2023 40 Under 40: Amen Mukhlis, P.E.

One word to describe yourself: Persistent

Fast fact about yourself: One interesting fact about me is I have a strong affinity for the color black. I find it to be a versatile and timeless choice, it also makes it easier to decide what to wear, and as a result, it's the predominant color in my wardrobe. Additionally, I have a deep passion for traveling and exploring new places. Whenever I embark on a journey, I make it a point to collect fridge magnets from each destination as a memento. Over time, my collection has grown to the point where it now covers three faces of my fridge, serving as a visual reminder of my adventures and the memories associated with them.

Amen Mukhlis, P.E., is a senior director of engineering and construction for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Construction and Development, where he manages engineering design projects and capital construction projects aimed at building a better transportation system. The projects Mukhlis spearheads various types projects, including flood resiliency and climate adaptivity in the MTA system, state of good repair and advancing accessibility, as well as multiple design and construction project on behalf of the MTA, in addition to multiple safety, communication and state of good repair projects that aims to provide the system and service New Yorkers expect.

Mukhlis participates in multiple technical and programmatic reviews of issues affecting implementation of efficient and modern rail and metro systems such as, installations, engineering challenges, modernizing live systems, construction, technical capacity and opportunities for technological integration. In addition to the MTA, Mukhlis has also worked for several engineering, construction, metro and rail operators. He has managed several award-winning design and construction projects for the MTA, such as the 2019 national CMAA project of the year for innovative flood resiliency in Manhattan, the 2022 ACE award for the design of Fan Plant 7204, the 2022 CMAA Owner Managed project of the year.

Mukhlis has an undergraduate degrees in civil engineering and data science, as well as graduate degrees in operations management and project management, an MBA, and he's expected to graduate with a civil engineering and structural engineering graduate degree from Columbia University. He is a licensed engineer, a Certified Project Management professional, a Certified Construction Management professional and a Design Build professional.

Mukhlis loves to give to his community. He associates it with his life in Iraq and how a close community can overcome adversity. He is a frequent participant in charitable events and a blood donation ambassador. He volunteers his time to help the underprivileged and dedicates a great amount of time and resources helping new immigrant engineers and those who came from metro and rail backgrounds in their countries via mentoring and training that can make them ready for a job in the industry. In the past few years, Mukhlis mentored more than 50 high schoolers and 20 college students from unprivileged backgrounds, putting them at the path of success and the path of leaving an impact on their industry and community.

Is there a specific experience that led you to where you are today?

Several specific experiences have played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. My passion for transportation, particularly the New York City subway system, along with my fascination for building, construction, research and engineering, guided me towards a career in transportation engineering and eventually led me to the MTA.

Spending my childhood in Iraq, witnessing the destruction that was had brought upon Iraq and the rebuild efforts that followed ignited my interest in building, construction, research and engineering. I was also captivated by the intricate web of transportation systems and their impact on urban environments. The NYC subway system, with its rich history, complexity and role as a lifeline for millions of people, became a constant source of inspiration. This passion for building and transportation fueled my desire to contribute to the improvement and advancement of mass transit. The experience made me drawn to the idea of designing and constructing infrastructure that could positively transform communities and enhance the lives of individuals. This desire to make a lasting impact drove me to pursue a career path focused on transportation engineering.

Furthermore, my interest in public service and promoting sustainable practices aligned perfectly with the mission and values of the MTA. The MTA represented a dream career home for me—a place where I could actively contribute to the building and maintenance of mass transit systems while increasing access to public transportation. By reducing the reliance on cars and promoting sustainable alternatives, such as efficient engineering design, material recycling and resilient construction methods, I aimed to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for transportation infrastructure.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

One of the aspects I find most fulfilling about my job is the profound impact it has on the community and the connections it fosters among people in New York and those visiting the city. When I see the stations and structures I have contributed to building, upgrading or maintaining, a wave of pride and joy washes over me. The tangible results of my work remind me of the positive influence I have in enhancing the city's infrastructure. Moreover, the people I have the privilege of working with make my job incredibly enjoyable.

The MTA embodies the essence of New York and America, representing a captivating mosaic of individuals from all walks of life and corners of the world. Collaborating with such diverse and talented colleagues brings a vibrant energy to the workplace, making each day a unique and enriching experience that fills me with a deep sense of fulfillment and inspires me to continue making a positive difference.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

The most challenging part of my job is undoubtedly time management and managing priorities, especially considering the intersection of mass transit with engineering and construction. This field operates in a highly dynamic and demanding environment where various projects and tasks compete for attention simultaneously. Balancing the critical deadlines and resource constraints inherent in mass transit projects, while ensuring the seamless integration of engineering and construction processes, requires exceptional time management skills.

Accomplishment you’re most proud of and why?

The accomplishment I am most proud of is my service to the public and the projects I have contributed to. These achievements hold significant meaning for me because of the positive impact they have had on the public, as well as my family and friends.

One particular project that stands out is my involvement in advancing accessibility in New York's subway system through a prototype project. This initiative aimed to improve the accessibility features in subway stations, making it easier for individuals with disabilities, elderly citizens, and families with strollers to navigate the subway system with greater independence and convenience.

Witnessing the impact of this project on the lives of commuters and the broader community was incredibly fulfilling. It brought me immense satisfaction to know my contributions were directly enhancing the quality of life for individuals who rely on public transportation.

Best advice/tip/best practice to share from your area of expertise?

One of the most invaluable pieces of advice I received early in my career came from a mentor who encouraged me to embrace the role of a philomath, a term unfamiliar to me at the time. This mentor elaborated on the importance of continuously seeking knowledge and fostering a mindset of perpetual learning in the realm of professional development. The essence of this advice was to approach each opportunity as a chance to absorb knowledge, eagerly take on challenges and expand my expertise without anticipating immediate rewards or additional compensation.

This counsel has left an indelible mark on my professional growth and development. By embracing the mindset of a lifelong learner, I have been able to view every undertaking as an opportunity for acquiring valuable experience, even if it initially appeared beyond the scope of my current role or expectations. This approach has opened doors to unique learning experiences, allowing me to develop new proficiencies, forge connections with brilliant individuals and explore unfamiliar territories.

The wealth of experience, knowledge and connections I have gained from embracing these diverse tasks has proven to be an invaluable asset in advancing my career. This philosophy has empowered me to continually evolve, seize opportunities and navigate my professional journey with confidence and curiosity.