facilitate learning, CMTA does a great job of getting co-ops out on site to see engineering in action and see the results of the work they're doing. For example, I did PV array monitoring online, and after noticing an issue, I got to go out on site with other engineers to diagnose and troubleshoot that issue. Overall, I learned a lot from my co-op experience and got to meet and work with several amazing people. I would highly recommend co-oping in the Energy Solutions department to anyone interested in the energy efficiency industry!

What I wish was different

Advice

I would advise future co-ops to not be afraid to ask questions and ask for guidance- everyone is more than happy to help at the office. As far as classes go, I would advise trying to take thermodynamics and any HVAC electives if possible, although this isn't necessary.

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Electrical Co-op

June 2020 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

I really enjoy working at this company. On a large scale CMTA has an impressive portfolio, presence in the industry, and great company values. I have appreciated the small feel and community of the local office in Cincinnati, while still feeling like a part of something bigger. As a third time co-op, but this being my first in electrical, everyone was really helpful in getting me up to speed by answering questions and helping to apply my past work and school experience. The engineers will meet you where you're at in terms of skills and knowledge, while also letting you have the freedom and ability to apply what you are learning.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Electrical Design Intern

January 2019 • Cincinnati, OH

What I liked

I love working here. I think that the office culture is really friendly and well-humored. The leadership here cares a lot about ensuring that I am learning a lot and feel challenged. They give me as much work as I can take, and make themselves available to give guidance when I need it. I have gotten to work on a variety of different types of projects, such as healthcare, education, civic, residential, and industrial. They have also been very flexible with me on working part-time during my educational semesters, which has been a big help. I really enjoy working for this company, and would strongly recommend it for any student interested in the MEP design industry.

What I wish was different

Advice

Always be eager to ask for more work, and don't hesitate to ask questions if you are unclear on how to do something. They want to help you learn, but they won't know that you need help if you don't tell them.

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Mechanical Engineering Co-op

August 2019 • Lexington, KY

What I liked

CMTA is a great all-around company. Every engineer is very smart and helpful, and they are eager to help the co-ops. Also, CMTA does a good job at keeping the co-ops busy and engaged. Every week, co-ops are assigned to a project or multiple projects, so we get a chance to work with multiple engineers on different types of buildings. Most importantly, the co-ops do real work on real buildings, so we get a great taste of the industry and what it is like to have deadlines and actual projects.

What I wish was different

Advice

Don't be afraid to ask questions. The engineers are very willing to help the co-ops learn as much as we can, especially since it will improve the co-op's quality of work.

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Mechanical Engineering Co-op

August 2019 • Lexington, KY

What I liked

The company really goes out of their way to ensure that their co-ops are set up to succeed. They include you in real, tangible projects with work that isn't just busywork. They rely on you to put in the effort and meet your goals/deadlines, but are there to help you do so.

What I wish was different

Advice

Never be afraid to ask for help or clarification. Everyone in the office is amazing and will help you however they can. Also, make sure you talk to everyone that you can. Ask them if you can help on some of their work or even pick their brains a little bit. Creating those relationships will go a long way.

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Electrical Design Engineer

May - August 2018 • Prospect, KY

What I liked

Learning more about AutoDesk softwares like AutoCad and Revit along with MEP design work for schools, medical office buildings, and other buildings. Additionally, the people in the office were very accepting and helpful with any questions. There was a focus on learning and improving rather than perfection on new information. After doing this internship, I realized this type of design work ins't something I would like to pursue in the future even though the learning and experiences were amazing.

What I wish was different

The workload was light. I felt like I could have been challenged more and completed more over the summer.

Advice

Put yourself out there and get to know your co-wokers. Many of them have been working there for a very long time and many have just been hired out of that same internship. Hearing about how they got into this field and their stories is amazing.

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