JARROD POWELL

Technical Lead, based in Hamilton

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

My passion for engineering was deeply rooted in my early experiences, primarily influenced by my father, a skilled fitter and turner. Growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by machining and fabrication, with my dad always encouraging me to get hands-on and participate in household projects. These moments not only exposed me to the practical side of technical work but also instilled in me a curiosity about how things are created and function.

I also had natural drawing skills which provided a perfect gateway into the world of engineering. Starting as a draftsman, I discovered the joy of creating 3D models, but I quickly realised that true engineering excellence requires more than just visual representation. I wanted to truly understand the technical intricacies behind design and problem-solving. This realisation motivated me to pursue my Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Mechanical Engineering) part-time through a Technical University.

What continues to drive me is the pure satisfaction of understanding how things work and identifying opportunities for improvement. Whether it’s a complex mechanical system or a household product, I’m constantly analysing and thinking about how design can be enhanced, made more efficient, or solve real-world challenges. This innate curiosity and desire to innovate has been the cornerstone of my engineering journey.

How did you get your start in the industry, and what was your first role?

My father managed to get me a role at the company which he was employed at. They had a vacancy for a draftsperson and I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to join the company.

Can you tell me about some of the key projects or roles you’ve held that shaped your career?

My engineering career truly began to take shape during my time as a draftsperson at an industrial gearbox company. This role was pivotal in my professional development, thanks to an exceptionally patient Technical Director who took the time to break down complex gearing calculations. His mentorship was transformative—it was here that I realised the depth of my passion for engineering and made the decisive choice to pursue my Bachelor of Engineering Technology. The company’s support was instrumental, offering me a bursary that enabled me to further my education while working.

Transitioning to my first role as a Design Engineer marked another significant milestone. This position was about bringing theoretical knowledge into practical application. What set this experience apart was the company’s philosophy of hands-on learning. We were encouraged to build our own prototypes, which instilled a deep sense of accountability for our designs. This approach forced me to think beyond theoretical models and consider the real-world implementation and potential challenges of each design.

My career took another exciting turn when I was offered a project engineering role. This was a completely new territory for me but proved to be an invaluable learning experience. I gained critical insights into the broader aspects of Engineering Project Management—understanding the importance of clear communication, precise scoping, and rigorous budget management. This role was transformative, expanding my skill set from pure design to a more holistic approach to engineering projects.

The cumulative experience of these roles has shaped me into a more comprehensive engineer. I’m no longer just a designer, but someone who can navigate the entire project lifecycle—from initial concept to final implementation, understanding both the technical intricacies and the project management challenges.

What’s been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on in your career?

One of my most rewarding projects involved troubleshooting a persistent centrifugal pump performance issue. After conducting detailed on-site measurements of power consumption and flowrates, I identified that an oversized impeller was causing motor tripping. I proposed a precise solution: machining down the impeller to the calculated optimal diameter.

Despite initial hesitation from management, I was authorised to proceed. Upon inspection, we discovered that the impeller had not been properly machined during its original manufacturing. After carefully reducing the impeller to the calculated outer diameter, we reinstalled the pump. The result was immediate: the pump now operated at its designed duty point without motor tripping, effectively resolving a critical operational challenge.

What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned along the way?

First, simplicity is key in engineering. Complicated solutions often mask underlying problems, while elegant, straightforward approaches typically yield the most effective results. Second, practical experience trumps theoretical knowledge—getting hands-on with projects provides insights that no textbook can teach. Direct involvement allows you to understand nuances, potential challenges, and practical constraints that aren’t apparent in theoretical models.

Perhaps most importantly, measure twice and cut once. I’ve learned the value of meticulous preparation. This principle goes beyond literal measurement—it’s a philosophy of careful planning, thorough analysis, and thoughtful execution. By investing time in precise initial assessment, you can prevent costly mistakes, reduce rework, and ensure more reliable outcomes.

What attracted you to Caliber?

What attracted me to Caliber was the opportunity to work across multiple industries. This breadth of experience is invaluable for professional development, allowing me to continuously expand my technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. The variety ensures that each project brings new challenges, keeping the work engaging and dynamic

What does your current role at Caliber involve?

As a Tech Lead at Caliber, I currently manage a dual-focus role. I’m 80% seconded to a client, and the remaining 20% of my time is dedicated to supporting and developing our engineering team in the Waikato region. This involves conducting regular fortnightly team catch-ups, mentoring engineers, and helping them develop their professional skills. My approach balances hands-on project work with team development, ensuring both client needs and our team’s growth are effectively addressed.

How would you describe the culture at Caliber?

At Caliber, the culture is characterised by strong team connectivity and professional development despite working across different client sites. The company proactively maintains team synergy through quarterly events that foster camaraderie and a sense of shared identity. A key cultural strength is our collaborative “hive mind” approach, where engineers readily share knowledge and solutions through our team channels, creating a supportive knowledge-sharing environment.

How does working at Caliber differ from other places you’ve worked?

At Caliber, the unique value is the diversity of industry exposure and work environments. Unlike traditional roles confined to a single sector, this approach allows me to engage with multiple industries in rapid succession. By working directly at client sites, I gain insights into varied organisational processes, procedures, and operational cultures. This continuous exposure creates a dynamic professional experience where each secondment becomes an opportunity for learning and process improvement. The ability to cross-pollinate best practices and innovative approaches across different industries is a significant differentiator from more static work environments.

What do you enjoy most about working at Caliber?

Definitely the work culture, the professional opportunities and the flexibility in secondments.

How have you grown professionally since joining Caliber?

My professional growth has been significantly accelerated by working across diverse industries. Each secondment provides unique challenges and learning opportunities that broaden my technical expertise and problem-solving capabilities. The variety of projects has enabled me to develop a more holistic engineering approach, allowing me to become a more versatile and adaptable professional.

Are there any certifications, training, or milestones you’re working toward?

I need to complete 2 more of my SolidWorks professional certifications, sheet metal and surfaces to be exact. For the year of 2025 I am looking at doing a course on project management with the long-term goal of becoming a PMP. This will better equip me as a Project Engineer.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in their engineering career?

First, maintain an open and curious mindset. Engineering is a field of continuous learning, where technical knowledge and industry practices evolve rapidly. Embrace every opportunity to expand your understanding, ask questions, and seek knowledge from experienced professionals.

Second, don’t shy away from hands-on experience. Theoretical knowledge is important, but practical application is where true learning occurs. Be willing to get involved, work directly on projects, and gain real-world insights that textbooks cannot provide.

Finally, develop confidence in your abilities. Trust your training, be willing to propose solutions, and don’t be afraid to make constructive contributions. Confidence, balanced with humility and a willingness to learn, is crucial for professional growth in engineering.

What’s something you wish you knew earlier in your career?

The most valuable insights often come directly from those working closest to the problem. Engineers can sometimes fall into the trap of trying to solve everything independently, overlooking the wealth of practical knowledge held by operators and technicians. By taking the time to engage with the people who interact with equipment and processes daily, you gain invaluable perspectives that technical analysis alone might miss. These frontline professionals frequently have innovative solutions or deep understanding of practical challenges that can significantly improve engineering designs and problem-solving approaches.

Why did you decide to move from South Africa to New Zealand? 

Let me be honest—New Zealand was calling my name! As an engineer, I was looking for more than just a job change. I wanted better career opportunities and let’s be real, those incredible outdoor experiences everyone talks about.

What’s the best thing about the move?

Here’s the best part … “work-life balance” isn’t just a buzzword. Between epic weekend adventures in stunning landscapes and a professional environment that actually values your personal time, New Zealand feels like hitting the jackpot. Imagine finishing a work week and then spending your weekend hiking through breathtaking mountains or exploring pristine beaches. That’s not a dream; that’s just typical Kiwi life! Chur Bro 😊

Moving countries is never easy, but New Zealand made the transition smooth. The welcoming community, multicultural environment, and incredible quality of life made me feel at home pretty quickly. Also the obvious fact that South Africa and New Zealand both love their Rugby. Go Springboks!

Any tips for anyone considering this move?

Be prepared for an adventure that’s about so much more than just changing your job—it’s about changing your entire life perspective. Have a flexible mindset, open yourself to opportunities and you’ll do great!