PORT HUENEME, Calif. –
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division’s (NSWC PHD) Lyle Warnagieris was selected as a National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) 2017 Federal Engineer of the Year Award (FEYA) agency winner.
Warnagieris, one of three FEYA agency winners representing Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), will be honored Feb. 23 during an official awards ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
“This is an honor to be recognized at the federal level for engineering achievement,” commented Warnagieris.
Sponsored by the Professional Engineers in Government, FEYA specifically honors federal engineers whose agency employs at least 50 engineers worldwide. Candidates are nominated by their respective organization.
Winners are selected by a panel of judges established by NSPE professional engineers in government who consider engineering achievements, education, professional and technical society activities, NSPE membership, previous awards, and humanitarian activities.
As the Littoral and Strike Warfare Department Combat Systems Engineering Branch Manager, Warnagieris leads support for Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), DDG-1000, United States Coast Guard, and the new Guided-Missile Frigate program.
More specifically, he supports the Mission Module Peculiar Support Equipment program for LCS, overseeing systems engineering processes for all equipment production and sustainment tasking. He is credited with establishing a 3D modeling and design engineering capability for LCS mission module support equipment, leading to modernization of the ship’s “roll-on, roll-off” storage cabinets. This not only optimized overall ship space, but also reduced the weight and cost of mission module systems.
In addition, Warnagieris provides insightful leadership, guiding his team to develop requirements, baselines, and engineering change proposals to correct safety issues, reduce maintenance costs, and modernize LCS mission module support equipment. He also initiated a division-wide work transition that improved team productivity, increased on-time deliverables, and provided early visibility to barriers impacting work completion.
“Lyle’s leadership in support of combat systems engineering has been exceptional,” said Jeffrey Koe, NSWC PHD Littoral and Strike Warfare Department manager. “His initiative and commitment for not only bettering the command but its people indicates an ongoing passion for continuous improvement, innovation, and accomplishing the Navy's mission. He is extremely deserving of this recognition.”
When asked about his key to a successful career, Warnagieris noted the importance of identifying individual strengths, acknowledging his own affinity for challenges and education.
“I enjoy trying innovative approaches to problems and mentoring others,” he said. “Find a niche that you enjoy and become fully engaged in your work. For engineers, take the time to pursue an Engineering-in-Training certificate or Professional Engineering license.”