ROBERT WILLIAMS

Project Engineering Lead, based in Christchurch

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

I had been drawn to the machinery, growing up on the farm, and enjoyed maths, science and technology classes at high school. These core interests, combined with time spent tinkering in the workshop, often working on innovations to aid a task, inspired me to pursue mechanical engineering as a pathway for enabling change at a higher level.

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

I started my professional career with a small business, Comtec Consulting, which was based on site at New Zealand’s only aluminum smelter. Starting as a mechanical engineer, I was involved in design, analysis, and project engineering through delivering projects from concept through to completion in a demanding heavy industrial environment. The role suited my strengths well with a wide range of projects and learning by osmosis that has set me, and a number of other Caliber engineers, well for my career.

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

The diversity of projects I have been fortunate to be exposed to throughout my career has been the biggest asset to building up my knowledge and skills to aid problem solving, understand the bigger picture of all aspects of project delivery, and be able to influence change.

Key projects at NZAS that had the biggest impact ranged from the design of a series of screw conveyors as a graduate, followed by multiple conveyors and supporting equipment for an automatic block handling facility, through to the design and delivery of a 2-stage major maintenance project involving the replacement of 1.8m diameter fume ducting within critical production timeframes.

More recently, the work at Fabrum helping deliver some key hydrogen projects in a fast paced and novel environment has required me to rapidly upskill, which I am relishing.

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

Whilst not the most technically challenging from a design perspective, the delivery of the fume ducting replacement at NZAS from initial costing through to successful completion. We implemented a number of improvements to eliminate issues with the original ducting and improve its longevity. The job demanded an innovative approach to the installation process, because works had to be completed within a critical shutdown window whilst managing the many stakeholders and contractors involved.

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

Having open communication and building rapport with all stakeholders in a project is key to successful delivery. Effective communication with operations, maintenance personnel, contractors, and management teams is essential for understanding their perspectives, aligning on requirements, and securing buy-in. This collaboration helps drive meaningful change, ensures smooth project execution, and delivers a final outcome that is practical, efficient, and fit for purpose.

Having just stepped into the Project Engineering Lead role, I am primarily focused on secondment work, alongside supporting fellow Caliber engineers in their project engineering focused secondments as required alongside assisting with learning and development and technical facets of the business.

How would you describe the culture at Caliber?

The culture at Caliber is great with a real team feel, despite everyone being out on secondment at different clients.

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

The secondment model is very unique and offers great variety and the ability to experience a number of different industries requiring rapid upskilling as each secondment is to akin to starting a new job and proving yourself from the outset.

What do you enjoy most about working at Caliber?

The diverse range of clients and projects at Caliber provides valuable learning opportunities, not only through secondments but also through interactions with the wider network of engineers. Despite working on client sites, a strong team culture is maintained through regular events and opportunities to connect.

How have you grown professionally since joining Caliber?

I have rapidly upskilled across various industries through diverse secondments and projects, gaining technical expertise while also developing key soft skills. My roles as a Technical Lead and now Discipline Lead have further strengthened my ability to support and mentor fellow engineers.

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

With the Project Engineering Lead role in its infancy, I am working to support and grow the skills of our engineers within this area of the business and will undertake a formal project Management qualification such as PMP to better support this function.

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

Take the time to build a rapport with all personnel involved in the project from the outset, ask all the questions and understand the goal. Utilise the knowledge and experience of those around you as they have often seen a number of ideas tried and tested over time. Don’t hesitate to get your hands a little dirty alongside operators or tradespeople, where you can do so safely, to gain valuable insights and improvements for future projects whilst building respect from the teams.

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

There is a multitude of experience and knowledge within the engineering industry however there are a number of players that do not operate with the level of rigor you expect when you are at university, or they are simply trying to work things out for the first time much the same as you … so do your due diligence and don’t be afraid to ask questions if something doesn’t seem right.