Matthew Ronquillo, 39, began his career in the pump industry while working on his master’s degree. “I saw an opportunity to work for Newport News Shipbuilding, and the idea of working on nuclear aircraft carriers was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” Ronquillo mentioned that managing his coursework while maintaining a full-time job was a challenge, but he is very proud that he managed to persevere.
Ronquillo’s nominator was also very complimentary of his work ethic. “Matt is an extraordinarily detail-oriented engineer. He has an inquisitive nature and [had] a lot of hands-on experience prior to completing his degree, which makes him a great person to be involved when troubleshooting issues.” As for what drew him to the pumps industry in the first place, Ronquillo spoke about the pivotal role pumps play in a variety of fields. “In any industry or application, pumps are a critical component that many people overlook; however, a lot of nuanced design goes into the design of pumps, especially impellers, and they need to be robust to accommodate many of the working conditions they will likely run in.
On advice he would give to young professionals wanting to join the industry, Ronquillo emphasized the importance of knowing the basics. “I would advise new engineers to learn about the fundamentals of whatever equipment you will be working on before you start your new job. That way you can hit the ground running with a working knowledge of your component or system. Understanding the basics will set you up for success in your new role.”
What has you most excited about the future of this industry?
I’m most excited about the growing use of additive manufacturing. Amazingly complex designs can be created that were previously impossible to produce with traditional machining practices.
Have you had a mentor(s) who influenced your career development?
My dad has been my greatest mentor thus far. Not only has he helped me navigate my professional career, but he is my greatest resource when it comes to life questions.
How do you typically spend your time outside of work?
I love to go fishing whenever I can. There’s nothing like being outside on a beautiful day, surrounded by nature and enjoying all the wildlife. I also just took up golf, which is a whole new adventure to go on.
Read about more 10 to Watch finalists here.
