Articles
Where did you study?
I am studying part-time for a BEng degree in electronics and electrical engineering at Havering College/Thames Gateway College.
Were you interested in engineering at a young age?
I have always had an interest in consumer electronics and technology, but had never considered how those products were developed until I had a work-experience placement with a PCB manufacturer. My strongest subjects at school were physics, maths, ICT and design technology, and so I found myself naturally heading toward a career in engineering.
When did you begin your career at E2V and what does your role encompass?
I joined the company in 2006 as an apprentice technician, having previously completed A-levels. I was attracted to the idea of being able to study on a day-release basis, while gaining valuable work experience. I have continued that study since joining E2V. My current role focuses mainly on evaluating designs against the original requirements specification for E2V’s ProWave industrial processing systems. I also develop test strategies for design verification and production tests.
What are the biggest challenges in your job?
I am creating a requirements specification for a significant part of a new system. I have to ensure all the technical requirements for the new product, as well as all the relevant legislative and environmental requirements, are captured and documented. This should ensure that the final design is fit for purpose.
What is the most exciting thing about working at E2V?
The company is constantly pushing boundaries in the development of technologies and products. Many of the projects I have worked on require novel solutions to problems. This creates a driver for innovative approaches to product development and challenges the way you face a problem.
Would you recommend engineering as a career?
Absolutely. Engineering offers a career that can provide endless amounts of variety and new challenges every day. Since I began working at E2V six years ago, no two days have been the same. I have been fortunate enough to have worked on some groundbreaking projects and even spent some time working in Australia.
What could be done to make manufacturing attractive again?
There is a negative image associated with manufacturing, created by the many cases of UK manufacturing sites shutting down in favour of cheaper overseas locations. But this country still develops lots of innovative technologies. I think actively promoting design and technology subjects in schools and encouraging students to design and produce things – with a focus on CAD – would improve the understanding of the importance of manufacturing.
What are your future ambitions?
My short-term goal is to gain a first-class honours degree. Longer-term ambitions would be to apply for professional registration as an incorporated engineer and to advance to chartered engineer status through developing my skills and experience at work.
Do you have any engineering heroes?
I don’t have an engineering hero as such, but I have worked with some extraordinary people while at E2V – world-class engineers that each have unique expertise, skills and experiences. I take every opportunity to learn from them.
Many of E2V’s most complex products go into applications that have an impact on everyday life. Is this an inspiration?
Yes, and it certainly impresses friends and family when I explain what we do. The projects I am involved with address some of the environmental challenges faced by other industries by offering a clean and efficient alternative to energy-intensive manufacturing processes. The E2V ProWave systems are being deployed in industries that have historically used furnaces in their processes, with a view to replace energy-intensive furnacing activities long-term. Some industrial sectors can also utilise ProWave systems to move away from batch processing into continuous microwave processing, and in some cases ProWave has allowed industries to create new intermediary processes that increase yield or reduce energy consumption. The focus to reduce CO2 emissions to combat global warming is a world concern. I find it inspiring that I work on projects that can make a positive contribution to environmental issues.