Atlas’ Mike Filmyer reflects on his 40‑year engineering journey in water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure. Mike highlights some of the memorable projects he has been involved in and offers advice to up and coming engineers who are interested in making a difference to protect public health, preserve natural resources and help communities flourish and thrive.
For more than four decades, I have had the privilege of contributing to the design, management and improvement of water, wastewater and stormwater systems that millions of people rely on every day.
These essential yet often unseen systems form the backbone of healthy, sustainable and resilient communities. My journey in engineering has been shaped by a deep belief that infrastructure is more than pipes, pumps, tanks and treatment processes — it is about protecting public health, preserving natural resources and ensuring that communities can thrive.
A Dual Foundation in Biology and Engineering
My path into engineering began with a strong grounding in biology from St. Joseph’s University, followed by a second degree in Environmental Engineering Technology from Temple University.
The combination of biological insight and engineering rigor helped me understand not only how infrastructure works, but why it matters — especially when dealing with water quality, ecological health and regulatory compliance. Early in my career, this interdisciplinary knowledge proved invaluable as I began working in Baltimore before returning to my hometown of Glenside, Pennsylvania, where my roots and career both continued to grow.
Engineering in Service of Communities
Across my career, I’ve worked on hundreds of projects spanning water treatment plants, wastewater facilities, stormwater systems, pump stations, force mains, storage tanks and complex regulatory programs.
Each project brought its own unique challenges, but the most rewarding aspect has always been the impact on the communities we serve. Some of the highlights that continue to make me proud include:
- An Anaerobic Digestion & Cogeneration Facility, where waste biogas was transformed into renewable energy for the community.
- An 18-inch force main installed via Horizontal Directional Drilling under the Lehigh River, a technically complex project that protected both infrastructure and the river ecosystem.
- A 3.4-million-gallon underground Combined Sewer Overflow storage facility, which eliminated millions of gallons of polluted discharges into local waterways. This tank was placed under a local university’s tennis courts, which were replaced as part of the project.
These projects, and many others like them, illustrate the critical role engineers play in public safety and environmental stewardship.
Technology as a Transformational Force
Over the past 40 years, technology has continually reshaped how we design and operate infrastructure. I’ve seen firsthand how advanced SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, new materials, better treatment technologies and improved hydraulic modeling have expanded what’s possible. My work on SCADA upgrades for regional authorities brought real‑time system visibility and operational reliability to facilities that previously operated with limited monitoring.
Technology has enabled us to make systems smarter, safer and more sustainable, and it will continue to drive the future of engineering.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Sustainability has been a thread running through my entire career, long before it was a buzzword. Whether designing Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce pollutant loads, preparing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewals or implementing stormwater reduction plans, I have seen how thoughtful engineering can dramatically improve environmental outcomes.
Projects such as stormwater BMPs, streambank restoration efforts or regenerative stormwater conveyance systems illustrate how engineered solutions can harmonize with natural systems.
Our responsibility as engineers is not only to solve today’s problems, but to protect ecosystems for generations to come.
Advice to the Next Generation of Engineers
One unique aspect of my career is the long-standing relationships I’ve built with my colleagues, many of whom I’ve worked with for decades. That continuity of people, knowledge and a shared mission has allowed us to take on increasingly complex challenges with confidence and collaboration.
To those entering the profession, or early in your careers, I offer a few guiding principles:
- Stay curious. Engineering changes constantly; lifelong learning is essential.
- Remember who you serve. Infrastructure exists for people and the environment, so keep communities at the center of every design.
- Embrace the details. In our field, precision saves money, prevents risk and protects lives.
- Seek mentors and be a mentor. Much of what I know came from generous colleagues who shared their expertise.
- Stand proudly in the impact you make. Engineers often work behind the scenes, but our work shapes the world.
A Career Built on Purpose
From wastewater treatment plants to pump stations, SCADA systems to stormwater BMPs, my career has been shaped by the belief that engineering is a public trust. Every design, every calculation and every decision carries with it the responsibility to safeguard communities and the environment.
As I reflect on more than 40 years in this profession, I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve worked with and the communities our work has contributed to. And as new generations begin to lead, I am confident the future of engineering will continue to bring innovative, resilient and sustainable solutions to the challenges ahead.
Mike Filmyer
Director of Engineering
Mike Filmyer serves as Director of Engineering at Atlas. He has more than 40 years of experience and is intimately involved in numerous design projects. It is his responsibility to guide projects from the concept phase into final design. He is responsible for the preparation of contract documents to allow for bidding and construction of various facilities. Mike’s expertise is associated with sanitary, mechanical, civil and environmental engineering tasks relating to large infrastructure projects. He is highly experienced in the design and construction of water, wastewater and stormwater facilities.