About Us

Background, Credentials, Education, and Experience

How We Started

Tyler became a Licensed Civil Engineer in California in 1996 and Smithson Engineering started as a few side jobs for Architects while working a day job at an engineering software firm. It went full-time in 2000 and sustained us as we raised a family amidst our own remodels and construction projects in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. With the ‘great recession’ in 2010, Tyler refocused on Aerospace simulation work and Smithson Engineering returned to a part-time endeavor.

Where we are Now

In 2019, we moved to the beach but with aerospace work suddenly at risk as ‘the pandemic’ set in, Cyndi joined the effort and Smithson Engineering & Desing began to take on a steady client load. By the end of 2024, we were a full time business again and we expanded adding a regular presence in Salt Lake City UT and Coeur d’Alene ID. We work together to help clients through the challenges of going from an early design concept to a cost-efficient construction permit and eventually a finished project. Let’s see how we can find innovative solutions through advanced engineering together!

Resume

Credentials


  • Licenses:
    • Structural Engineer (SE): Utah
    • Civil Engineer (PE): California, Idaho
      • Also PE: Washington, Oregon, Montana, Arizona, Michigan
  • Certifications / Courses
    • LEED Accredited Professional, US Green Building Council 
    • FAA Part 25 Commercial Aircraft Seating & Interior Composites

Education


  • Master of Science, Civil Engineering, Brigham Young University 
  • Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Brigham Young University  

Experience


  • Chief Engineer & Owner, Smithson Engineering & Design
    • Huntington Beach, CA – Salt Lake City, UT – Coeur d’Alene, ID
      • 1996 – Present (2001-2012 & 2024-Present Full Time)
    • Sustainable & cost efficient engineering & design consulting
    • Homes, Retaining Walls, Rollercoasters, Offices, ICF, SIP, …
  • Applied Physics College Instructor, Northwestern Preparatory School
    • Crestline CA, 2013-2020
    • Developed & taught Applied College Physics course
    • Helped ~500 post-secondary students into the US Air Force Academy
  • Safran Cabin, Inc. – Aerospace Research, Stress, Design
    • Huntington Beach, CA – 2012-2024
    • Commercial aircraft interiors (Seats, Galleys, Lavs, …)
    • Many patents, publications & tutorials
    • Simulation (Implicit/Explicit), Composites, Additive Manufacturing
    • FAA, Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, SAE, SAMPE, IUVA, NIAR, CMH-17
  • MSC Software  Santa Ana, CA – 1996-2001
    • Nastran Americas Business Unit Leader, applications, software development