Get to Know Matt Malich, One of Carpenter Marty Transportation’s Roadway Engineers!

Matt Malich has been with the Carpenter Marty Transportation team for nine years. He started his career with Carpenter Marty Transportation after graduating from The Ohio State University with a civil engineering degree. In 2018, Carpenter Marty Transportation opened a Charleston, West Virginia office and there was an opportunity for Matt to promote our company culture and mentor a younger engineer. It involved more responsibility, and Matt was ready for the challenge! He and his family moved to Charleston last June.

Matt specializes in roadway and drainage design. He enjoys designing roundabouts the most. Though they can be challenging, from an engineering standpoint, he likes their visual appeal. Matt also likes the intricacies of roundabout layout and design.

Becoming an Engineer

Matt started realizing his strengths in math in high school. Though engineering crossed his mind, he did not decide to pursue the profession until after a couple of college visits with his classmates. The practicality of engineering resonated with him.

Matt was valedictorian of his high school class, so he had confidence in his ability to earn a degree in a challenging career. He originally pursued an aerospace engineering career. By the time his college orientation was over, he knew his passion was not aerospace. He explored civil engineering and discovered it was much more natural and relatable for him. Matt felt he chose the right career because his engineering courses seemed easy.

Favorite Places in the Charleston Area

Though Matt is “not usually a rib guy,” he said some of the best food in Charleston has been the ribs from Dem 2 Brothers & A Grill. “It is the best barbeque around,” he said. He also recommends Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream and the Fireside Grill in Hurricane. Charleston has a great riverfront too. Matt often walks to the riverfront park and explores the city on his lunch breaks. Recently, Matt and his family enjoyed trips to the Clay Center and New River Gorge. Interestingly, the New River Gorge Bridge has the longest steel span bridge in the western hemisphere! Matt and his family are looking forward to visiting other state parks and local spots.

Favorite Project

Matt has been involved with the ASD-250-12.74 roundabout design from the preliminary stages. The intersection is a 4-way stop that is being remodeled to improve safety. Matt is designing the roundabout so large vehicles, like semis, can easily navigate it. He has designed the approach legs, angles at the approach, vertical profiles, horizontal geometry, and drainage. This project will also extend a culvert and involve stormwater improvements. Matt is excited to see the final project come to life, likely in 2022 when it is scheduled for construction.

Best Part of Working at Carpenter Marty Transportation

The flexibility that Carpenter Marty Transportation offers has allowed Matt to spend more time with his family. He has been able to take his kids to appointments and participate in more of his family’s day-to-day activities. Matt also enjoys the people he works with, saying they are easy-going and simply nice people.

Advice for New Parents

Matt and his wife welcomed their second child, a baby boy, to their family in April. Balancing work and family life with young kids can be challenging. Matt says establishing a routine has helped them. He tries to go home around the same time each day. It allows him to spend more time with his family and help with the kids’ bedtime routines. If he needs to work overtime, he knows he can access his work from home after the kids go to bed.