Alumni Spotlight: David Moseley
By Kathy Williams.
In January 2017, one month after receiving his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from UT, David Moseley moved to Hartford, Connecticut, and began working at Pratt & Whitney as an F100 Component Improvement Program Manager.
Moseley’s responsibilities include leading cross-functional teams to ensure the safety, reliability, and supportability of nearly 4,000 F100PW-229 and F100-PW-220 engines in services, and leveraging diverse engineering teams to identify, design, and implement new engine improvements for the US Air Force as well as 22 nations worldwide.
A native of Louisville, Tennessee, Moseley is no longer in close proximity to family and has to endure cold New England weather, but is thankful to be working for a great company and doing what he loves—engineering.
“Being an engineer requires a unique mixture of creativity, technical know-how, and determination to solve complex problems,” said Moseley. “Working in this type of environment is incredibly satisfying as those efforts yield tangible benefits. This is especially true working within Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney where the results of our efforts directly impact the strength of our nation and the safety of America’s military men and women.”
Moseley didn’t always have the dream of being an engineer. In fact, it wasn’t even on his radar until after he had received a bachelor’s degree in business and was working as an entrepreneur.
Moseley started a tech business to improve the efficiency and emissions of internal combustion. After some set-backs and product failure, it became clear he needed to understand the technology before the business could be successful. It was this need that led him to the realization that he was an engineer at heart.
“It became apparent a massive gap existed between the engineered design and the needs of our clients,’ said Moseley. “The engineering/business disconnect, combined with my newly found passion for science, inspired me to become an engineer.”
Moseley enrolled at UT, starting from scratch with his classes, and spent the next fve years working toward his master’s in mechanical engineering and simultaneously his MBA from the Haslam College of Business.
On top of a heavy course load, Moseley became very involved in MABE. He worked as a student advisor, performed research in the Electrochemical Energy and Storage and Conversion Laboratory and at ORNL, and served as an EcoCAR 3 project manager.
“Looking back on my journey at UT, the impact the faculty had on my personal and professional success is staggering,” said Moseley. “Not only did those relationships lead to unique research opportunities, internships and assistantships, but also the discovery of my current job.”
Moseley’s advice to current students is to get to know your professors. “Find a mentor and don’t underestimate the power of your network. UT’S engineering faculty are a tremendous resource, and opportunities abound for those students willing to go the extra mile.”