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In the world of power systems, experience matters, but perspective matters just as much. For McPharlen, Project Engineering Manager at HICO America, both are deeply rooted in a journey that began thousands of miles away and evolved into more than three decades of impact across global power systems.
His story begins in one of the smallest countries in the world, Malawi. Located in southeastern Africa and known as the “Warm Heart of Africa,” Malawi shaped not only his worldview but also his philosophy on life, growth, and opportunity.
Today, that perspective fuels his leadership at HICO America.
A Global Foundation
With more than 30 years of experience in power systems, McPharlen has worked across transmission, distribution, protection, planning and design, system studies, and renewable energy. His career has included roles such as Principal Engineer, Electrical Engineer in Research and Development, Chief Substation Inspector, and District Manager before joining HICO America in January 2023 as Project Engineering Manager.
His professional foundation is equally extensive. He holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Wright State University and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Cleveland State University, along with minors in International Business Management and Economics. His technical certifications and professional affiliations include International
Professional Engineer and Chartered Engineer designations, as well as active involvement with IEEE and the Engineering Council.
McPharlen is also multilingual, speaking Chichewa, Tumbuka, Tonga, and English.
A Philosophy That Drives Decisions
For McPharlen, engineering is not just technical. It is philosophical.
“We are all inspired and motivated by everything around us. Every step we take in whatever we are doing has either a negative or positive impact on everything around us.”
He draws inspiration from ancient Greek philosophers, particularly Socrates, Aristotle, and Epicurus.
Aristotle’s words guide his moral and emotional decision making: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
Socrates’ humility motivates him to embrace challenges: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
Epicurus reminds him to value the present and appreciate opportunity: “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.”
These principles shape how he approaches leadership, problem solving, and growth. He views failure as an opportunity to grow as a professional and believes that happiness depends on appreciating what you have rather than focusing on what you lack.
Engineering with Purpose
Throughout his career, McPharlen has contributed to system design, protection and controls, battery storage system thermal runaway testing, and energy transfer demonstrations, including TechFest 2014 in Dayton, Ohio.
At HICO America, he describes being part of the team as one of the most exciting chapters of his professional life. His experience across utilities, renewables, and international markets brings a unique perspective to every project, balancing technical precision with strategic foresight.
Life Beyond Engineering
Outside of work, McPharlen enjoys biking and horse riding. He is also an avid reader. His favorite books include Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, Macbeth by William Shakespeare, and Lord of the Flies by William Golding. These works explore leadership, consequence, ambition, and human nature, themes that closely mirror his philosophical outlook.
Behind the Power
From Malawi to leadership roles across global energy systems, McPharlen’s story is one of growth, gratitude, and intellectual curiosity. His blend of technical mastery and thoughtful reflection reminds us that powering connections requires both knowledge and heart.
At HICO America, he is not only engineering solutions. He is shaping impact.
