What skills, attributes, and experience make you a great Caliber engineer?
I am a thinker and doer with a wide range of experience and skills in many mechanical engineering aspects, to deliver on any stage of a project from concept to completion. I understand the rigours and requirements of primary industry and the need for engineering changes to perform correctly upon implementation.
How did you get into engineering?
Growing up on a dairy farm, I was interested in tractors and machinery from a very young age, and as I grew older, I began to tinker in the farm workshop building items to make a task easier when I spotted an opportunity. Whilst enjoying studying maths, physics and technology at college, it was suggested I consider studying engineering and so I looked into it further leading me to UC.
Where / what did you study?
BE (Hons) Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury
What do you enjoy most about mechanical engineering?
To be presented with a problem or idea and then follow that through all stages of the process until the chosen solution is implemented, achieving the initial goal of a new process/product, improved reliability or efficiency gain, and then being able to stand back after all the hard work, admire the widget and be pleased with the final outcome.
What engineering experience did you have before you came to Caliber?
I spent the first 11 years of my professional career contracting in a design and project engineering capacity to New Zealand’s only Aluminium Smelter on a very wide range of projects incorporating new builds, equipment upgrades and large maintenance replacements within tight timeframes and requirements of heavy industry.
What makes working for Caliber different from the other engineering companies you’ve worked for?
The wide and diverse range of projects, industries and people you can be exposed to and learn from within the network of the company.
Is there a particular project that’s been a highlight of your career?
Those that have required hardwork and determination to deliver a unique solution that exceeded the clients expectations.
What would your dream project be?
Designing and delivering a unique piece of equipment that disrupts the agricultural industry in a way that delivers a step change in efficiency or overall improvement on farm.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
Outside of work I can often be found behind the wheel of a tractor or out fencing etc. keeping a connection back to the agricultural industry or more standard hobbies like mountain biking and cycling, and spending time with the wife and dog.