KLJ's Nels Lund Named NSPE-ND Chapter 3 Outstanding Young Engineer of the Year
KLJ is proud to announce that the National Society of Professional Engineers, ND (NSPE-ND) Chapter 3 has named Nels Lund, PE, as its 2025 Outstanding Young Engineer of the Year. Lund serves as an Aviation Project Manager at KLJ in Bismarck, N.D.
The award recognizes young engineers who demonstrate exceptional technical achievement, professional society leadership, and community service. Lund was honored for his sustained contributions across all three areas. "Nels exemplifies what it means to be a professional engineer," said Associate VP of Aviation, Shane Steiner, PE. "His technical expertise in aviation infrastructure is matched by his commitment to advancing the profession and serving our community." He added.
As an Aviation Project Manager, Lund manages aviation engineering contracts across multiple airports in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. His work involves complex Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance requirements, multi-stakeholder coordination, and infrastructure projects that connect rural communities to essential services and economic opportunities. Lund has demonstrated exceptional commitment to NSPE-ND Chapter 3, serving in every executive leadership position over six consecutive years. He also coordinates the Discover Engineering program, which brings hands-on STEM activities to elementary students in partnership with Gateway to Science. His technical contributions include five published articles in the North Dakota Aviation Association's Fly-ND Quarterly. Beyond his engineering career, Lund serves on the Harvest Methodist Church Leadership Team and Finance Committee and shows support for community staying active in several community involvement organizations.
Lund holds Professional Engineer licenses in North Dakota and South Dakota. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from North Dakota State University and completed dual master's degrees in business administration and entrepreneurship from Dickinson State University.
