Meet Our Community MVP of the Month, Scott McKenzie for August 2026

Hi there, Community!

Get ready to be inspired! We’re absolutely thrilled to continue our Community MVP (Most Valuable Player) spotlight series. This initiative is all about celebrating the incredible individuals who consistently go above and beyond, sharing their wisdom, supporting their peers, and truly making this community a vibrant hub for learning and growth.

For our latest MVP feature, we had the distinct pleasure of sitting down Scott McKenzie. Scott is a long-time expert with Solid Edge. His knowledge and extensive experience have made him an invaluable resource to members across the globe. We’re so excited to share more of his story and insights with you below!

1. How has our community evolved and transformed during your time with us, and what personal impact has this evolution had on you?

Since I started contributing to the forum a number of years ago there have been a lot of very involved users who are thankfully still with the group. Sometime after my first few posts on the Solid Edge forum the Community version of Solid Edge was released which brought a bunch of new contributors. With the growing group of contributors I’ve noticed that the scope of questions has broadened while still being related to the software. As the variety of questions being asked increases this gives me an opportunity to look further into Solid Edge exploring some of the capabilities that aren’t required during my regular sessions in the software. Even if I cannot answer the question posed on the forum I almost always come away from that question with a little more insight into the software and what it is capable of.

2. You’re recognized for your extensive knowledge sharing within the Siemens Solid Edge Forums. How do you channel that dedication into cultivating a supportive and collaborative environment for all our community members?

I believe that we should help out others where we can and in doing so we can all benefit. By contributing and answering where I can, my desire is that others will feel welcomed to contribute and pose their questions. With more users asking questions, giving suggestions and posing solutions we will end up with a wealth of knowledge that all can benefit from. 

3. As a valued community member, what fuels your passion for educating and empowering fellow engineers? And how has being an integral part of this community enriched your own professional journey?

In the design and engineering industry it is important that those who have experience in their field pass on the lessons that they have learned. When I was first starting in the industry those willing to lend their knowledge have lead me to where I am today . In return, if I can help another succeed then I will do what I can. Having a reason to try another way of doing something, or to simply try something that I’ve never done before to answer a question makes me a more rounded designer. The forums also show, to some extent, what is happening in the engineering and design industry in other parts of the world and that allows for an opportunity to bring different ways of doing things to my area.

4. For new and aspiring community members, especially those just beginning their careers in this field, what single piece of advice or encouragement would you offer?

Don’t be afraid to ask a question or follow up one question with a handful of others. I think getting out of your comfort zone and dabbling in design work is something that is quite important. A lot of projects that we do need to take design criteria into account that isn’t our specialty. Knowing, at least at a high level, some of the criteria of these other design areas will help us devise a better overall product in a shorter time frame.

5. Beyond your engineering prowess, I understand your hobby and passion involves rebuilding a 1964 Pacific truck in central British Columbia. What initially motivated you to embark on this project, and what continues to drive your dedication to it?

I’ve always had a passion for trucks and was looking for a restoration project when a friend suggested that there was an old Pacific dump truck for sale. I bought the truck sight unseen and after finding out how rare the truck was decided that, while it was rough, it needed to be brought back to its former glory. As the restoration started to progress I crossed paths with a lot of interesting people and from that the idea came of documenting the remaining Pacific trucks. It started as a hobby and has definitely evolved into a passion – with a few struggles along the way – and is something that reminds me of a bit simpler time. It’s a project that allows me to tie my passions for mechanical design and trucks in together.