How did you get into automotive engineering?

I studied five years of physics and one of applied engineering at University in Germany. When I moved to the UK, it was tough to find a job in pure physics, so I joined Ford working on design calibration for engines.

What’s your career history?

I spent four years at Ford and worked my way up to Powertrain Programme Team Leader.  From Ford, I went to Caterpillar as a Validation Engineer working on engine reliability, analysis and assessing design weakness. I wanted a numerical based role and that led me to a model-based engineering role at Tantalum Innovations working on reverse data engineering for fleet telematics.

Then a stint at TAE in Birmingham gave me a real interest in battery management systems. I found out just how much physics and engineering goes into it, which gave me a newfound respect for an AA battery!

Most recently, I was at Intertek Transport Technologies as Principal Controls Engineer working on engine controls and communication protocols - including testing for electric motors.  

Greatest career achievement to date?

Designing a fuel usage prediction model for fleets which is now used as the default for the industry.

What made you apply for the role at the LRW?

I was aware of the LRW position as my previous line manager knew LRW Director Richard Threlfall. Because of that, Richard understood my skillset which made the interview the most unconventional I’ve ever had – in the pub! Richard knew I had the expertise that LRW was looking for, so he was more interested in me as a person and ascertaining whether our technical thinking would align.  

What projects have you worked on at LRW so far?

I’ve worked on three different projects to date. Initially I designed test scripts to support the calibration team for a hyper car project and I’ve built controls models for a hydrogen-electric aircraft project. Currently, I’m working on a special project using multiple scripting languages to develop a unique communication algorithm. Plus, I support the team with my ‘side hustle’ of any scripting jobs.    

How are you finding it so far?  

I’m enjoying it! I love the controls side of engines – it’s all about the data for me and teasing information out of groups of numbers to enable valuable knowledge transfer to other people. The fuel cell work is also really interesting.

And what's it like working with the LRW team?  

The team are real experts but humble too. I like working with a smaller team as you get to work across different projects, it’s challenging and keeps you on your toes. I’m also enjoying working with our talented graduate engineers and being able to exchange knowledge with them.  

What’s your working pattern?  

It’s hybrid. Typically, I’m at home three days a week with the rest in the office for face-to-face team interaction plus some client visits.    

Are you a petrol head or indeed an electric head?  

No! I’ve never been interested in cars – so no Ferrari for me! When I look at automotive, I see arithmetic – it’s always been about working with numbers for me.    

Hidden talent  

I’m a resource research driven guy and I enjoy being thrown in at the deep end - I lean on physics, that’s my hidden toolset.  

And outside of work?  

I used to play tennis, but I now have two small boys under three, so the racket is hung for now!