I am currently working on a year long contract. My main responsibility is to design new generic products and also projects specific to customer order. In addition, I am exploring updated CAD working practices and documentation within PLM.Vacuum technology, magnets and cryogenics.CAD System PTC Creo and Windchill

This was a long term contract back in the large instrument sector. Specifically Beamlines for Synchrotrons.Vacuum technology - UHV. Precision positioning and mounting systems.CAD system SoildEDGE.

I organise the mechanical engineering support for the company encompassing design, procurement, build and test.Specifically my role requires me to:Gather and understand requirements; specification; design; industrial design; test and evaluation; delivery to manufacturing and manufacturing support. Apply mechanical design knowledge and skill to produce mechanical systems that meet user requirements, performance specifications, quality and robustness targets. Work hand-in-hand with other design areas to ensure that products are introduced to the market place on time. A clear understanding of all aspects of the mechanical design is critical.I lead the development of the mechanical engineering aspects:-To develop hardware scope and architecture based on customer and technical requirements. To understand, design and implement simple user interactions and ergonomics.Detailed design of the overall system layout and piece-part design of the assemblies for thermal control, fluorescence detection, sample loading, electronics packaging. Design and test robust packaging for the instrument.Oversee testing, internal evaluation and conformance testing.I am involved at all stages of the wider product development process, for example:-Working with other members of the product development team to translate product requirements into product specifications.I conduct technical reviews during the development of new products.I support and trouble-shoot the introduction of new products.

I spent my first three years working on the design and manufacture of seven Insertion Devices. These are large devices (total weight of 6 tonnes) that accurately position and control a magnet array that influences an electron beam. There are many variants of the design, and unique challenges, dependant upon the final application. I worked in a small team of eight engineers and technicians with primary responsibility for mechanical design and documentation. The main challenges were to design a stable and rigid structure capable of withstanding loads of up to four tonnes, to accurately align and position the magnets and the magnet array, to ensure reliability in a high vacuum and radiation environment. Large fabricated structures, precision machining, motion control and mechanisms were the main technologies required. I also managed the process of sourcing the manufacture of the component parts, from tender, through order placement, to final delivery. I was also involved in the organisation of in-house assembly. The devices were installed successfully, on time and to budget.My remaining time at DLS was spent working on the design of Beam Lines. This involved the design of beam conditioning components – filters, optics, stops, shutters and collimator, and integrating them into the Beamline layout. Notably, I designed a novel Monochromator and created a unique design for crystal mounting, positioning and automatic adjustment thereby optimising beam intensity.I used ProEngineer Wildfire and AutoCAD as my design tools.

JPM International, Cardiff, WalesEmployed as a design and systems consultant, for this manufacturer of video games and fruit machines, I provided advice for a new cabinet design to house the latest games. In addition, I reviewed their design and development process, with particular emphasis on product introduction into manufacturing.I spent the remainder of this period working on various contracts. Notably, I returned to work for Oxford Analytical Instruments, on two separate contracts for just over a year in total. Working as a Design Engineer I provided a fresh approach to a new product development. In particular, I designed a sample introduction system and analysis head. This involved a precise positioning mechanism and handling system for fragile samples. The analysis head required a compact, accurate assembly that worked in a vacuum or helium environment. Thermal management and safety requirements were also key design constraints. My design received much praise. The mechanism passed a life test equivalent to fifteen years maintenance free operations. Note that in the past, on other instruments, sample introduction has been a source of many service calls. The functional specification and prime cost target were also achieved within project timescales. The design has since proved to be very effective and reliable, thereby contributing to the attainment of a world leading product status.I also returned later in the project to re-design the main instrument chassis assembly to reduce its cost and complexity and thereby improve manufacturability.

This was a year long contract, working in Belgium, for a company making industrial digital printers – Xeikon, Vredebaan 72, Mortsel, Belgium. I was employed as a project consultant with mechanical design responsibility for a module of an industrial digital printing machine. My work covered refining the paper input components to the printer. The assemblies included the paper stack and presentation systems comprising paper trays and lift system, and the paper pickup and alignment system. I joined the project at the manufacturing ramp-up and market launch stage. I had to ensure the design was functional and reliable. My primary task was to trouble-shoot and rectify any problems giving full manufacturing support. In addition, I enhanced and improved the design, to meet a wider specification, and to reduce the cost of manufacture. Sheet metalwork was used extensively for the structural components. A vacuum system, and electro-mechanical drive mechanisms, provided the paper transport method.This was a unique opportunity to work abroad and rise to the challenges it presented.

Senior Product Development Engineer with the following responsibilities:• For mechanical design from concept through to detail.• To ensure full documentation release to manufacturing.• To provide production support.• CAD system management – four seats.• Quality and Standards compliance.• To manage two direct reports and casual/contract staff as required.My main achievements were to successfully enhance and improve the XRF (Xray Fluorescence) and MR (Magnetic Resonance) products to maintain their competitive edge. Team working and fast development cycles with timely new product introductions were the cornerstones of our development philosophy. In addition, I project managed the transition from a 2d to 3d CAD system (Solid EDGE). This involved researching the potential systems on the market and then proposing the most suitable for our business. Once justified, I purchased a system and ensured it was integrated smoothly into the operation. At the same time, I created a more efficient documentation and production release system. I made all our data available electronically, instead of the existing direct printing method. This saved time and money and enabled much better access, and better visibility for design information.I wrote a design guide to provide a point of reference and set standards for good electro-mechanical design practice. Faster development times and effective manufacture resulted from improved design technique and forging closer links with manufacturing suppliers. I was a core team member for the implementation of a new accounting and manufacturing database system.Manufacturing processes employed for component design: Injection Moulding (for sample holders and Instrument covers), Sheet metalwork (for Instrument covers and Bracketry), Precision machining (for components, mechanisms and mountings).Design summary: Packaging electronic components and cable routing. Mechanisms, especially positioning systems.

Principal Design Engineer with the following responsibilities :• To lead a team concerned with the mechanical design of new chemical analysis instruments. Teams of six design and draughting personnel were typical.• To contribute during the feasibility phase, consulting with marketing, electronic and software engineers, to arrive at a working specification.• For conceptual design through to detail draughting using CAD. The products are analytical instruments using techniques such as Infra-red Spectroscopy, Gas and Liquid Chromatography. The instruments are laboratory bench top electro-mechanical enclosures similar in size to a personal computer.• To ensure full documentation release to deadlines.• To provide full production support.Manufacturing processes employed for component design: Injection Moulding (for sample holders and Instrument covers), Castings – Sand, Investment and Die castings (for components, mirror mountings, mechanisms, mountings), Sheet metalwork (for Instrument covers and Bracketry), Precision machining (for a variety of parts).During my ten years with Perkin Elmer, I saw much change, and developed my career, during what was a very exciting period. I was promoted twice – to Senior Design Engineer and then Principal Design Engineer. I gained professional status and helped manage the transition from drawing boards to CAD. It was also a time of concentrated design for manufacture, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency, in addition to applying rapid prototyping and faster new product development.

Design Draughtsman, working in a small multi-disciplined team developing new commercial products at the forefront of superconducting magnet and cryogenic technology. Unusual shaped magnet systems, a compact synchrotron and a cyclotron are examples of the products developed, which mostly involved designing a variety of machined components and fabricated pressure vessels. In addition, I also designed special purpose machines for winding magnet coils as well as fixtures and tools for assembling large components. I was involved in preparing designs for feasibility studies, followed by detail design and draughting to enable prototype and production manufacture. I controlled subcontract manufacturing for outsourced components.

I carried out Detain Design, Draughting and Parts List duties covering all aspects of crane manufacture. Large welded fabrications, Structural calculations, Engine installation, Steering and Suspension, Hydraulic and Pneumatic systems were the main areas that I covered.I began working here as an apprentice Technician. My apprenticeship lasted four years.