The Impactful Engineer Project - Mentorship, Career Growth, and Personal & Professional Excellence for Aspiring Engineers

Steve & Jake Maxey - The Impactful Engineers
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Spreading awareness, success, and accessibility to the world of engineering to aspiring and early career engineers.

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 134 – The Trap of Being the “Efficient Engineer”

    You can be busy, productive, and highly praised—and still stall your career. In this episode, Steve and Jake Maxey break down one of the most dangerous traps ambitious engineers fall into: prioritizing speed and execution over real learning. This conversation is about depth, focus, and long-term leverage—not theory, but practical, tactical advice you can apply immediately. If you want to grow into leadership, avoid burnout, and build skills that actually compound, this episode is required listening.  Key Topics Covered • Why being “the fastest engineer in the room” can quietly limit your ceiling • The difference between knowing the what/how and truly understanding the why • How engineers become execution machines—and why companies reward it (at your expense) • Aggressive patience: working hard without rushing past learning • How shallow repetition kills long-term leverage and career mobility • Using modern tools (including AI) to extract deeper lessons from daily work • Why consistent small wins matter more than occasional big projects • The hidden cost of distractions masquerading as “balance” • How focus—not talent—separates impactful engineers from overlooked ones Actionable Steps • Slow down just enough to extract lessons from every task you complete • Ask “why does this matter?” before moving on to the next assignment • Build a habit of documenting insights, not just deliverables • Use AI or senior engineers to peel back fundamentals in real time • Identify where your current work does not apply—and why • Reduce distractions that don’t serve your long-term goals • Optimize for skill transfer, not short-term praise • Track consistency of execution, not just outcomes • Choose depth in one area before chasing the next shiny task Who This Episode Is For • Early-career engineers who feel busy but unsure they’re growing • High-performing ICs who get praised but overlooked for bigger opportunities • Engineers on the edge of burnout from constant execution • Professionals who want leadership leverage, not just technical output • Anyone tired of feeling productive without feeling fulfilled Why It Matters Efficiency alone won’t build a meaningful career. Engineers who focus only on speed become replaceable, while engineers who understand systems, context, and impact become leaders. Depth creates visibility. Focus builds leverage. And learning the why is what allows you to carry value anywhere—across roles, companies, and industries. Where to Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.

    26 min

  2. DEC 15

    Episode 133 – Stop Chasing Promotions. Start Being Useful.

    Most engineers stall their careers not because they lack talent—but because they stay trapped inside the task in front of them. In this episode, Steve Maxey and Jake Maxey (Owner & Principal Engineer at NLS Engineering) break down why being useful is the real force multiplier in engineering careers. This is not theory—practical, tactical advice on how usefulness compounds faster than credentials, experience, or job titles, and why engineers who think beyond their scope earn more trust, better work, and faster growth. Key Topics Covered • What “being useful” actually means in real engineering work—not buzzwords • Why executing tasks alone keeps you invisible and replaceable • How usefulness outperforms raw technical expertise over time • The difference between completing work and compounding value • Why scope blindness quietly kills career momentum • How to use inversion thinking to instantly increase your impact • Serving beyond expectations—and without immediate reward • Why the most trusted engineers get the hardest, highest-visibility work • How usefulness creates leverage across teams, projects, and leadership Actionable Steps • Ask “what problem does this task solve?” before starting any assignment • Identify the pain point around the task, not just inside it • Offer to remove friction for teammates before being asked • Audit the work you’re doing for cost, risk, and downstream impact • Bring alternatives, not just execution • Learn why decisions were made—not just what was decided • Volunteer for ambiguity instead of avoiding it • Spend extra time where usefulness compounds, not where effort looks busy • Stop waiting for permission to think like an owner Who This Episode Is For • Engineers doing “good work” but not getting noticed • Early-career engineers who want to accelerate trust and responsibility • Burned-out engineers stuck in task execution mode • High-performing ICs who feel capped without authority • Engineers who want leadership impact without formal titles Why It Matters Promotions don’t come from doing more tasks—they come from increasing leverage. Usefulness connects energy, visibility, and execution into a compounding system. When you consistently make others more effective, you stop chasing opportunity—and opportunity starts finding you. Where to Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.

    25 min

  3. DEC 8

    Episode 132 – The Golden Opportunity for Young Engineers to Build Their Careers: Jake Maxey joins “The Construction Corner” podcast with Dillon Mitchell

    Young engineers keep asking how to get ahead, stand out, or break into the industry. This episode gives them the real playbook. Jake joins Dillon Mitchell on The Construction Corner Podcast to break down how he built his engineering career from zero connections, zero clarity, and zero direction—into a high-impact operator and now founder of NLS Engineering. Not theory—practical, tactical advice grounded in real experience. Key Topics Covered • Why “showing up” is the unfair advantage most young engineers ignore  • The mindset shift that separates high performers from complainers  • How Jake broke into AEC with no experience and turned it into a career  • Why usefulness—not talent—is the currency that moves careers forward  • The real reason career fairs, events, and meetups change everything  • Tactical ways to become the person decision-makers want to hire  • How to think clearly about anxiety, action, and preparation  • Why engineering firms win or lose based on talent, visibility, and courage  • The hidden value of mentorship programs like ACE for early-career engineers  • How relationships—not résumés—create long-term career momentum Actionable Steps • Go to every industry event you can—opportunity is a volume game  • Build relationships before you “need” them  • Write a real cover letter focused on how you’ll help the firm win  • Send video intros when applying—stand out immediately  • Learn to call people instead of hiding behind email  • Practice being useful: ask clients, contractors, and maintainers what matters  • Treat anxiety as a signal to prepare, not freeze  • Study the business side of engineering—understand money, timelines, risk  • Take responsibility first, blame never  • Show up consistently for months—not days—and let the compounding work Who This Episode Is For • Early-career engineers who feel invisible or overlooked  • Students who want a roadmap to get hired quickly  • Engineers stuck in “wait and see” mode who need to take ownership  • High-performers who want more responsibility and impact  • Anyone frustrated with the job market and ready to try a better strategy Why It Matters Your career is built on visibility, usefulness, and action—not wishful thinking.  Engineers who consistently show up, contribute, and build relationships win faster, avoid burnout, and create opportunities most people never see. This episode gives you the mindset and tactics to do exactly that. Where to Listen Spotify  Apple Podcasts  Google Podcasts  Or wherever you get your podcasts Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.

    1h 5m

  4. DEC 1

    Episode 131 – The PE Exam Isn’t Hard; Your Approach Is.

    Passing the PE exam isn’t about being the smartest engineer in the room—it’s about having a strategy. In this episode, Jake breaks down the exact system he used to pass the Power PE while working full-time, raising a family, and refusing to waste months in overbuilt study courses. This isn’t theory—this is practical, tactical advice for engineers who want to get licensed without burning out.  Key Topics Covered• Why your PE prep starts on Day 1 of your engineering career, not 4 years later • How to track every project so your PE application basically writes itself • The two categories of project documentation engineers ignore—and why both matter • What PE reviewers actually look for in your experience narrative • How to record decision-making, trade-offs, and technical judgment that prove growth • A simple, repeatable process to build your personal “experience database” • The study approach that saves you months: identify weaknesses before studying • A practical, momentum-first test-day strategy that reduces stress and boosts accuracy • How to categorize exam questions into easy/medium/hard, lookup vs. math • Why building judgment around order-of-magnitude checks can save you on tough questions Actionable Steps• Start documenting every project today—scope, dates, fees, cost, square footage, systems • Capture factual statements (“designed X,” “calculated Y”) after each project • Capture decision-making—trade-offs, constraints, who you coordinated with, and why • Keep a running list of supervising PEs and which projects you completed under each • During PE prep, spend the first 1–2 weeks only on problems to find your weak areas • Build a ranked study list based on where you struggle—not what a course tells you • Create your own “fundamentals card” of the few core equations you actually need • On exam day, scan all questions and label them: easy / medium / hard + lookup / math • Complete all easy questions first to build momentum, then tackle medium, then hard • If stuck, set a cutoff time, eliminate obvious wrong answers, choose the most logical option, and move on Who This Episode Is For• Engineers preparing for the PE exam (any discipline) • Early-career AEC engineers who want a roadmap before they start studying • Engineers overwhelmed by the application process or unsure how to track experience • Busy professionals balancing PE prep with work, kids, and life • Anyone who wants a clear, proven, no-BS strategy instead of anxiety and guesswork Why It MattersYour PE license isn’t just a test score—it’s a signal that you can think clearly, make sound decisions, and document real engineering judgment. When you build the right system—project tracking, strategic study, and a test-day plan—you remove the guesswork and take control of your career. The result? More credibility, more opportunity, and more leverage in every role you take on. Where to ListenSpotify  Apple Podcasts  Google Podcasts  Or wherever you get your podcasts. ShareIf this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.

    28 min

  5. NOV 24

    Episode 130 – You’re Not Owed Anything: Reciprocity Is the Real Engine of Your Career

    Intro Most engineers want promotions, recognition, and bigger opportunities—but few understand the real driver behind all of it: reciprocity. In this episode, Steve and Jake break down how giving more than you take, especially early in your career, becomes a force multiplier for visibility, trust, and long-term growth. Not theory—practical, tactical advice pulled from real engineering leadership experience and real conversations in the field. Key Topics Covered• Why reciprocity is a career accelerant—not a feel-good idea  • How “doing small jobs well” sets you up for big opportunities later  • Why most engineers stay invisible in their organization  • How relationships with leadership directly impact promotions  • The trap of “staying in your lane” and waiting to be noticed  • Why engineers underestimate how much effort is required early in their career  • The difference between delivering projects vs. being top-of-mind  • The danger of underserving customers, teammates, or cross-functional partners  • How to reset your reputation when you switch companies or roles  • Why aggressive patience matters—relentless input, patient expectation Actionable Steps• Give more value than you expect back—especially early in your career  • Take on unglamorous tasks and over-deliver  • Follow up with people consistently, even when no project is on the table  • Ask better questions when networking: dig into pain points, goals, constraints  • Build visibility with leaders before you need it  • Connect the dots for others by showing not just what you did, but the impact  • Shift from “I should get promoted” to “I need to become undeniable”  • Build relationships across your organization—not just your department  • Over-communicate progress, blockers, and wins to avoid going invisible  • Reset your brand quickly after switching companies by delivering big early Who This Episode Is For• Engineers who feel overlooked or stuck despite strong performance  • Early-career engineers who want to accelerate growth fast  • Burned-out contributors who need to rebuild momentum  • Individual contributors aiming for leadership roles  • Engineers jumping to a new company and needing to re-establish credibility Why It MattersYour career isn’t powered by hours worked or technical skill alone. It’s powered by visibility, relationships, and the reputation you build by consistently giving more than you take. Reciprocity compounds—people remember who helped them, who showed up, who delivered without being asked. Engineers who master this don’t compete for opportunities—they attract them. Where to ListenSpotify  Apple Podcasts  Google Podcasts  Or wherever you get your podcasts ShareIf this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.

    34 min

  6. NOV 17

    Episode 129 – If People Don’t “Get It”, That’s On You!

    Engineers love being right. But if no one understands your ideas, your impact stalls. In this episode, Steve and Jake break down the real skill behind influence: reframing. Not theory—practical, tactical advice anyone can apply immediately to make their work land with the people who matter. This is the communication advantage most engineers ignore. And it’s the reason technically strong people get overlooked while effective communicators move ahead. Key Topics Covered • Why being “technically right” isn’t enough in engineering • How reframing turns confusion into alignment and buy-in • The biggest mistake engineers make when explaining ideas • How to translate technical details into business impact • Simple ways to uncover what your audience actually cares about • How reframing fixes stalled projects, miscommunications, and lost visibility • Real examples of turning flat explanations into compelling ones • How reframing deepens relationships—not just persuasion • Why leadership listens when you speak in risks, delays, and tradeoffs • How reframing transforms your resume, meetings, and influence overnight Actionable Steps • Ask: “What does this person care about most?” before speaking • Replace technical jargon with the consequence they care about • Tie every problem to time, risk, money, or customer impact • Use comparisons or relatable examples to make concepts stick • When pitching a fix, lead with the cost of not fixing it • Translate features into pain points solved (comfort, speed, reliability) • When writing your resume, reframe tasks into outcomes • Always connect design details to user experience or business value • Break vague statements into measurable, repeatable improvements • Practice reframing daily—emails, updates, and 1:1s are reps Who This Episode Is For • Engineers who feel ignored or misunderstood  • ICs who want more influence without a title  • Technical experts who need non-technical people to “get it”  • Early-career engineers trying to build credibility fast  • Anyone tired of doing good work that goes unseen Why It Matters Your work doesn’t speak for itself—you do. Reframing is the difference between being the smartest engineer in the room and the most impactful. When people finally understand the value of your ideas, your visibility rises, your influence grows, and your career accelerates. If people don’t get it today, they will after this episode—because you’ll explain it in a way they care about. Where to Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.

    13 min

  7. NOV 10

    Episode 128 – Stop Chasing Salary: Build Skills That Print It

    In this episode, Steve and Jake rip apart the mindset that’s holding most early-career engineers back — obsessing over salary before mastering their craft. Too many engineers chase numbers instead of value. The truth? Your first few years aren’t about the paycheck — they’re about stacking skills, earning leverage, and becoming undeniable. This isn’t theory. It’s practical, tactical advice from two engineers who’ve lived it — the grind, the plateaus, and the breakthroughs that turn potential into power. Key Topics Covered • Why focusing on salary too early kills long-term growth • The “input vs. output” trap most engineers never escape • How to build real leverage through deep, specialized skills • The brutal truth about corporate pay equity and outlier performance • Why “living like a college student” longer is the smartest investment • How to identify companies that actually reward high performers • Why high performers get boxed in — and how to break out • The real difference between top 5% engineers and everyone else • What companies owe you (and what they don’t) • How to reframe your career from compensation-driven to mastery-driven Actionable Steps • Stop comparing your salary to others — focus on improving your skills 10% every month. • Use your early career years to learn, experiment, and fail cheaply. • Seek mentors and reverse-engineer the habits of people earning what you want. • Track your inputs — hours, projects, learning — not just outcomes. • Live below your means to buy freedom and time to grow. • Take ownership of your career story and communicate your impact in business terms. • Identify and move toward companies that reward merit, not tenure. • Build a side project or specialization that sharpens your technical edge. • Say yes to opportunities that expand your range, even if they don’t pay more right away. • Reframe every career goal around who you must become to achieve it. Who This Episode Is For • Engineers frustrated with “pay stagnation” early in their careers • New grads trying to negotiate their first offer • Mid-level engineers who feel overlooked despite strong results • High achievers tired of corporate ceilings and comparison traps • Anyone ready to trade entitlement for ownership Why It Matters You don’t get paid for time — you get paid for value. And value comes from skill, reputation, and impact built over time. The engineers who focus on learning faster, thinking deeper, and executing harder will always outrun the ones chasing titles and raises. The money is a by-product. The growth is the goal. Where to Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts. Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth—just like the best careers do.

    30 min

  8. NOV 3

    Episode 127 – What You Do After “No” Defines Your Career

    Every engineer hits a wall. You pitch an idea, chase a promotion, or submit a proposal; then you get a “no.” Most people stop there. But high-impact engineers don’t see rejection as the end. They see it as data. In this episode, Steve and Jake break down how to turn a “no” into fuel for growth, how to ask the right follow-up questions, and how to use resistance as the ultimate feedback loop. Not theory; practical, tactical advice from two engineers who’ve heard “no” more times than they can count and used it to build careers, teams, and businesses. Key Topics Covered • The mindset shift from rejection to information gathering • Why “no” is rarely permanent—and how to find the real reason behind it • How to request feedback without sounding defensive or desperate • The trap of filling in the blanks with your own assumptions • Turning client losses, failed proposals, or denied promotions into strategy • How to reframe rejection as part of your input process, not your identity • Building resilience and emotional recovery speed after setbacks • The “ask, learn, adjust” cycle every successful engineer uses • What great managers actually mean when they say “not right now” • Why mastering this one skill separates future leaders from stalled contributors Actionable Steps • When you hear “no,” pause; then ask for a short debrief call or conversation. • Frame your question around learning, not winning: “Can you help me understand what drove the decision?” • Separate emotion from information. Collect data, not drama. • Identify if the rejection was based on timing, scope, or performance. • Document what you learn to build a playbook for your next attempt. • Follow up professionally and show them you’re coachable and persistent. • For career growth, ask: “What would make me the obvious choice next time?” • Treat every rejection as a calibration point, not a verdict. • Practice recovery speed and get back to baseline faster after a hit. • Use “nos” as reps in your leadership gym; they’re how you get stronger. Who This Episode Is For • Engineers who’ve been passed over for promotions or raises • High performers tired of vague feedback or unclear expectations • Early-career engineers learning how to advocate for themselves • Technical contributors struggling with communication and influence • Anyone who wants to build real career momentum instead of waiting for permission Why It Matters How you handle rejection defines your growth curve. Engineers who take “no” at face value plateau early. Engineers who seek context, ask sharper questions, and extract insight build unstoppable momentum. This episode will challenge how you think, react, and lead the next time someone shuts a door in your face; and show you how to open a better one yourself. Where to Listen Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcasts Share If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth, just like the best careers do.

    26 min
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Spreading awareness, success, and accessibility to the world of engineering to aspiring and early career engineers.

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