How did you get into engineering?
I’ve an insatiable appetite to know how any and all things work, and I have a natural talent for figuring things out and designing them. It’s a trait that I share with many other engineers in my family.
What do you enjoy most about mechanical engineering?
I enjoy the satisfaction of delivering outcomes for the customer that are tangible, and when built you can be proud to have been a part of something that is beneficial to our wider society. I enjoy problem solving in 3 dimensions, critical thinking, and the challenges of engineering design and execution.
What engineering experience did you have before you came to Caliber?
I developed a wide variety of experience as an independent contractor before joining Caliber. I worked in industries such as meet and dairy, materials handling, refrigeration systems, as well as installation of power generations system ranging from diesel backup generation to solar photovoltaic systems.
What makes working for Caliber different from the other engineering companies you’ve worked for?
I find the team culture really appealing and the people at Caliber supportive. I really appreciate the variety of assignments that I’ve had the privilege to work on—I’m never bored!
What does the average day of a Caliber engineer look like?
There’s no such thig as a typical day at Caliber, I often meet the customer at their site, and depending on the assignment it might be very hands-on or it might be more suited to regular visits and remote work. Since the onset of Covid-19, both clients and myself have discovered just how effective remote working tools can be at maintaining an integrated and productive working environment.
Is there a particular project that’s been a highlight of your career?
I’m excited by every single project, and I look for what makes each one special, so it’s hard to single out any particular one. Some projects offer unique challenges, and others give me the opportunity to meet great people. Some exceptional projects I’ve worked on recently include doing Finite Element Analysis of a blast freezer pusher mechanism, installing backup power generation at Skycity, and a product design study of a commercial hand tool. Probably one of the best moments in my career was the opportunity to see a working a vintage reciprocating piston ammonia compressor in action, first commissioned in 1883, and working with oil wells and with a 3m diameter belt driven flywheel!
What does your dream project involve?
I love a good challenge, the more daunting and unique, the better. Learning a new skill or industry is natural to me, and I can draw from my large portfolio of learning and experience to deliver exceptional outcomes through first principles analysis and application of sound engineering principles and practice.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
To relax I enjoy spending time at home with my wife and cat, painting, walking outdoors, gym, philosophy and banter, an occasional poker game, and jamming out some tunes on my synthesizer.