Orlando, FL -- For those who have wondered what it takes to create a major theme park attraction, behind the thrilling rides and breathtaking effects is a team of engineers that spends countless hours ensuring that the attraction is safe to operate and maintain. Timothy Swieter is one of those individuals. The electrical engineer at Birket Engineer Inc has responsibilities to provide a safe control system that is easy to operate and maintain for the Universal Studios Park, but also provides an illusion of danger and excitement to the guests.

Two years ago, Swieter joined the Birket Engineering team responsible for the LIM launch ride control system of Revenge of the Mummy, The Ride, at Universal Studios Orlando. The 2,200-foot coaster has 180-degree banks and 50-degree drops. The steel twister includes a sudden stop into an eerie, darkened "tomb" where riders are asked to exit, but instead of their snug lapbars being released, the ceiling bursts into flame before riders are sent plunging to the ride's completion.

In addition to his work at Birket Engineering on the mechanisms on Revenge of the Mummy, The Ride, Swieter's roles have included project engineer of the Hong Kong Disneyland fireworks control system and of the show safety control system for Fear Factor Live! at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Engineering is undoubtedly serious work, but those honored as the New Faces of Engineering 2006 show that it's a profession that knows how to have a little fun, too. Each year, the Engineers Week Foundation -- a consortium of the world's leading engineering societies and major corporations -- asks its members to nominate young colleagues who have shown outstanding abilities and leadership in their chosen discipline. Swieter is one of this year's nominees . . . Read the rest of the story here.

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