top of page
Shaping The World Around Us
We are proud to celebrate National Engineers’ Week, a time dedicated to recognizing engineers' impact on shaping the world around us. At Safran Federal Systems, we are fortunate to have an incredible team of engineers whose problem-solving skills, efficiency-driven innovations, and dedication propel our company forward. Their contributions deserve recognition, and this week we are honored to spotlight one of our own: Michael Trinidad.
This year’s theme, “Design Your Future”, is both a call to action and a celebration of the limitless possibilities in engineering. Michael Trinidad’s journey, from an aspiring young builder to a Mechanical Engineer and now an Engineering Manager showcases the power of tenacity, adaptability, and creative power.
To gain a deeper insight into his career we sat down with Michael for an intriguing conversation about the moment his passion for engineering took shape, the experience that defined his career, and one of the many achievements he is most proud of.
Looking Through a Different Lens
Great engineers are always evolving and learning. A great piece of advice he has received as an engineer and kept along the way is:
"You can’t change physics just because someone wants you to. It’s something that seems obvious but looking at certain problems through that lens has helped me step back and look for unique trade spaces to solve complex problems or project requirements."
In engineering, there can be limits to what is possible, but the key is to work within those constraints and find creative solutions that push boundaries without ignoring the laws of nature.
Engineering Is All Around Us
Have you ever stopped to think about how much longer your daily routine would take if you didn’t have the products or systems you rely on? Here is something you might consider about the engineering world after reading this:
"It exists everywhere. From the simplest objects to the most complex, some engineering work went into the creation, fabrication, and delivery of that product."
Engineering is all around us and we don’t often notice its effect. From the technology we use to the infrastructures we depend on, engineering makes everyday tasks more efficient, seamless, and innovative.
A Passion for Building and Creating
From an early age, Michael was captivated by the process of building and creating with his hands.
"I’ve always loved building things and learning how things work or are made. I grew up on building LEGO and stealing scrap wood from my dad to build treehouses so my hands on problem solving nature led me to mechanical engineering. The Defense industry was interesting to me because it’s where a lot of cutting-edge technology is developed and utilized to solve complex, meaningful and potentially life-saving products and services."
This early curiosity guided him to study engineering, ultimately leading to a career in the defense industry, where he applies his skills in solving complex challenges and driving innovation.
Milestones of Progress
Not every challenge has a clear solution, making the path less smooth. Yet, it is through these obstacles that we push our limits, grow, and come out stronger.
"Transitioning from an individual contributor as a mechanical engineer to an engineering manager of multiple disciplines. Finding the right balance of technical oversight, team support, and learning new domain knowledge was a challenge that I’m proud to have navigated and found my place in the new role."
Challenges may not always feel rewarding at the moment, but looking back, they become milestones of progress and resilience. Now, stepping into his managerial role, he can draw from his past experiences and guide his team toward success.
Leaving a Lasting Impact
Throughout Michael’s incredible journey, he has contributed to remarkable projects, each leaving a lasting impact. When asked to highlight just one, he reflected on the many milestones that shaped his career.
"At my previous employer, I had the opportunity to work heavily on the design for the flagship multi-channel military radio, the AN/PRC-163. The complexity and functionality of that product still amazes me to this day."
As we navigate our paths, we encounter unexpected milestones—proof of our capability and perseverance. These moments are reminders of how far we have come and deserve to be celebrated. We are delighted to highlight Michael’s journey and share his experience as he is continuously making an impact at Safran, but most significantly the world.
bottom of page