Robert Williams

PROJECT ENGINEERING Lead

Skills Overview

Robert is a highly competent mechanical engineer with a wide range of heavy industrial project experience from concept through to completion. With over a decade working in the industry, Robert is well versed in mechanical design, analysis, and project engineering. Building on a foundation of effective communication skills, the ability to build quick rapport with project teams and experience leading others, Robert has specific key strengths in:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING – Robert has significant experience in managing contractors, costs and project implementation in a fast paced and downtime critical industrial environment. This experience enables Robert to manage projects and teams efficiently and effectively at any stage of their lifecycle.
MACHINE DESIGN – Robert has designed many bespoke conveyors, lifting devices and unique material handling solutions. The experience in these and other routine mechanical design tasks, positions Robert to offer well rounded solutions to the problems presented to him.
DESIGN FOR FABRICATION & INSTALLATION – Robert has previous experience in design of large and complex components for the Aluminium Smelter with the ability to effectively manufacture together with developing details to enable straightforward installation in reduced shutdown periods.
SITE WORK – Robert takes a practical approach to working collaboratively with both the client and contractors to deliver effective solutions on Site. This approach combined with considerable experience in many aspects of heavy industrial site work and disciplines allows Robert to ensure that Site Works are delivered safely within the agreed timeframes to a high standard.
ANALYSIS – Robert has experience in the use of engineering tools such as FEA to analyse components and structures from both a design and reliability/forensic approach. Robert can effectively use this experience and understanding to improve a design in process or suggest changes to an existing piece of equipment to improve reliability.

Caliber has experience in the Agriculture industry

Caliber has experience in the Aerospace industry

Caliber Design has experience in the Biofuel industry

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Having grown up in agriculture, I had a much stronger passion and desire towards the machinery side of things over the livestock. This, combined with many hours of enjoyment tinkering in the farm workshop, lead me to study mechanical engineering.

I relish the challenge of starting with a problem or need, generating a series of potential ideas, and then following one of those through the entire design process and onto delivery and commissioning of the final solution. I have the ability to think broadly when considering and generating ideas yet be focused and detail driven during detail design and draughting phases as necessitated to achieve quality outcomes.

I have been involved in a diverse number of projects and roles over the last 10 plus years in heavy industry at New Zealand’s only Aluminum Smelter and gained vast experience and exposure to different equipment and systems.

Project Experience

Automated Block Handling Facility

I was responsible for the Mechanical design and draughting of a series of conveyors, an automatic dunnage dispensing and strapping machine and supporting equipment for processing of rolling block up to 16 Tonne.

Fume Duct Replacement

I managed the replacement of a series of 1800mm diameter fume duct sections from initial scoping and budget development through to delivery of the project, which involved some redesign to improve strength, longevity and ease of assembly. I was responsible for supervision of the multiple contractors undertaking the work and coordination of the replacement within the very tight production shutdown period.

Forklift Attachment for Carrying Crucibles

A new high visibility attachment for carrying 14 Tonne crucibles of molten Aluminium was required. I was responsible for the concept development, detailed design, analysis and draughting together with supervision of manufacture and implementation.

Didymo Strainer Redesign

Subcontracted to a local client to assist with the redesign of an existing strainer they had developed for a new location. I was responsible for development of the layout within the tight space constraints, design of pipe supports and analysis of all components including pressure piping.

Hydrogen Electrolyser & Liquefier Projects

I have been working as a project engineer on containerised hydrogen electrolyser and liquefier projects leading multidisciplinary teams across the design and aspects of the container builds. I have been heavily involved in the mechanical design, among other aspects, of these projects along with overseeing the integration of components for a hydrogen refuelling station. I have managed and collaborated with both internal and external teams, contractors, consultants and stakeholders with a focus on durability, reliability, safety and performance across all deliverables.

SOUTHERN STEEL WINDOWS

Frame Setup & Fabrication Table

Developed the client’s idea for an adjustable setup and manufacturing table for steel framing, undertaking the detailed design and specification with future automation potential incorporated during development of the prototype.

Lead Caliber Design engineer in the team, reponsible for liasing with the client, scoping and managing workload, setting priorities for the team, guiding technical design decisions and review of drawings and other documents. Responsible for some pipework design and a number of conceptual layout changes for an existing production facility. Undertook a review and provided recomendations on an existing conveyor design.

POPLAR PARTNERSHIP

Irrigation Pump Skid

Completed a review of a proposed design, carried out FEA analysis and suggested effective strengthening measures for a portable skid for lowering and retrieving an irrigation pump from the river without significant supporting infrastructure.

GOOD BUGGER AWARD

June 2024

Rob Williams was awarded the Good Bugger award for getting the highest ever NPS from Fabrum (9.5) “Rob’s level of ownership over the work he’s doing is above and beyond what he’d ever expect from a contractor”. Rob is a Tech Lead at Caliber, and was also nominated by one of the engineers his team for his consistent supportive guidance.