Articles
Beginnings
I am originally from Ayr, a town on the west coast of Scotland. Typical of most prospective engineers, I used to fix and tweak things in the house. Engineering, with its breadth of opportunities, became an obvious career path based on my interest in maths, physics and chemistry.
2006-11, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
I graduated with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Strathclyde. I considered studying aeronautical engineering but opted to go with mechanical engineering to give myself as many career opportunities as possible. I had a great experience at university. I volunteered as a student representative for ExxonMobil, which helped secure my graduate job.
2011-17, Inspection/Mechanical Engineer, ExxonMobil
I started my career as an inspection engineer with ExxonMobil at its refinery and petrochemical plant at Fawley, learning the ropes from some world-class engineers. There was so much to learn about metallurgy, corrosion mechanisms, plant design, process safety and risk-based inspection, and the chemical engineering behind it all was really interesting. I developed my technical knowledge and eventually joined the Mechanical Specialists team, where I was responsible for carrying out more complex fitness-for-service assessments, supporting major projects.
2017-20, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Essar
I moved to Liverpool to work for Essar at Stanlow Refinery. My presentation at an IMechE event on mechanical connectors led to me taking on a chair position in an Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association committee, working to develop a publication on the subject. I supported all process units and mid-stream assets with inspection, maintenance, project and turnaround activities and I developed company standards relating to mechanical integrity and process safety management.
2020-Present, Vice-president Risk Engineer, Marsh JLT Specialty
I joined Marsh as a risk engineer within the specialist Energy and Power team of Marsh JLT Specialty in February 2020. My primary role is to survey operating plants and assess the risk of major incidents in order to place the insurance in the market. Our work has a direct impact on improving the risk profile of sites, working closely with clients to improve process safety and business interruption. I lead multiple accounts, including a client who operates a $1bn gas processing asset, and I specialise in conducting ‘inspection deep dives’ which are in-depth reviews of specific risk issues. I recently published a paper on the risks of inspection deferrals, following a deep dive that identified this topic as a potential hurdle during the current pandemic. Working remotely this year has created a unique set of challenges for site-based operations and I’m looking forward to travelling to client sites and seeing more of the world when things return to normal.
IMechE, Chartered engineer and Fellowship
I was awarded chartered engineer status in 2015 after progressing through the Monitored Professional Development Scheme. I applied for fellowship in 2018 when I was 29 and was elected the sixth youngest fellow of the IMechE at the time. If you are considering membership, my advice is to download the application form today, even if you are not ready to apply. That gives you time to understand the required competencies as you build a portfolio of tangible examples that demonstrate your experience, to submit with your application. The best golf, snooker and chess players think a number of shots ahead. I like applying that philosophy to my working life.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.