May 2025 - Kenneth Gilley

A bit about Kenneth Gilley
What do you find most fascinating/ challenging about the O&G industry?
The oil and gas industry demands products that can perform in some of the harshest environments on Earth. From fireproof and cryogenic valves to seals that can endure hydrogen sulfide and hydrofluoric acid, O&G equipment is constantly pushed to the limits. This presents not only complex engineering challenges but also exciting opportunities to drive technological innovation forward.

What is your hobby and why?
I’m passionate about the great outdoors — whether it’s wetting a line into an East Texas bass lake or hiking in Big Bend National Park. Nature offers a sense of clarity, peace, and balance that complements the fast pace of engineering life.

Have you had a mentor in the industry and what valuable lesson / catch phrase has that person passed to you.
I've been blessed to have multiple mentors in this industry. One of them has often reminded me that, “There’s always a solution, you just have to find it.” That mindset of optimism and persistence has shaped the way I approach my work. It reminds me that even the toughest technical problems can be solved with the right combination of creativity, teamwork, and determination.

What do you enjoy most about your job and what advice to you have for others?What I enjoy most about my job is the variety of problems I get to solve every day. Whether we're designing a sealing system, troubleshooting a manufacturing process, or developing a new lab experiment, we are constantly learning and overcoming challenges. My advice for others would be to stay curious and embrace challenges. Creatively overcoming obstacles is one of the most rewarding aspects of engineering.

How long have you been with EPG and what brings you back year after year?
This is my first year with EPG! The wisdom and camaraderie in this amazing group will keep me coming back for many years to come.