Growing up amidst the natural landscapes of Hawaii, Tiffany Tang witnessed firsthand the environmental impacts on the world around her. This early exposure to environmental impacts fueled her interest in conservation and innovation. 

“I started thinking about engineering because I thought it was crazy to see the impacts of global warming in such a short amount of time, in my lifetime,” Tiffany said. 

At the University of Washington, Tiffany took an introductory engineering course that exposed her to the different types of engineering. Although she was initially interested in environmental engineering, she discovered several materials science and engineering professors doing sustainability research. “I chose one that I thought was really interesting – doing solar cell research,” she explained.

Tiffany’s research experience led her to pivot to composite materials in the aerospace industry. “When I learned about composites, I thought it was really cool,” she said. “The application for aerospace involves much lighter materials, which use a lot less fuel and are better for the environment. You can do things like recycle carbon fiber and find new applications. There are so many breakthrough innovations happening in materials science and engineering.” 

This led to Tiffany finding a role at Crane Aerospace & Electronics as a process engineer. 

“I worked with Crane previously through my senior capstone at the University of Washington and I knew other UW materials science and engineering alums who had worked at Crane,” Tiffany said. “I was able to talk to them and learn more about the company and their experiences here.”

Less than two years later, she transitioned into the role of Process Engineering Supervisor, a title she never thought she would hold. 

“I felt comfortable applying for the supervisor position because of the supportive and welcoming environment at Crane,” Tiffany shared. “The supervisor who came before me was a woman, which I thought was really encouraging. Crane has a lot of females in leadership roles, and it’s really inspiring to see.”

Outside of Crane A&E, Tiffany channels Crane A&E’s commitment to continuous improvement and community engagement by being active in professional societies such as the Society of Women Engineers and the Society for the Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering. Being a part of them has expanded her network and allowed her to mentor students who are interested in a career in engineering. 

"Having a second family at work is nice. A lot of coworkers are my friends because we spend so much time together."

— Tiffany Tang, Process Engineering Supervisor

When students reach out for guidance through these societies, Tiffany leverages her network, including her female coworkers, to volunteer and hold one-on-one mentorship conversations. 

“Volunteering and talking to students is something I love doing outside of work, so I think it's really satisfying when I get to marry things that I'm passionate about,” Tiffany said. “I find it so fulfilling to work with younger students, and it’s nice that Crane and my coworkers support that.”

She continued: “Having this type of relationship is really something I’ve appreciated. You spend most of your day at work. You spend most of your life at work. So just having a second family at work is nice. A lot of coworkers are my friends because we spend so much time together.”

Explore Crane A&E Careers