GE Aerospace's Quick Six with Janek Biskupski

From working parents to military veterans, GE Aerospace would not be the company it is today without its employees. We created “Quick Six” to celebrate our diverse talent by asking employees six questions that uncover the unique ways that they contribute to GE Aerospace and the world. 

In our next installment of Quick Six, GE Aerospace sat down with Janek Biskupski, a Systems engineer for the Catalyst engine. Biskupski, a self-described car fanatic, has been with the company since 2003.  

Can you describe your role and responsibilities?

I’m a Systems consulting engineer on the Catalyst. Working in Systems means taking care of the entire engine. We don’t design individual parts or get into component-level details, but make sure the entire project is technically coherent. We ensure it meets safety requirements, aligns with industry standards and customer expectations, and stays on schedule.

Why did you decide to become an engineer? What inspired you?

A passion for machines and how they’re designed. Around my sophomore year of high school, I realized I was far more inspired by things that are tangible. Theory is great and it’s an important foundation, but I wanted to touch and create things that work. The inspiration came from getting my hands on some great pieces of technology. It hit me that when something is well-designed and well-built, it brings a lot of joy. That’s where it started – I wanted to design things like that too. I went to study mechanical engineering at a technical university, and it just took off from there. Aviation didn’t come until I joined GE Aerospace.

Your story really shows a love for machines. Do you pursue that outside of work as well?

Yes, cycling has always been my main hobby. Though the older I get, the harder it gets. Cars have always been part of my life too. I used to go driving on a racetrack with colleagues from GE Aerospace. I had a few BMWs, including two M3s – those brought me enormous joy. I also got a taste of the off-road with my daughter. Then, after 15 years, I finally fulfilled my dream of owning a Ferrari. And eventually, a 1924 Ford Model T came along. When I found out that it was for sale right then and there, I didn’t think twice. I hadn’t planned it, but when the opportunity showed up – the decision was simple.

That’s quite an unusual car. As someone passionate about machine design, what do you appreciate most about it?

Above all, its simplicity and longevity. I think modern cars have become too complex. You need to be a programmer, have a shop, computers, and software just to get inside the machine. Which makes it harder for us engineers, because it’s exactly the thing we love doing. The Model T is so straightforward in its construction that it practically invites you to get your hands dirty and take it apart. Even the owner’s manual is built around that idea. You can read there how to pull the engine out, replace a connecting rod, lap the valves, and so on.

I have to do maintenance and repairs every few rides. For example, the instruction manual calls for oiling the steering mechanism before every ride. And as a engineer, this is exactly what I do. My biggest and proudest moment on Model T repairs was tightening the wood spokes on the wheels. Yes, the wheels on the car are wood! 

So, Model T is the perfect car for an engineer?

Absolutely! The Model T is practically the embodiment of Lean – our way of working at GE Aerospace. It’s a great example of efficient use of manufacturing resources. It was the first mass-produced car in history. Assembly took 93 minutes, but the takt time was just 3 minutes! That’s a remarkable achievement for its era. And the quality of that production speaks for itself – my car is 102 years old and runs great. I even drive it to work sometimes. For me, as an engineer, there’s real joy in being around such an iconic piece of technology.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about becoming an engineer, what would it be?

I believe that if you love machines and everything that comes with them – that’s enough. Ask yourself whether this is truly what you want to do and go for it. Internships are a great path in. The most important thing is to simply get started.