What skills, attributes, and experience make you a great Caliber engineer?
I think skills including concept development and engineering calculations combined with a willingness to listen to different ideas and perspectives make for a good engineer. A variety of engineering experience adds to value for a client, where they can benefit from the lessons learned from a wide range of different projects. Personally, I have experience in product development, heavy transport and the oil & gas industry.
How did you get into engineering?
Being interested in maths and physics, engineering seemed like a good fit. Messing about on motorbikes and fixing cars as a kid grew into a real interest in mechanisms and machine design, so it was never going to be any kind other than mechanical!
What do you enjoy most about mechanical engineering?
Problem solving. Tackling problems is always interesting, sometimes frustrating, but never boring!
Where / what did you study?
Mechanical Engineering at University of Canterbury
What engineering experience did you have before you came to Caliber?
Prior to Caliber I have worked in product development of electric motors and fans. This involved plastic injection moulding design and testing. I have also worked in the heavy transport industry, primarily performing engineering calculations and drafting heavy towing connections. I also have some asset management experience in context of hydrocarbon pipelines.
What makes working for Caliber different from the other engineering companies you’ve worked for?
The opportunity to learn due to the vast array of experience on offer. Not just from the secondments personally taken, but from all my Caliber colleagues. The culture at Caliber is very open and collaborative, every team member is always willing to help.
Is there a particular project that’s been a highlight of your career?
I was involved in an Electric Motor product development project where I got to have a hand in the design right through to commissioning the manufacturing line. That was pretty satisfying to see a product go from the digital drawing board right through to mass manufacture.
What would your dream project be?
Any mechanical design project which combines some calculation and analysis with getting to be involved in the manufacturing processes would be pretty much the perfect project for me.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Outside of work, there is always a few “homer” projects on the go. Most recently its involved learning how to MIG weld aluminium. Tramping, hunting, gardening and noodling around on guitar are also favourite past times.