Machine controls engineer in the performance and controls team within Caterpillar’s Articulated Truck (AT) Product Group. This position was based at the AT production site in Peterlee.A range of tasks were completed in my role at Caterpillar these include:• Managing the software validation process to the point of introduction on the production line meeting rigid deadlines.• Responding to any software related issues in the field or on the production line.• Completing test work at Caterpillar’s proving ground both to aid the development of new machine features as well as validating functionality of test software.• Working with prototype machines to develop future generations of ATs.• Analysing data to determine the cause of an issue or to ensure correct machine behaviour.All the above tasks involve communicating with several Caterpillar teams across the globe and I had regular meetings with my colleagues in the US. The time at Caterpillar has provided me with invaluable experience working with an industry leader in construction and mining equipment. In addition to the technical skills used daily; the experience completing large scale projects within this organisation has given me a far greater understanding of the overall engineering process.

Future Energy is a gas and electricity provider and during the time there, work was completed as a contact centre agent. The work revolved around the smart meter rollout, contacting customers to book appointments and arranging the engineers’ schedules. This has given experience in a customer facing role which has improved communication and customer service skills.

• Completing a research project on Life Cycle Assessment, this led on to the dissertation in the third year of university • Assisting the Think Physics team in the “Big Bang Fair”• Working as part of the organisation team for Dynamo 2016 (IT Conference)• Assisting in the Think Physics Summer Schools which involved completing various science workshops with children aged 10-11

During the time at VMS a range of tasks were completed including:• Working in the optics lab to test the brightness of prototype signals.• Programming PLCs (programmable logic controllers) for use in prototype test cycles.• Attending a viewing trial to assist in a demonstration of the company’s new rail signals.• Completing a large project designing a signal test box which was designed to test the various rail signals VMS manufactured.