MEET THE PRO: Lottie Jones, Mechanical Engineer
By Arkansas Next on Friday, October 13, 2023
Hometown: Little Rock
Age: 27
Where I Trained: University of Arkansas at Little Rock
What I Earned: Bachelor’s degree in system mechanical engineering
Job Title: Mechanical engineer
Employer: Southwest Power Pool
Lottie Jones spent most of her childhood picking up various Arkansas magazines in hopes to see someone who looks like her on the cover or featured in the magazine. She wanted to feel represented, and when she was–she could see herself doing anything!
When Lottie was introduced to a Southwest Power Pool employee for the first time, she decided that she absolutely needed to work for the company one day. She was encouraged by how kind everyone was and enjoyed talking about the exciting work culture.
“Before I came to Southwest Power Pool (SPP), I would hear about SPP and engage in conversation about the company,” Lottie said. “The way that individuals would talk about the company, I knew I needed to be there.”
Lottie’s day-to-day responsibilities as an engineer for the company differ based on the various projects she’s working on. From solving transmission models and working with other engineers to problem-solving on models, she enjoys the collaborative efforts made by her team.
She enjoys the amount of collaboration in her career and is able to work cross-functionally with other teams at Southwest Power Pool.
She often facilitates her own meetings and is known to sit in on other meetings as the expert on the subject matter. She’s also traveled all over the country to represent her company at conferences and meetings.
“Once or twice a year, I am afforded the opportunity to present in person at one of these meetings,” Lottie said. “Within the past year, I have been to San Diego, Philadelphia and Denver representing my company.”
Since pursuing this career, Lottie’s been able to make a six-figure income in her 20s and work for a company she loves. For those who are interested in the same career path as Lottie, she recommends mastering collaborative and communication skills.
“Never stop being curious about yourself and what you see yourself doing,” Lottie said.
WHAT DOES A MECHANICAL ENGINEER DO?
Designs engines, tools, machines and industrial equipment
Education Needed:
Bachelor’s Degree
Job Outlook
► 3,880 - Estimated number of mechanical engineers expected to be employed in Arkansas by 2030
► 10% job growth
You'll be great at this too if...
► You enjoy the brainstorming process
► You love finding solutions to complex problems
► You want to make a difference and leave a lasting impact
► You’re meticulous and detail-oriented
► You generally enjoy mathematics
► You are good at solving problems
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$110,090 Annual
$52.93 Hourly
Median wages in Arkansas
$71,570 Annual
$34.41 Hourly
Average engineer salary in Arkansas
$97,146
WHERE TO LEARN
- Business and Industry Training
- Nucor Steel
- Southern Arkansas University
- Southwest Power Pool
- University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College
- W&W|AFCO Steel
WHERE TO WORK
- Daimler Truck North America
- Haas Factory Outlet: A Division of Phillips Corporation
- Nucor Steel
- W&W|AFCO Steel
Sources: careeronestop.org, zippia.com
