Rising Stars 2019: Scott Schiemann

Scott Schiemann, 35
Chief engineer
Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad
 
Nominator’s quote: “Throughout his tenure, Mr. Schiemann has reduced injuries and derailments, improved infrastructure, used technology to comply with federal regulations and completed projects on time and under budget. When issues arise, he is able to come up with a corrective action plan to prevent reoccurrence.”
— Joseph Spano, Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad
 
Why did you pursue a career in the rail industry?
While studying to become a civil engineer, I admired the adversity it took to build a railroad across the USA. Railroading and civil engineering in my opinion are synonymous. Railroads developed standards that are still used today across civil engineering. I pursued a career with the railroad because I wanted to be part of this deep rooted industry.
 
Describe your education after high school.
I have a Bachelor’s of Science in civil engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s degree in infrastructure and management from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
 
How are you making a difference in the rail industry?
Over the past few years we have added capacity to our system by building mainline and yard tracks. These tracks have increased our capacity and increased the fluidity of cars across our system.
 
What is an interesting, unusual or little known fact about you?
I play rugby. 
 
What was your very first job?
I worked at a carwash detailing cars in high school.
 
What is your philosophy toward life and/or your career?
Pay it forward. We are all where we are today because someone has helped us along the way.  
 
What is your advice to new railroaders who want to advance their careers?
Hone your leadership skills. People are what run the railroad. The better you know your people the better results you can expect.
 
What do you think will be the biggest trend to affect railroading over the next decade?
The use of modern technology like drones to inspect bridges and smart phones to house rule books and eliminate paper copies.