Biola University alumnus Caleb Houser (B.S. ’18) has found success at Northrop Grumman, a leading company in the aerospace industry. Nearing his eighth year at the company, Houser currently holds the managerial position of mechanical design engineering, and has had the privilege of working on a range of projects that span from aircraft to satellites.

Houser grew up in a Chrisitan family where his father was a pastor. He did not come from a line of engineers, but recognizes how God gifted him with a natural ability to use numbers and understand how things work together. Even now, Houser says his favorite part of his field of work is solving complex mechanical problems.

“As a child, I had a deep interest in engineering and pursued it faithfully, taking the necessary steps to turn that passion into a reality as I felt drawn to use those skills in a way that could glorify Christ,” said Houser.

Houser studied Engineering Physics and was part of the 3+2 program, which allows students to receive two engineering degrees in five years. During his time at Biola, Houser appreciated the opportunity to receive an education from professors who share the same worldview as him as it fostered an environment that allowed him to develop personal relationships with his professors.

Biola’s required Bible minor and chapel attendances gave Houser regular opportunities to understand the foundations of the Christian faith and what following Christ looks like in the day to day through the practice of spiritual disciplines in the presence of community, he shared. While Houser is grateful for how Biola has given him valuable problem solving and communicative tools, he is most thankful for how Biola equipped him with the ability to think biblically about everything, including his career.

“During my time, I noticed that Biola attracted world class engineers and scientists due to their science and Christianity focused nature,” said Houser. “Being at Biola allowed me to approach my career with a Christlike mindset, giving me the skills to express and share my faith in a very heavy atheist/agnostic industry and environment.”

As part of the 3+2 program, Houser went on to complete his second engineering degree from the University of Southern California. Though the rigorous academic work required to earn an engineering degree in five years was a challenge, Houser is proud of how his perseverance allowed him to work in the aerospace industry straight out of graduation.

“Engineering school is not for the faint of heart,” said Houser. “You learn that very quickly. However, the reward for finishing is very gratifying and worth it. I have worked on some very exciting products over my short career.”

Much of Houser’s career has involved research and development that forced him to think of innovative ways to improve existing systems and do things he has not done before. Though challenging, Houser says that it is these kinds of challenges that fuel his passion for engineering.

“Each project has played a key role in shaping me as an engineer,” said Houser. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done, as it has not only advanced my technical skills but also developed me in ways that go beyond the technical aspects of engineering.”

Houser has been grateful for the opportunity to share the gospel with his coworkers and exemplify Christ in an environment where he has found such examples rare to come by.

“Sharing my faith in the corporate world, especially in engineering, can be challenging,” said Houser. “It’s a field where believers are often few and far between. As someone in a leadership position, I have to be mindful of how I share my beliefs, but strive to lead by example, modeling my leadership style after Christ.”

Using the foundation Biola helped him build, Houser looks forward to not only progress in his career and gain more professional experience, but be a witness for Jesus Christ in the industry.

Learn more about earning a degree in Engineering Physics at Biola’s School of Science, Technology and Health.

Written by Katelyn Ho, strategic communication assistant. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.