Milena Stevanov is one of the owners of GS Engineering, a structural consulting firm supporting fabrication, welding quality programs, structural design, and more. In this episode, she shares how she and her business partner acquired the company they once interned for, what it takes to become a welding engineer, and why the best results happen when engineers and welders work together.
What You’ll Learn
● How Milena and her business partner went from interns at GS Engineering to acquiring and leading the company.
● Why mentorship, family-business experience, and a strong support system were critical in making the transition to ownership.
● What GS Engineering does, from structural design and equipment certifications to retained welding-engineering support.
● What a welding engineer actually does and how they help clients build quality-control programs, develop procedures, and troubleshoot production issues.
● Why practical feedback from welders and fabricators matters just as much as calculations, codes, and engineering requirements.
● How Milena approaches the classic welder-versus-engineer relationship by listening first, explaining the “why,” and working toward practical solutions.
● Why process choices matter when qualifying welding procedures, and how understanding the pros and cons helps shops make better decisions.
● A realistic look at the pathway into welding engineering, including welding-inspector training, metallurgy knowledge, mentorship, shop exposure, and working with clients.
● Why young people entering the industry should seek mentors, surround themselves with supportive people, and explore the many career paths available in welding.
Milena Stevanov is a civil engineer and co-owner of GS Engineering, a structural consulting firm serving clients across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Along with structural design, certifications, and industrial consulting, GS Engineering provides welding-engineering support to fabrication clients, helping them manage welding procedures, quality-control programs, and certification requirements. Milena brings a collaborative, practical approach to the role, connecting engineering theory with the real-world needs of welders and fabrication shops.
Connect With Milena Stevanov / GS Engineering
● Website: https://gsengineering.ca/
● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milena-stevanov/
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