Tim James

MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Skills Overview

Tim is an experienced mechanical design engineer and product development specialist, renowned for his proficiency in creating innovative solutions that push the boundaries of engineering excellence. With a passion for precision and a meticulous approach to detail, Tim excels at conceptualising and designing robust mechanical systems that meet the highest standards of quality and functionality. As a client-focused professional, Tim ensures that every solution aligns with the unique needs and objectives of the client, driving projects forward and exceeding expectations.

MECHANICAL DESIGN – Tim is a proficient mechanical designer with a keen eye for detail and innovation. His expertise lies in conceptualising, designing, and prototyping mechanical components and systems and his ability to think outside the box. Notable projects he has led include the development of sheet metal shelves for server rack power converting modules. With considerable design constraints, Tim embraced unique sheet metal folding techniques and improved structural strength by 50%.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT – Tim excels in product development, leveraging his multidisciplinary skills to bring innovative ideas to life. He has spearheaded several successful product initiatives, including the design of outdoor enclosures for existing products with limited customer requirement specifications. Tim asks the tough questions and gets the best out his connections and network to scope requirements for successful products bound for market.
PROJECT ENGINEERING – Tim’s experience in project engineering equips him with the skills necessary to manage complex engineering projects effectively. His strong organisational skills and attention to detail ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget. He collaborates closely with all stakeholders via clear communication and coordination to mitigate risks and resolve issues promptly. Tim’s proactive approach to project management enables him to anticipate challenges and implement contingency plans, minimising disruptions and maximising project efficiency. His track record of delivering projects on schedule and meeting quality standards has earned him a reputation for reliability and professionalism.
COMMUNICATION – Tim’s exceptional communication skills are a cornerstone of his success in engineering and project engineering roles. He excels in articulating complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner, fostering collaboration and alignment among team members. Tim’s ability to listen actively and empathise with stakeholders enables him to build strong relationships and navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively. He communicates project goals, timelines, and milestones transparently, keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the project or product lifecycle.

Caliber has experience in the Aerospace industry

Caliber Design has experience in the Biofuel industry

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Ever since I was young, my desire for engineering has been apparent through disassembly of mechanical components on the home kitchen table using my dad’s screwdrivers. This curiosity inspired me to explore how things are made, particularly in the aviation industry.

My final year project for uni was at Air New Zealand. This involved designing repairs that met international aviation standards and collaborating with industry partners, honing my communication and time management skills. After graduating, I managed projects for Air New Zealand and HamiltonJet on new factory developments, and gained hands-on machining experience at Oceania Aviation working on rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft.

After work, I enjoy skiing and getting into the wilderness with friends and family. My hobbies include building and flying model aircraft and learning new skills like sailing.

Project Experience

New Product Development

I have recently been a part of New Product Development projects for Enatel within their motive and energy power teams. These projects involved developing novel tools for the team to capture data and scope the project, while developing client and end customer needs to produce metalwork and components for Enatels electrical systems. The latest product is due to reach the market late 2025.

ATR-72 500 Resale Project

In this project, I led a team of three members responsible for providing airworthiness documentation to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the resale of ATR72-500 aircraft by Air New Zealand. The project involved working closely with various departments within Air New Zealand and ATR to ensure compliance with aviation rule parts and airworthiness standards. To ensure timely completion of the project, I engaged with corporate engineering personnel and computational maintenance information systems, which proved to be critical to the project’s success. Ultimately, the team’s efforts led to the successful resale of the aircraft.

Life Raft Handle for B757

In this project, I was responsible for designing, justifying, and substantiating a replacement emergency life raft release handle for a Boeing 757 aircraft under a CAANZ Part 146 Certificate. The project involved conducting material substantiation through stress analysis and justification to FAA/CAA rule parts. The replacement part was machined locally out of aircraft-grade aluminum and was put into service during routine maintenance. Through careful design and validation, the new emergency life raft release handle met all required specifications and was approved for use on the aircraft, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew members.

Salt Corrosion Project

This project was a continuation of an honors project undertaken at the University of Canterbury. The objective was to collaborate with Air New Zealand in studying their Airbus A320’s and finding ways to prevent atmospheric salt corrosion. The project resulted in the development of wash methods and the use of different detergents for the fleet’s cleaning program to prevent future corrosion. Our findings were approved by Airbus’s technical services team, who visited New Zealand to assess the results.

PERSONAL PROJECTS

Design of Model Aircraft

Over the course of several years, I have designed and constructed a range of radio-controlled model aircraft, both nitro and electric powered, all of which have flown to varying degrees of success.

Self Contained Car Unit

I also enjoy pursuing hobbies such as using CAD software to design a self-contained unit for the back of my Subaru Legacy. This flat-pack unit would be easy to install and remove, allowing me to travel over weekends and spend a night or two in the great wilderness that New Zealand has to offer.

I find both of these hobbies to be not only enjoyable but also challenging, requiring me to think creatively and problem-solve to achieve the desired outcomes.

Project Chinook

In this project, I worked closely with project managers and senior leadership to propose new systems and technologies for a new factory. This involved leveraging my experience in producer statements, business processes, and consulting with related manufacturers, both within and outside the organization, to identify and scope the requirements for the new site. Through close collaboration with the project team, we were able to effectively propose new systems and technologies that were aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives for the new factory.

TJ’s Real Fruit Ice Creams

Caravan Renovation & Business Setup

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I launched an ice cream business in Akaroa by renovating a 1950’s retro caravan and developing business and marketing strategies to ensure a profitable company in its first year of operation. Despite the challenging economic conditions, the business was successful, allowing me to expand to new locations with a second vehicle. Through this experience, I have gained valuable skills in managing employees and building strong business relationships. However, the most difficult part of running the business has been resisting the temptation to eat all the delicious ice cream myself!

GOOD BUGGER AWARD

November 2023

Tim James and Sean Szymanski were nominated by our founder, Jonathan Prince, who said “Hats off to both Tim and Sean for their approach to the NPD process for Enatel. Taking a very well thought through approach to their NPD process, they took a step back from designing to try and really understand the Product Requirement spec, who are the stakeholders, and what’s really required for the design to be a success. They really thought things through from the clients perspective and I was really impressed.”