Case studies: Senior manufacturing engineer: Ross Barraclough

Ross has an MSc Manufacturing (Engineering and Management of Manufacturing Systems) from Cranfield University and works as a senior manufacturing engineer

I undertook my Masters degree at Cranfield University whilst I was employed by a major supplier of diesel and gas engines, and studied on a part-time basis for two years. During this time I was learning new skills during my residential week at Cranfield and often using them the following week at work. Many of the classes taught me skills that I would otherwise not have picked up in my job, with some of the classes being sufficiently detailed and in-depth enough to allow me to further knowledge that I already had in some areas.

I didn't use my degree at Cranfield as a way of securing a future job, but rather to enhance the position that I am currently in. Being an Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)  accredited further learning course, it also allowed me to apply for and successfully obtain my CEng (chartered engineer) status with the institution.

My typical day-to-day job involves the project management of a large multimillion pound capital installation project. The role consists of financial management, both revenue and capital, in addition to all of the technical skills necessary to lead a project of such complexity. Although all of the product knowledge comes from my prior experience at the company, much of the process knowledge and awareness of new manufacturing techniques and methods has come from my time studying at Cranfield.

Since graduating, my role has developed from being a manufacturing engineer working for a senior engineer, through to me becoming the lead manufacturing engineer for the entire project. This brings with it a number of soft skills such as people management and learning how to better interact with colleagues/suppliers in order to get the best outcome for the project and company.

What I like most about my current job is the variety that it brings, with international travel one week and detailed design reviews the next. No two days are ever the same, and being in a manufacturing environment day in, day out gives a real sense of satisfaction when obstacles are overcome and production can return to normal. The most challenging thing about the role is finding enough hours in the day.

I would like to progress to a more supervisory role in the coming years, perhaps in an area linked to, but not necessarily directly under the control of, the manufacturing engineering department. This should help to broaden my horizons and allow me to become a more rounded engineer.