Robert Cantelupe

Background

After graduating from RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) with an Engineering degree, I began my career as a Steam Turbine Design Engineer at General Electric®. During my 18 years there, I performed a variety of assignments, from Factory Alignment Engineer and Product Design Engineer to Steam Delivery and Systems Engineer. I then joined the MD&A team to perform Topless Turbine Laser Alignment. After 16+ years in turbine alignment, I recently transitioned into my current role as Senior Product Service Engineer.

What do you do here at MD&A? What aspect do you enjoy most about your role at MD&A?

Most of my work at MD&A has involved turbine alignment and conducting various RCA (Root Cause Analysis) investigations and studies to help our customers solve their issues. In my new role, I aim to capture the experience of our workforce and document successful results that can be replicated. Additionally, I bring my personal experience to aid and assist our Field Engineers wherever needed.

I most enjoy helping others and our customers solve various problems. Contributing towards that goal gives me great satisfaction.

Why is Pre-Outage Planning so important to a successful outage?

With our multi-divisional organization, where everyone participates in some aspect of each job, pre-outage planning is essential. It brings each division to the table, ensuring the entire team understands each other’s roles and, most importantly, establishes a direct line of communication across the organization for a successful outage.

What is the most interesting challenge you have come across in your career?

The most fulfilling challenge I encountered in my career was designing, manufacturing, and installing  a test rig to measure operational stress inside a steam control valve disc that was prone to failure. The testing program resulted in developing a successful design, and the challenge for me was to get the instrumentation to perform in that environment.

Why did you choose to work for MD&A and why have you continued to choose to work at MD&A? How would you describe our company culture?

For me, it’s all about great customer service. As a consumer, I know what poor service feels like, and I chose MD&A because of my passion for providing valued customer service, and I have not been let down. Early in my MD&A career, after a phone call, I was at a customer site addressing their issue before any purchase order for the service. That example says it all for me. The MD&A culture, to me, is about hiring good people and treating them well, so they consistently deliver for our customers. Our people and our customers really matter.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy playing and collecting guitars, hunting, fishing, working around the yard, gardening, and general landscaping.