Monica Santiago is a mechanical engineer on the Testing and Evaluation team at Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport.
Growing up in a Navy family, Monica lived in many places across the country, spending most of her time in Virginia and California. A 2024 graduate of the University of Washington, she joined Keyport right after earning her degree and has been a valuable member of the team ever since.
In her current position, Monica has two primary focuses. She designs and operates support devices for naval asset testing, and she also operates, maintains, and improves the portable ranges used for at-sea training events.
Monica’s decision to be an engineer didn’t happen at a young age. "I always knew I wanted to work in a science-related field," she said, "but throughout my childhood I never knew exactly what I wanted to do."
The creative side of engineering is what drew her to the profession. "What made me decide to work toward becoming an engineer was when I learned that so much of engineering is about both problem solving and being creative with designs."
For students considering a career in engineering, Monica offers this advice, "The two most important things you need to become a good engineer are a solid work ethic and the desire to learn and grow. If you keep that mindset through your life, you can be a good engineer."
Monica said she also looks forward to the opportunity to share her passion for engineering with local students through the command’s STEM outreach program.
Reflecting on her own experience, the most important lesson Monica learned is to always stay curious. "The best engineers aren't afraid to ask or collaborate with other engineers to solve problems,” she said. “Engineering is a team effort."
Outside of work, Monica enjoys playing the piano and guitar and even dabbles in the violin. Playing instruments is not her only musical talent. In college, she sang in and eventually led an a capella group.
Monica Santiago is a great example of a team member who is driving innovation and excellence at NUWC Division, Keyport, while encouraging the next generation of engineers.