What skills, attributes, and experience make you a great Caliber engineer?
Having embarked on my career as a draftsperson, I have accumulated over a decade of experience in utilizing CAD software for the creation of 3D models and manufacturing drawings. I firmly believe that drafting serves as a strong foundation for practicing as an engineer, enabling individuals to accurately visualize their ideas and effectively convey them to others.
One of my standout qualities is my commitment to giving my utmost effort in everything I undertake, consistently striving to exceed expectations. This dedication has played a pivotal role in my continuous learning and substantial growth within the field of engineering.
How did you get into engineering?
With my father being a machinist, I spent my childhood surrounded by lathes, milling machines and tools of his trade. I often observed him in the garage, peppering him with questions about his work and the intricacies of his craft. I was consistently fascinated by his ability to transform aged, rust-covered materials into polished, functional pieces. With my innate curiosity for unraveling the inner workings of things, it became clear to me that a career in engineering was my destined path.
Where / what did you study?
- After finishing high school, I enrolled to study drafting and design at African Academy. This was a great course where I learnt drawing office practices and how to use CAD systems.
- After working a few years as a draftsman, I wanted to understand the engineering workings behind the designs handed to me by engineers. I enrolled to study a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering through UNISA (University of South Africa).
- Having completed my Diploma, I enrolled to complete an additional year of academics to obtain my bachelor’s degree of Engineering Technology (B-Tech) in Mechanical Engineering.
What do you enjoy most about mechanical engineering?
I really enjoy the entire process of taking an idea and turning it into a tangible product in a 3D modeling environment. I also have a strong desire for learning and self-improvement, and I believe that the field of engineering is the perfect place for me to thrive and develop further.
What engineering experience did you have before you came to Caliber?
My engineering experience was in mechanical design and drafting, manufacturing, and product development.
What makes working for Caliber different from the other engineering companies you’ve worked for?
The standout feature for me is the constant sense of excitement and variety. At Caliber, the business model opens doors to work in a wide range of industries. Additionally, each secondment offers diverse roles, including drafting, mechanical design, analysis, and project engineering.
These aspects create an environment where engineers can gain a wealth of experience, develop a broad set of skills, and experience significant personal and professional growth.
Is there a particular project that’s been a highlight of your career?
My first engineering project after graduating has always stayed with me and involved troubleshooting a pump motor that kept tripping during operation. Initially, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the task at hand. However, as I gathered data and applied the affinity laws, I was able to pinpoint the issue – the impeller’s outer diameter was oversized, causing it to draw too much power.
After machining down the impeller to the calculated dimensions, we successfully installed the pump, and it operated as intended. This experience highlighted the importance of data analysis, understanding engineering principles, and their practical application in solving real-world problems.
What would your dream project be?
Any form of product design with in-house engineering capabilities. There’s so much opportunity to learn and grow when you are directly involved in the process of bringing a product to life. It allows you to engage with staff who have heaps of practical knowledge.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Using the adage “Four wheels move the body, but two wheels move the soul” you’ll frequently encounter me navigating the winding roads on my adventure bike or immersing myself in the natural beauty of the landscape on my dirt bike.