Who we are
Welcome to Applied Engineering Academy, where we bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application for engineering professionals. Co-founded by Joshua L. Vajda, D.Eng., P.E., and Victor J. Evans, P.E., our mission is to empower engineers with the tools, training, and resources they need to excel in their careers while meeting rigorous licensing and regulatory requirements.
At Applied Engineering Academy, we specialize in high-quality continuing education courses for licensed engineers. Our programs are carefully designed to help professionals fulfill their Professional Development Hour (PDH) requirements. The curriculum emphasizes precision and real-world application, ensuring participants gain not only theoretical knowledge but also immediately applicable skills that enhance performance in the workplace.
We take pride in fostering a learning environment that promotes innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Whether you are preparing for licensure, advancing your technical expertise, or staying current with the latest industry trends, Applied Engineering Academy is here to support your professional journey.
Joshua L. Vajda, D.Eng., P.E. serves as President & Chief Executive Officer of Applied Engineering Academy.
With over 20 years of distinguished experience in the nuclear energy sector, Dr. Vajda brings unparalleled technical depth, regulatory expertise, and leadership to the Academy. As UCOR’s Chief Engineer in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, he serves as the design authority for complex nuclear operations, decommissioning, environmental remediation, and critical infrastructure projects supporting Department of Energy missions. His career spans reactor design, regulatory policy, transuranic waste management, and plutonium disposition initiatives across the DOE complex and commercial nuclear industry.
A licensed Professional Engineer (mechanical and nuclear) in multiple states and a Certified Health Physicist (CHP), Dr. Vajda holds a Doctorate in Engineering Management from The George Washington University, a Master’s in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Idaho, a Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University. He is an active leader in the American Nuclear Society, having received the ANS Special Award and Presidential Citation for his contributions to professional development, credentialing, and nuclear engineering excellence. He is also the author of Engineering Judgment.
As CEO and Co-Founder of Applied Engineering Academy (alongside Victor J. Evans, PE), Dr. Vajda is passionate about bridging the gap between rigorous academic theory and real-world engineering practice. He leads the Academy’s vision to deliver flexible, immediately applicable PDH courses that help engineers maintain licensure, enhance technical skills, and advance their careers while upholding the highest standards of safety, ethics, and regulatory compliance in demanding industries.
Victor J. Evans, P.E. serves as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Applied Engineering Academy.
With more than a decade of progressive leadership in structural engineering across nuclear, power delivery, industrial, and telecommunications sectors, Victor brings unparalleled real-world expertise to the Academy. His extensive field and design experience on multi-billion-dollar projects for Bechtel and UCOR — including the Uranium Processing Facility and multiple DOE critical infrastructure initiatives — informs the practical, code-compliant curriculum that Applied Engineering Academy is known for.
A licensed Professional Engineer in Maryland and Tennessee, Victor holds a Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering from North Carolina State University and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland. He is also a Six Sigma Green Belt.
Passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers and bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application, Victor is committed to making Applied Engineering Academy the premier destination for engineers seeking flexible, industry-relevant continuing education that drives both compliance and career advancement.
Scott Ward, MBA, PMP serves as Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer for Applied Engineering Academy, where he drives strategic partnerships, expands market reach, and promotes high-quality continuing education programs tailored for licensed professional engineers.
With a strong background in business development, sales, and relationship management, Scott excels at identifying opportunities to connect engineering professionals with practical, board-compliant PDH courses. He is passionate about supporting the professional growth of engineers through accessible, industry-relevant training in structural engineering, design, regulatory compliance, and other critical technical areas.
Scott brings energy, strategic insight, and a client-first approach to his role, helping engineers meet their continuing education goals while advancing their careers. He is committed to the Academy’s mission of bridging practical field experience with structured learning to elevate engineering excellence.
Courses designed and led by industry veterans with decades of experience.
Up-to-date content aligned with industry codes and standards.
Flexible, online learning tailored to fit the busy schedules of working professionals.
Commitment to advancing engineering excellence and fostering career growth.
