I joined MAHLE Powertrain, Northampton in September 2011 as a Graduate Engineer on the Engineering Graduate Training Programme. This meant I spent my first year with the company doing placements in each of the engineering departments at MAHLE Powertrain before choosing one of them in which to specialise and spend a second year of on- the-job graduate training. The first year of placements gave me an excellent overview of the company and the different aspects of work that go on here. It revealed which elements of engine design and development I have greatest aptitude in and enjoy most, allowing me to make a well-informed decision about where to specialise.
After completing these two years, I was appointed to the position of Design and Verification Engineer. In this role most of my time is spent designing engine components and systems, from early concepts to production-level drawings. The 'Verification' part of my job title means I also contribute to the analysis of the components I am involved in designing. It is very rewarding seeing a component that I have designed in reality for the first time.
The nature of the work at MAHLE Powertrain means that I am involved in a variety of projects and I'm given a variety of tasks. This presents continual learning opportunities and I feel I am developing quickly as an engineer. Indeed, my development was recognised by more experienced colleagues when I was recently promoted to Senior Design Engineer. I am working towards becoming a Chartered Engineer, which the company encourages and supports. My colleagues are supportive, approachable and willing to help with any technical queries I have, which helps accelerate my learning and technical development.
