Spencer Goodall, PE joined Century West in 2024 as the leader of our electrical engineering team. With a wealth of experience and a hands-on approach, Spencer brings a dynamic vision for the future of electrical engineering at Century West. In this interview, he shares insights into his professional journey, goals for the team, and the industry trends he’s eager to explore.
What brought you to Century West, and what excites you most about this opportunity?
I’ve been working in electrical engineering for over a decade, and when the opportunity came to join Century West, it felt like a great fit. I started my career with Trindera Engineering, an electrical engineering consulting company that merged with Century West in 2019. I was excited for the opportunity to reconnect with my former coworker Grady Weisz, PE, and see what he had built while I was gone. The chance to help grow the electrical team and contribute to a company that values innovation and quality is also really exciting. It’s an environment where I feel I can bring my skills and experiences to the table while also learning and growing.
Can you share a bit about your professional background?
I’ve spent over a decade in electrical engineering, working across both private and public sectors, which has significantly shaped my work philosophies. In the private sector, I honed skills in efficiency, effectiveness, and delivering high-quality designs that align with client needs and project scopes. This experience taught me the importance of precision and innovation in creating the most fitting solutions for a wide range of projects.
Later, at Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) in the public sector, I encountered a different set of challenges, where the focus was often on delivering the best value within strict budget constraints. While the pace and priorities were different, I brought the efficiency and quality-focused mindset I developed in the private sector to improve processes, streamline workflows, and enhance outcomes.
These experiences taught me to balance speed, quality, and cost while maintaining a client-focused mindset. At Century West, I’m applying these lessons by combining the precision and thoroughness of private-sector work with the resourcefulness required in the public sector to consistently deliver strong, reliable results.
What’s your vision for the future of the electrical engineering team at Century West?
I see a lot of potential for growth and innovation. One of my primary goals is to build a strong foundation for the group, focusing on delivering high-quality, efficient designs that exceed client expectations. One thing I bring to the group is an understanding of airfield lighting design including hangars and power vaults, runway and taxiway lighting systems, and NAVAIDs. Grady had been doing a good job of serving our municipal clients with the design of pump stations, pump control and monitoring systems, standby power systems, motor control centers, and lighting, and I want to expand our client list for these services. Because Century West’s annual workload is approximately a 50/50 split between municipal and aviation projects, having both skill sets in-house means our team can provide immediate value to all our clients.
As the team grows, I’d like to expand our capabilities and take on more complex projects while also fostering a collaborative environment where team members can share knowledge and grow professionally. It’s about creating a team that’s not only successful but also a place where people enjoy working.
Are there any new technologies or trends in electrical engineering that you’re eager to explore here?
Absolutely. One of the biggest advancements I see on the horizon is the increased implementation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, especially Level 1 and Level 2 systems. It’s a growing area with a lot of demand, and I’ve had experience working on smaller-scale projects in this field. Scaling those designs to accommodate larger complexes is something I’m excited to tackle. With the push toward sustainability and green energy, there’s a lot of opportunity to innovate, though it comes with challenges like power distribution, transmission, and storage. These are areas where I think we can provide value to our clients and communities.
What do you see as some of the key challenges in implementing new technologies like EV charging stations?
There’s a lot that goes into making these systems work effectively. It’s not just about installing chargers; it’s about ensuring there’s adequate power supply, meeting code compliance, and balancing the needs of the grid. For large-scale projects, you also have to consider generation capacities, transmission upgrades, and storage solutions. It’s a complex puzzle, but I enjoy finding the right pieces to make it all come together. There’s also an educational component; helping clients understand what’s feasible and how to approach these projects realistically and pragmatically.
What’s your approach to working with clients and your team?
I believe in being straightforward and transparent. I try to understand each client’s needs and explain things in a way that’s easy to comprehend without oversimplifying the details. It’s about striking the right balance and ensuring they feel confident in our solutions. With the team, I focus on collaboration and open communication. If I see areas for improvement or efficiency, I’m not shy about voicing my thoughts, but it’s always with the goal of making us better. Ultimately, it’s about delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Outside of work, what are some hobbies or interests you enjoy?
These days, most of my time outside of work is spent with my family. I’ve got two kids under three, so life is pretty busy! My wife and I make it a priority to stay active; we go to the gym six days a week, which helps keep us mentally and physically strong. Before kids, we were big into backpacking and taking multi-day trips through the mountains. I also enjoy fly fishing, and while I had to part with my boat when we moved from Western Washington back to our hometown of Rathdrum, ID, It’s something I’ll get back into eventually. Another hobby of mine is home renovation. At our previous house, I handled everything from framing to finish carpentry, electricity to plumbing, and even windows, siding, and roofing. I’ve got a workshop full of tools, so it’s something I still enjoy when I have the time.
What’s something people might not know about you?
I’m a bit of a tech enthusiast. I’ve built several custom desktop PCs and am a huge Marvel fan. My office at home has a Marvel-themed wall with 3D holographic art and collectibles. I’ve probably watched every Marvel movie three or four times. It’s a fun way to unwind and connect with something I’ve enjoyed for years. As a bonus, my daughter seems to enjoy the Marvel kids shows so far.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your goals or vision as you settle into your role?
As I continue to learn the ins and outs of Century West, my focus is on building strong relationships, both internally and with our clients. I want to help position the electrical engineering team as a trusted resource and a leader in our field. I’m excited to contribute to the company’s growth and make a lasting impact through our work.