1. Describe your job as if you were explaining it to a five-year-old.
I work with machines to help make them manufacture products in a factory smarter or faster. This normally means programming the machines to share their data and present it to an operator who can then make better decisions based on that information.
2. What types of projects are you working on at the moment?
Our project team is currently working with a large multinational life sciences company to create a SCADA system using Ignition to automate the batch control process on a packing line. This involves integrating all machines on the line to display and record batch data, and also automate the recipe selection process from the ERP system to the machines, reducing human error.
We are also integrating a paper-to-glass solution that allows operators to complete line clearance, periodic checks, and cleaning checks on an HMI or tablet. We have also introduced automated checks which reduce the number of line clearance tasks to be completed at changeover.
3. How did you get into the industry?
After college, I worked as an embedded software developer, and during that time I became interested in machine automation. I then decided to do a part-time specialist diploma in automation and controls. As my interest grew, I decided to go down the industrial automation software path, so I began to apply for jobs and got one as a Controls Engineer.
4. What is your proudest moment (work life or personal life)?
It’s a toss-up between getting married and the birth of our daughter. Two moments I’m proud and grateful for.
5. What’s the best advice you could give to someone thinking of coming into this industry?
If you can, talk to someone in the field already who can explain what the job is like day to day. Otherwise, if you have an interest and are studying or have studied in an engineering field, I’d look up videos on different automation technologies. There are fantastic resources out there, and a lot of them are now free. Take Inductive Automation, for example. They have free videos and demo software which will allow you to get a real understanding and feel for Ignition SCADA. It’s one of the main platforms we use in many of our projects.
6. Outside of work, what are you most passionate about?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing football, keeping fit, and watching sports.
7. What’s the best thing about working for life sciences customers (pharma, MedTech, etc)?
By providing services to life sciences customers, we are always getting exposure to using the best technology which drives continuous learning & improvement.
8. What is the best thing about being on the SL Controls team?
At SL Controls, there is always someone close by who can give you advice/feedback on an issue or stumbling block to a technical solution, so you never feel like you are working in isolation. Also, the People & Culture team is always looking at ways for us to meet up and socialise so there is always something planned to look forward to.