Interview with John Padfield, our new Application/Systems Engineer

John tells us more about his career background including his biggest challenges and achievements.

Can you tell us a bit more about your background and training?

I started as a Project Engineer in the cremation industry, managing new installations of systems across the UK and France. After a time, I started to miss the more technical side of engineering, so I enrolled on a master’s degree to study mechanical engineering with aerospace.

I then went on to become a Mechanical Design Engineer but again I felt I wanted to be involved in more technical aspects. I really enjoyed learning about propulsion, trajectory, and thermal systems during my master’s therefore I jumped at the chance to work for Technical Services.  The role of Application and Systems Engineer has combined everything that I am good at and given me that job satisfaction I had been searching for.

What have been the highlights / biggest challenges of your career so far?

Delivering my first big project as a Project Engineer must be the most memorable moment. It was so intense, I had to take on all the responsibility, risk, and pressure to make sure all the details had been covered as well as create strong relationships with clients and contractors. I felt a huge sense of achievement to see the project completed and on time.

Do you have a favourite project?

We are currently designing and building a new test facility in climatic chambers which is interesting, especially as we improve our active cooling systems. This is something I’ve only ever covered in theory so putting everything I have learnt into practice is exciting.

Since joining Technical Services, what have you enjoyed the most?

The combination of the variety of responsibilities that come along with the role and working within a small team. It is really satisfying to be heard and feel a part of the trajectory of the company which is continually developing and growing within a niche industry.

When you start a project what are your main considerations?

When I start working on a new client project, I focus on their capacity and then look at how they plan to use the system to make it scalable. In the systems we develop there isn’t an equation to find the perfect solution, each component needs to be assessed on how it will perform with everything else on the loop. It is a complex balancing act.

Do you have any words of wisdom for engineering projects or life in general?

Spending time and effort to build positive and trustworthy relationships will always play in your favour.

Tell us a bit more about you, for example what do you do in your spare time?

I spend a lot of time in the mountains and national parks either running, climbing, or mountain biking. I am also really into space and like to stay up to date with the new technology going into spacecraft