Case studies: Mechanical design engineer: John Bauer

John graduated in 2003 with a BEng in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University. He currently works for an engineering consultancy. 

Since graduating, I have had three jobs. I secured my current job by approaching the company after finding it on an internet search. I speculatively applied because of the downturn in the jobs market and there was a limited availability of advertised vacancies.

I found my previous two jobs in a very different way than my current position. After graduating, I registered with a well-known online job search and email agency. I was approached by recruiters working on behalf of firms and offered interviews. Prior to my degree I had held many years of hands-on experience and coupled with a degree I am sure that this helped in securing work. Obviously, my degree is very relevant to the work that I do at the moment.

Day-to-day tasks involve checking all my emails, reading received supplier quotes, acknowledging quotes and responding to customer requirements. I then continue to work on current projects. Projects can run from a few days to a few years. I use various 3D design tools to help with finding a working solution to problems. A typical project could be an enquiry into the design and manufacture of, for example, an electric cable holder. Design decisions have to consider where this item will be used. There are also environmental considerations, such as does the holder have to be made of a non-corrosive material, is it subject to extreme cold or heat conditions, how heavy is the cable itself, will stress calculations need to be applied. 

Once a design brief has been established, a model digital prototype can be created using the data. The model, created using a 3D tool, has many uses. It enables the customer to visualise in an instant what his design will look like. The 3D model could also be used to create a real model, a prototype, usually made from a resin. This offers a tangible item for the customer, and indeed his customers, to look at and see all the detail in ‘real detail’.

My engineering degree allows me to utilise basic engineering skills to overcome problems. Real engineering is not about holding huge amounts of knowledge in your head - this would be impossible due to the vast arena the engineering field finds itself in - but instead to apply basic principles to find answers and solutions to problems.

I enjoy the diversity of the work. Projects can differ in size and time scales. From an eco-friendly building to an electrical insulator, the range of work is wide and varied, which helps to keep the job interesting.

I would advise students and graduates to gain some hands-on experience in a workshop to familiarise yourself with manufacturing procedures. I have seen engineering graduates struggle in industry because they do not know basics. You may have all the theory but without practical knowledge and a basic idea of engineering process, finding working solutions could become difficult. It is also important to learn a 3D software package, although companies usually will train you in this.

AGCAS

Sourced by Francesca Bauer, AGCAS

Date: 

October 2009

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