2015 40 Under 40: Amanda C. Beck, PE, CET, CFPS, 30

Fire Protection Engineer, Primera Engineers, Chicago BS Mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University

By Jack Smith, Content Manager, and Amara Rozgus, Editor-in-Chief May 14, 2015

Amanda C. Beck, PE, CET, CFPS, 30 Fire Protection Engineer, Primera Engineers, Chicago BS Mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University

While working toward her mechanical engineering degree, Beck had the opportunity to intern at Intel’s assembly material characterization lab where she qualified new lab instruments and trained other personnel. After graduation, the company hired her as a packaging engineer to provide laboratory analysis and technical evaluation of microprocessor materials and components. Beck spent 2 years at Intel and then moved back to her hometown, Chicago, in 2010 to take a position at Primera Engineers. She initially focused on mechanical and plumbing projects, but quickly became interested in fire protection. Beck is now Primera’s leading fire protection specialist, having been recently promoted to lead the established fire protection group. Her work there includes engineering, design, and construction administration of fire protection systems for institutional, educational, health care, commercial, and light industrial facilities. Beck sits on the executive board of directors for the Chicago Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, and is an active member of NFPA. When Beck is not designing fire protection systems or volunteering her time to other causes-the ACE Mentor Program, Francisco Madero Middle School Mentor Program, Rebuilding Together, CANstruction, and serving as a judge for Chicago Public Schools science fairs for 5th through 12th graders-she makes her own wine and beer, builds custom furniture, bakes elaborate cakes, knits, crochets, and makes jewelry and stained glass. Beck also enjoys weekend warrior projects and likes to tackle home renovation work.