Engineer profile: Ruth Browning
- Age: 34
- Title: Production Engineer
- Company: Robert Bosch SA
- Field: Manufacturing
What do you do exactly?
For the last 2 years I have worked in Lyon, France for the Diesel Systems Division of Robert Bosch as Production Engineer. I am responsible for the installation and commissioning of new machinery for a production site that manufactures metal components for diesel injection systems.
The work involves firstly choosing the machines which will be used to manufacture each part, then overseeing the installation of each machine and finally checking the quality of the parts produced, before releasing the machines for large-scale production.
Although I am currently based in Lyon, France, over the last seven years my job has taken me to various sites throughout Europe and I have had the opportunity to experience different working cultures as well as learn several foreign languages.
Where and what did you study?
I initially studied Engineering Science at Oxford and then completed my studies at Birmingham University with an MSc in Engineering Management.
The Oxford course covers all major branches of engineering and was ideal for me as the choice to specialise in mechanical engineering was delayed. It wasn’t until the end of the second year that I felt that I wanted to work in manufacturing.
Why did you choose engineering?
My hobbies when I was at school revolved around physical activity such as dancing and gymnastics and, although I also enjoyed many creative activities, building racing cars out of Meccano wasn’t really my first passion!
However, my favourite subjects at school were Maths and Physics and the fact that I wanted to use them in a practical way led me naturally towards engineering as a degree. So, armed with A-Levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Further Maths, I chose to study Engineering Science at Oxford University.
Why did you choose the manufacturing industry?
I was initially attracted to working in this environment for no better reason than that I had always been fascinated by watching the machining stations, robots and conveyor belts that traditionally manipulate mechanical parts on a production line turning out thousands of identical products one after the other. When I started work on the shopfloor I realised that what was no more than a gut feeling was right – I had found a job I really enjoyed!
What routes did you take to your current job?
I joined T&N, a first-tier automotive component supplier, as Project Engineer working on short-term production-based projects throughout Europe until I decided to move permanently to Lyon and took up my current position.
What does a Production Engineer do exactly?
A Production Engineer uses scientific knowledge, logical analysis and a large dose of common sense to make technical decisions, for example which machining technique should be used to form a particular product, or which tooling is the most cost-effective for a given operation. They are also required to solve urgent problems such as identifying the cause of a poor quality batch of parts in an extremely dynamic environment.
What do you like about your job?
Apart from the intellectual challenge the aspects of this job which really appeal to me are the opportunity to interact with people in almost all the different departments within the company and the level of physical activity. The days when I spend all my time in the office are extremely rare.
I also like the fact that you can see the results of your work quickly, whether good or bad!
What are the most important qualities for a Mechanical Engineer to have?
For me the most important qualities for a Mechanical Engineer are the ability to think logically, understand theoretical concepts and analyse complex problems.
