Why CAE? It is a question that delves deeper than the surface of technical achievements or industry leadership. At CAE USA, engineering is not simply about solving problems, it is about igniting a purpose, embracing a vision, and channeling passion into innovation. Known for pioneering cutting-edge technology and world-class training systems, CAE’s Defense and Security division stands as an example of excellence, actively transforming complex challenges into solutions that redefine possibilities for military readiness.
Yet, the story of CAE is not complete without understanding the “Why” behind its engineers—the driving force that fuels their creativity, commitment, and unparalleled dedication. In this article, we aim to uncover the essence of their motivation, their contributions to forward-thinking technology, and the profound impact of their work. What makes CAE a hub of engineering brilliance? It is the people, their passion, purpose, and the boundless pursuit of excellence that turn ambition into reality.
Join us as we explore the heart of engineering at CAE—a workplace where innovation thrives and technology comes to life.
Engineering Talent in Focus
For William Penn, software engineering at CAE is more than building code, it is about building purpose. “What initially drew me to join CAE was the opportunity to do work that makes an impact,” William shares. “It’s a unique space where you’re mentally engaged and delivering a product that truly makes a difference.”
That mission-driven mindset continues to motivate him, especially when collaborating with like-minded peers all striving toward excellence. One project that deeply resonated with William was early in his career; a simulator networking effort in Little Rock involving C-130J aircraft. “We networked multiple simulators together to fly in formation and communicate over radios,” he explains. Seeing flight crews use the system and receiving instructor feedback showed him the tangible impact his work has on real-world mission readiness.
As the software landscape evolves, William recognizes the importance of adapting. “The market has shifted toward leveraging newer technologies like AI to make workflows more efficient,” he notes. But amid this shift, he emphasizes the value of continued learning, self-guided exploration, and engaging with open-source communities.
“When you’re passionate about something, you naturally want to learn more about it on all fronts,” William Penn
William also sees the value of collaboration and not just in technical deliverables, but in communication. “Strong collaboration and communication skills really make junior engineers stand out,” he says. “Being passionate and showing an eagerness to learn gives you an edge.” His advice to those starting their careers. “Invest in yourself., step outside of your comfort zone, get involved, and ask questions.”
Looking to the future, William envisions software engineers evolving into architects and problem-solvers, guiding AI and automation tools rather than managing every detail themselves. “Writing code will become a smaller part of the job,” he predicts. “It will be more about how clearly you can think and build solutions that meet the customer’s needs.” He also looks forward to CAE continuing to embrace AI and automation to reduce manual tasks and unify platform architecture across simulators producing more cross-functional collaboration.
For Christian Pena, his journey to CAE was guided by a long-standing interest in aviation. “I studied aerospace engineering, so I had always wanted to work in something relating to aviation,” he says. “When I found out about CAE and flight simulation I was immediately interested.” That interest has deepened into a strong appreciation for the safety and mission-critical value of simulation training.
Christian’s first few months at CAE were filled with learning, from reading materials to shadowing coworkers. “Having supportive coworkers made all the difference,” he says. “They brought me along, showed me how things work, and helped me get familiar with the workflow.”
Christian’s proudest project so far has been the Aircrew Trainer Optimization Program, where he was challenged to support the flight group with no prior experience. “Every snag meant taking the time to dissect the system,” he reflects. “The whole project was a great learning experience, and I think we put out a good product by the end of it.”
As the engineering landscape shifts, Christian has noticed increased competition in the job market but remains optimistic. He stays connected by talking with peers across various engineering disciplines and absorbing new knowledge through articles, videos, and conversations. His advice to early-career engineers is simple but powerful: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions... take plenty of notes and write down what you learn; it will come in handy.” He also emphasizes the value of being open to all opportunities, whether small or intimidating, as a way to grow and demonstrate commitment.
Like many, Christian is intrigued by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). He notes that numerous industries are already integrating AI into their products, pointing out examples like Google’s AI-powered search overviews. While there is ongoing debate about the reliability of AI, he is eager to see how it evolves and impacts various fields. In the realm of software engineering, Christian envisions AI as a powerful tool to enhance productivity. From aiding in debugging to optimizing code, AI could streamline time-consuming tasks, enabling engineers to focus on more complex challenges. While AI is unlikely to replace engineers entirely, it holds the potential to become an indispensable resource in the years ahead.
As for CAE, he envisions CAE continuing its leadership in simulation and training while integrating innovative technologies to enhance realism and safety.
“CAE engineers will play a crucial role in integrating new features and innovations to maintain the company’s high standards,” Christian Pena
Let Your WHY Take Flight with CAE
At CAE, we are proud to work alongside talented individuals who are driven by purpose, each with their own unique WHY. Whether you are just starting your career or navigating a turning point, discovering your WHY is a powerful first step. It fuels motivation, helps you overcome challenges, and empowers you to make a meaningful impact on your team and beyond. If you’re ready to explore what purpose looks like in your own journey, check out these helpful tips Purpose in work to help you find clarity and direction in your career. Finally, if you’re looking for a place where your purpose can truly take flight, we invite you to learn more about opportunities at CAE. You can also browse our previous articles supporting students, early professionals, and veterans on their career paths.
Resource: Tips on finding your purpose: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/purpose-in-work
