QUALIFICATIONS
- BE Mech (Hons) – 2012
- Post Graduate Diploma in Plastics Engineering
SOFTWARE
Mechanical CAD Software
- NX (Siemens)
- SolidWorks (Dassault)
PDM/PLM Software
- Windchill (PTC)
Analysis Tools
- SolidWorks Simulation (Dassault)
Alex Finch
TECHNICAL LEAD
Skills Overview
Alex is an experienced mechanical engineer with a solid background in plastic injection moulding, heavy transport engineering, and the oil & gas sector. With his degree in Mechanical Engineering, a post-graduate diploma in Plastics Engineering and a recreational passion for fabrication, Alex combines technical knowledge with practical experience. He is skilled in structural design in the heavy transport and piping industries and has a particular interest in materials and energy. Alexander’s strengths include a collaborative approach to problem-solving and a commitment to finding simple yet elegant engineering solutions.
- MECHANICAL DESIGN & PLASTIC ENGINEERING – Alex has extensive experience in designing structures in various industrial and heavy transport applications. His involvement in the modification of cast parts and hydraulic assemblies (at Hamilton Jet) and the design, test and manufacture of plastic parts and small rotating assemblies (Wellington Drive Technologies), underscores his skill in working with different materials and manufacturing processes. Alex’s proficiency in plastics engineering, demonstrated through his work on electric motors, positions him to handle complex design challenges.
- TRANSPORT AND OIL & GAS – Alex’s work at Total Transport Solutions, where he undertook design work and produced drawings for manufacture, reflects his ability to manage engineering projects from conception to completion. His experience at CORE Group, ensuring compliance with industry standards in oil and gas, further exemplifies his capability in diverse industrial sectors.
- DESIGN FOR FABRICATION & ASSEMBLY – Alex’s experience in design for reliability and ease of fabrication, particularly in the context of heavy transport and heavy industry, demonstrates his adeptness in creating designs that are not only efficient but also easy to fabricate and maintain. He also has experience in Design For Manufacture of electrical components and housings. His background in setting up production lines and designing jigs and fixtures for mass production environments has given him an understanding of several manufacturing processes and an appreciation for the value of a simple, but effective design.
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Engineering to me is about finding simple, elegant solutions. I enjoy being able to utilise my technical skills to find these solutions while also having the opportunity to be part of a wider team where everyone has the chance to learn from others. I have a keen interest in mechanical design, materials, and energy. A combination of problem solving, analysis, and optimizing machines combined with the satisfaction of seeing real products or solutions come to fruition is my dream job.
Project Experience
GLOBAL BUS VENTURES
Hydrogen/Electric Vehicles
SITE WELD
Final Design & Shop Drawings
3-day project to turn around a 95% finished design of a dolly for a 5a Tipper Trailer, that needed shop drawings and final design tweaks. All CAD done in Inventor.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE DESIGN
Concept & Design
Was involved with a electric vehicle startup. Responsible for initial concept development and CAD. Transitioned the platform on to NX CAD platform. Performed first principals vehicle dynamics, structural calculations, suspension design tasks and DFM.
Bi-Products Bin Relocation project
Design and drafting of steel support structures and sheet metal parts. Project Engineering work including layout of equipment and integration with Structural/Civil engineers.
Potable/Fire Water project
Design of potable and cold water pipework.
Sheep Yards Upgrade project
Design of set of sheep ramps in accordance to AS3990. Guarding in accordance with AS/NZS 4024.
HAMILTON JET
Design & Manufacturing Drawings
Integrated into the New Jets development team to aid in the design and completion of manufacturing drawings for the latest family of Jet units. Design work included modifying cast parts, machined components and hydraulic assemblies. Worked with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure parts were suitable for in-house manufacture and assembly as well as with Engineering Support to help provide guidance for their clients. Design and drafting work carried out using SolidWorks.
Integrated into the Structures Team
Helped design and draft supporting structures, accessways and platforms in accordance with AS/NZS 1170 and AS 1657.
TOTAL TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS
Design & CAD Modelling
Designed and CAD modelled truck recovery trailer. Provided certifying engineer all required engineering calculations of different loading scenarios and worked with the manufacturing workshop to ensure delivery to client.
WELLINGTON DRIVE TECHNOLOGIES
Fan & Shroud Design
I was part of the team which designed the fan and shroud for a new fan product. I conducted validation tests on the geometry and then completed tool design for the plastic injection tools required. I was also involved in the commissioning of the production line for the new product.
CORE GROUP
Pipeline Documentation
Undertook a 8 month secondment to OMV NZ. Worked to ensure all onshore pipelines had the necessary documentation to allow the continued certification and safe operation.
GOOD BUGGER AWARD
December 2022
Alex was awarded the Good Bugger award for putting in some massive hours to ensure the engineering was on track and enable the client to shut down over the Christmas New Year period as planned.
