What skills, attributes, and experience make you a great Caliber engineer?
As an engineer with experience at both the technical and project levels, I thrive on the challenge and variety of secondment projects. I am able to quickly integrate into teams with a positive attitude and strong communication skills, ensuring that the problem is clear and well understood by all involved. My CAD, design, and project engineering experience allows me to slot into projects, diving into the detail as required, as well as regularly stepping back to look at the bigger picture. I believe transparency is key in delivering high-quality solutions which is where my coordination and communications skills prove their value. I am adaptable and resourceful, always eager to learn and grow, and committed to ensuring success for myself and the client.
How did you get into engineering?
Designing and building functional objects and products is something I have enjoyed from a young age when I always had a project going such as starting a business designing and building kids picnic table, building my sisters pets ellaborate and intricate houses, or developing a hangman app. This interest conveniently suited my academic strengths in maths and physics which lead down the path of engineering.
Where / what did you study?
Mechatronics Engineering at UC. Due to high school results I gained direct entry into the first professional year and completed my Bachelors with Honours in three years, achieving a B+ average in my final year.
What do you enjoy most about mechanical engineering?
It’s the creative and hands on aspects of engineering that I enjoy most. Nowadays I thrive on building solutions that better lives through either improved health, productivity, or leisure.
What engineering experience did you have before you came to Caliber?
My most recent role before Caliber was in Auckland at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare where I was a product development engineer for the sleep apnea team. This was also my first job out of uni and laid out strong foundations for my career to build on in one of the most strict and methodical industries. I was involved in and led a number of projects here solving capacity, customer, packaging issues as well as new product development. During uni I interned at Wedgelock and worked on upgrading and automating a display unit they had for trade shows which had a full size excavator arm that actuated using hydraulics to exhibit their quick coupler.
What makes working for Caliber different from the other engineering companies you’ve worked for?
The relationship between engineer and company is quite different with Caliber in that they are wholley invested in developing you as an all-round mechanical engineer with experience across a range of industries and processes, rather than channeling you towards one area and one set of procedures which most companies do for the benefit of their specific industry/product.
Is there a particular project that’s been a highlight of your career?
At Fisher & Paykel Healthcare I was assigned to lead the resolution of a product transportation issue which had a number of possible solutions and a number of potential designs for each solution. I developed a novel packaging solution which although was simple in manufacture was complex in design as well as the process of getting there. I thoroughly enjoyed the creativity and ownership of this project.
What would your dream project be?
I enjoy any project that is challenging, provides room for creativity, and works towards a better future. I believe energy and electricity is an awesome resource that has improved lives globally however energy use has become a burden on our path towards a more sustainable future. My dream job would involve developing a solution that enables people to use energy more freely and without detriment to our climate goals.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Outside of work I enjoy getting outdoors through surfing, skiing, and biking, as well as diy projects. When the weather is no good or my energy levels are recovering, I enjoy playing guitar and piano, as well as reading and cooking.