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2024 40 Under 40: Katelyn Jones, PE, 31

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Interface Engineering Inc.; BS, Mechanical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis

By Consulting-Specifying Engineer May 13, 2024

From learning the basics of engineering and Revit modeling as a college intern, to being a newly licensed senior mechanical engineer today, Jones enjoys learning and challenging herself to continue her career growth. Obtaining professional licensure, attending educational seminars on the latest industry technologies and maintaining healthy client relationships are all part of her overall goal to be an asset and resource for any design team she works with. Jones prioritizes iterative design with architects and other engineering disciplines to ensure coordination and communication is happening throughout a project. She also prides herself on knowing the details of systems to better explain their specifics and make them understandable to any team member, regardless of their technical background. Jones enjoys working in an industry where energy efficiency is at the forefront and where sustainability choices are visible and impactful on building- and community-level scales. She has experienced the benefits of both being mentored by more experienced engineers and providing mentorship to younger engineers. She sees particular value in encouraging and building the next generation of engineers — especially women interested in engineering fields. Jones is an active member of ASHRAE and Society of Women Engineers and has served as a Whitworth University Engineering Advisory Board member since 2018. Outside of work, she volunteers in her community, providing respite foster care for local families, donating platelets at the Red Cross and serving meals to the unhoused. She also enjoys exploring the outdoors, crafting and sewing, reading a good sci-fi novel and eating at the many Portland, Oregon, food carts.