4 minute read
Hamed Soleimani, M.Eng., P.Eng.
A mechanical engineer by discipline, Hamed Soleimani, M.Eng., P.Eng., pairs his innate practicality with deep-seated care as he devotes his time to building relationships within the engineering community and fostering a progressive regulatory environment.
Hamed received his bachelor of applied science in mechanical engineering from Azad University in Iran and spent the first decade of his career working in quality management at manufacturing corporations.
Wishing to gain new opportunities through international experience, Hamed immigrated to Nova Scotia in 2012.
“I remember how cold it was that night,” says Hamed with a smile.
“People warned me about the weather in Canada, but I didn’t understand what ‘cold’ really meant until then.”
Hamed embarked on the next leg of his engineering career almost immediately after the move, starting work as a Mechanical Engineer for PINTO Engineering. Over the next seven years, he quickly transitioned into the managerial space as a Quality Manager for numerous organizations, including DSME Trenton (Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering), MetOcean Telematics, CarteNav Solutions and MacKenzie Atlantic.
The through-line in Hamed’s career pathway is a driving passion for high-caliber products, processes, and services. In his current position as Quality Assurance Engineer at Irving Shipbuilding, Hamed stays true to this sentiment.
“I’ve always been interested in the manufacturing space, and every day presents a new challenge,” says the engineer. “Every job I’ve had has led to this point.”
Hamed supports Irving Shipbuilding’s National Shipbuilding Strategy by conducting internal audits of technical documentation to ensure projects follow contractional standards. His efforts have focused on the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships being constructed for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard. With time, he will switch to work on the Canadian Surface Combatants underway for the Royal Canadian Navy.
The mechanical engineer best summarizes his experience: “I find ways of improving projects and helping businesses implement them.”
Six years ago, in 2018, Hamed got his P.Eng. designation. This time was particularly special, as he graduated with his master’s in mechanical engineering from Dalhousie University.
“It was always my plan to continue my education,” he says. “I wanted to have a degree in Canada to see what the educational system was like.”
Not long after these incredible feats, Hamed began volunteering with the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia’s (ISANS) Orientation & Communication Skills for Engineers (OCSE) class. As someone who had just studied and passed the National Professional Practice Examination (NPPE), Denise Callahan, English as an Additional Language Instructor at ISANS, invited Hamed to share his story with new immigrants who were also prospective professional engineers.
Since 2018, Hamed has attended OCSE classes several times a year and watched well over 100 internationally educated engineers (IEE) practice their presentation skills.
“I know the P.Eng. process well and communicate the steps in a checklist form. It’s almost as fulfilling for me as it is for them when I see an immigrant engineer complete the process,” he says.
“Internationally educated engineers face unique challenges, especially in adapting to a new home and work environment,” Hamed adds. “It’s a huge accomplishment for those who overcome these barriers.”
According to Callahan, Hamed is actively engaged with each IEE, asking questions and providing personalized feedback to identify their strengths and areas for improvement.
“His perspectives are invaluable, and I’ve heard over and over from IEEs in class that meeting Hamed is a course of inspiration for their engineering journeys in Nova Scotia,” says Callahan. “I’m grateful for his generous willingness to share his time, energy, and expertise.”
Hamed has led by example as an IEE who has overcome barriers and found his niche within the industry. As an active member of Engineers Nova Scotia’s Professional Practice Committee since 2021, Hamed is involved in discussions of engineering regulation.
“It’s been a wonderful experience volunteering for the Association, specifically for the Professional Practice Committee,” he says. “I want to be an active part of the engineering community.” Kris Dove, P.Eng., Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer of Engineers Nova Scotia has seen firsthand the value that Hamed has brought to Professional Practice Committee.
“With his extensive knowledge of codes and standards and unique perspectives as an IEE, Hamed has helped shape many of the guideline updates that are currently underway.”
