For Bill Yurcik, a mechanical engineer in the Hydromechanical Facilities Engineering Branch at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, the path to engineering was influenced by early, hands-on experiences with his stepfather. Now, over two years into his role at Carderock, Yurcik continues to embrace the unique challenges of his job and enjoys the opportunity to contribute to the Navy's mission.
Yurcik, who has lived in Baltimore County for most of his life, first came to Carderock after hearing about a job fair at his alma mater, the University of Maryland, College Park where he received his bachelor's in mechanical engineering. With no expectations, he went with his resume in hand, being immediately drawn to the facilities at Carderock.
“The facilities here are extremely impressive,” says Yurcik. “It really drew me in, and I was excited to see what I could learn.”
As a mechanical engineer, Yurcik credits much of his success to the knowledge and mentorship he received from senior engineers and technicians at Carderock. He emphasizes the value of asking questions and working closely with colleagues who have years of experience in the field.
"Being able to talk with engineers and technicians, people who have been around the block, really helps you apply what you've learned,” Yurcik explains. “I try to lean on the older engineers and ask them questions in order to learn.”
His journey into mechanical engineering began long before his role at Carderock. Growing up, Yurcik was immersed in the mechanical world thanks to his stepfather, who worked on boats.
“My stepdad does a lot of engine swaps and boat repairs,” Yurcik shares. “I started helping him as a child by passing tools. Over time, I developed a real passion for working with engines.”
That hands-on experience sparked his interest in engineering and set the course for his future career.
When asked about his favorite aspects of his job, Yurcik points to the variety and uniqueness of the projects at Carderock.
“Every day brings something new,” he says. “Even the older engineers tell me you never see the same problem twice. The work we do here is incredibly unique, and it’s rewarding to be involved in such groundbreaking projects.”
One such project involves the world’s largest water tunnel located at Carderock’s Large Cavitation Channel (LCC) in Memphis, where near real-world experiments are run on the effects of cavitation and corrosion on naval materials and shapes.
“There aren’t many water tunnels in the private sector, and we get to work on some truly cool and unique technologies,” Yurcik adds. “It’s the best part of my job.”
When he’s not at work, Yurcik enjoys a variety of hobbies, including playing in a men’s baseball league during the summer, weightlifting, and spending time outdoors. He also has a passion for American history, and regularly visits historic sites like Gettysburg and Fort McHenry, places he describes as two of his favorite locations.