Ben Robeck’s passion for engineering was sparked in high school when he witnessed a significant interchange reconstruction project near his home. Watching the transformation unfold, he became fascinated by the complexity and problem-solving required to bring such projects to life. That early interest set him on the path to becoming a transportation engineer.
Now, at Sambatek, Ben thrives in a role that is anything but routine. Every day presents new challenges, opportunities to problem-solve, and a variety of tasks that keep his work engaging. One of the most challenging projects he has worked on was the preliminary design for four new grade-separated interchanges and a system interchange revision on TH 169 in Elk River. The project required intricate planning to navigate right-of-way limitations and budget constraints, making it a true test of engineering ingenuity.
While that project was challenging, his favorite has been the TH 19 reconstruction in Northfield. Seeing a project come together and knowing it will improve safety and efficiency for the community makes the work especially rewarding.
For Ben, engineering is about maximizing efficiency and doing more with less. Whether optimizing budgets or designing safer roadways, he believes the field presents opportunities and challenges in making public infrastructure more innovative and effective. He envisions a future where AI and advanced software streamline the design, review, and construction processes, making projects more seamless from start to finish.
His advice to aspiring engineers? Ask good questions, seek out diverse experiences, and share your knowledge. Engineering is not just about technical skills; it’s about collaboration, learning, and making a lasting impact.