Kelly Jost

Managing Engineer, C&S Engineers, Inc.

Managing Engineer| C&S Engineers, Inc.

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What I Do

I am a project manager at C&S, working in our Aviation Department. I work on infrastructure projects at airports, including pavement reconstruction, lighting, drainage, pavement marking, signage, facilities, etc.
Why Engineering?

I chose engineering because there are so many different opportunities, and it is an interesting and fulfilling job.
School Days

I went to Michigan Tech University and got a degree in civil engineering.
My Day At Work

I visit project sites, and work closely with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on funding and planning projects. I organize teams internally to complete design work within our deadlines and budget. I manage the construction administration and inspection work as well.
Best Part

I love that I get to work on all different types of projects, and it's never the same thing every day. I love to see a project go from a concept, to a design on paper to an actual finished product that people will benefit from.
Proud Moments

I was proud to be selected for the FAA Women in Aviation Advisory Board in 2019. The board has 30 members and represents all different parts of the aviation industry from pilots to mechanics to airport executives. Our goal is to encourage more females to enter the aviation industry.
My Family

I am married to another engineer, Doug, and we have 2 kids. Samantha is 13 and Zack is 10. We also have a dog named Baine.
Want to be an Engineer?

I would tell young women to not be afraid to speak up. Your voice matters and you have important things to say and questions to ask. Don't be afraid to ask questions, because that is how you learn. Engineering needs more diversity because diversity brings different perspectives, and different perspectives will bring more innovation and different ways to solve problems.
Hobbies

I love to spend time outside, hiking, running, kayaking, biking, etc. I also love to spend time with my family and read.

I went to college to study engineering, knowing that I also had an interest in aviation from a very early age. I didn't know at the time how to tie those two things together. When I found that airport design was an option for a class in college I took that opportunity and worked toward eventually getting a job in the aviation industry. My first job after I graduated was with MDOT, working in the highways department. After 3 years I applied and got selected for a project management position at MDOT in their Office of Aeronautics. I got to work on airport projects across the state, got to know the funding programs, and worked with airport managers to get airport improvement projects completed. I worked in that position for another 3 years before I came to work for C&S. When I came to C&S I also got my private pilot license, and I'm still working for C&S today. I work in our aviation group and still work daily on airport design and construction.