I work in a department called New Product Implementation, we work closely with another department called Ideas and Innovation and work to develop new and innovative products for emerging markets. My job role as Test Engineer is to test all new products before they are launched, this includes failure testing, high/low-temperature testing, shock loading, fire testing and creating new jigs and fixtures for our tensometers and workshop space. I also create measurement reports on all new components using CMM machines. These reports are then used in both the development and tooling stages of product development, to better inform the designers about their products.

Meetings with designers which include brainstorming over new ideas, product misuse or DFMEAs to go through possible issues with existing or emerging products.

Meetings with the wider business to go through test reports and measurement results.

Carrying out inspection reports on new components and assemblies

Product failure testing up to 5000kgf, using tensometers and specially designed jigs and fixtures.

I enjoy the varied nature of the job. Every day is different; every new product has new challenges and needs another method of analysis or thinking. There is an amicable split between hands-on physical work and intellectual work, which always keeps me interested, engaged and excited.

What is challenging is actually what makes the job so enjoyable! The varied nature of every product means that every day requires a new way of tackling a problem. As engineers, we learn ways of thinking and tackling issues that help us in the future the more projects we get. But every new product means a new test procedure which means new jigs need to be designed and built, new measurement methods are often implemented and there are always new challenges to keep me on my toes.

I always enjoyed engineering as a subject. But after university, I didn't want just a pigeonholed job in research or metrology where I wouldn't see a product's full lifecycle, I wanted to see what my work was going towards and be able to see its value. What is fantastic about Gripple, and what sets it apart from so many other engineering firms, is the vertical integration of almost all of its products. I can not only see but I can actively contribute to every stage of a product's development and I can watch a product go from its initial brainstorming phase right through to its production.

Skills from my Undergraduate study that I have applied at Gripple

Destruction testing

Creep testing

Shock load testing

Report writing

Data collection and analysis

Teamworking

Idea generation

Gripple Ideas and Innovation 6-month secondment - Brought in due to my materials and engineering background to help a lead designer work on a new range of hangers, specialising in high-temperature performance.

Gripple Graduate Scheme - Working in multiple departments around the business including quality, marketing and production.

Raleigh Expedition - 6 weeks in Costa Rica managing a group of volunteers. Helping park rangers maintain and improve a national park.

Honestly, I can see myself at Gripple for a very long time. The company ethos and approach to engineering and its people is absolutely fantastic and demonstrates the absolute essence of what you will learn about "good engineering" at university.

Have an open mind. Every job is different but also every role is what you make of it. Both of my roles outside of the Graduate Scheme at Gripple were jobs that I created by speaking to department leaders and showing an interest and passion for what I could see as a possible role. I created what I wanted and if you are open-minded and confident in your abilities you can make it happen for yourself.

Looking forward to helping the new batch of Sheffield University engineers :)