Defect Tracking

Introducing H. Curtis McDowell, the President and Principal Engineer of McDowell Engineers & Associates. Curtis is a proud alum of North Carolina State University, where he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. 
 

The Chicago native is driven by a passion for problem-solving and dedicates his days to efficiently advancing engineering solutions. With a knack for communication, he seamlessly navigates through diverse roles and responsibilities, a skill honed since starting MEA in March 2010.
 

Curtis finds fulfillment in the dynamic nature of his work, cherishing the opportunity to engage with individuals from various backgrounds and to immerse himself in hands-on fieldwork rather than being confined to a desk.
 

From his childhood fascination with trains, Curtis's journey in the rail industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a coach cleaner during his university days, he steadily progressed to become an engineer specializing in rolling stock. His career highlights include serving as a Relief Trainmaster and Mechanical Inspector for luxury trains like the American Orient Express (later Grandluxe Rail), as well as contributing to locomotive design and maintenance projects in Australia at Downer EDI Rail. He also worked on the FRA track geometry trains for a number of years. 

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Beyond his professional endeavors, Curtis finds joy in exploring diverse cultures and landscapes, from the Pura Vida lifestyle of Costa Rica (his second home) to the warm hospitality of Angola in Huambo and Bungei at Missao Inglesa, and the rich heritage of South Africa.
 

Among his proudest achievements is passing the Mechanical Engineering PE exam on his first attempt and seizing the opportunity to establish his own company—an endeavor fueled by his expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.