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 Conversation with…
Eric, Machining Process Technician
From left to right: Eric, Guy and Peter from the method team… |
My assignments:
I determine and implement all the machining and heat treatment processes required to manufacture the parts designed by Engineering. I work hand in hand with the Production and Maintenance teams.
The skills required include elaborating the machining stages from start to finish and programming the CNC (computer numerical control) machines. I am an expert in machining tools and manufacturing software (CAD, CAM, MRP, workstation instruction sheets, etc.)
Furthermore technical experience is a key asset when manufacturing new products. Reducing lead-time and costs, while maintaining quality, is my priority!
What motivates me:
This job, which combines technical common sense, rigor and creativity, has always attracted me. It requires 100% of my attention and energy as I must react fast to the technical problems and the product evolutions. Constantly searching for new and improved processes and manufacturing tools is also very motivating.
I find teamwork very rewarding. I stand at the crossroads of several departments: Purchasing, Quality, Production Processes, Maintenance, which means my activities are varied, interesting and enable me to learn something different every day.
My career path:
Just as I graduated from my two year Production Technical School I joined Poclain Hydraulics’ Production Process department in Verberie. I have since then worked on various machining and heat treatment projects for parts used in hydrostatic transmission components. Turning, milling and rectifying the parts I am responsible for are part of my daily activities. I have been at Poclain Hydraulics for 7 years now and routine still hasn’t settled in!
Conversation with … Gilles, Applications Engineer
My assignments:
My job is both technical and sales oriented. I act as a consultant for my collaborators in sales and for our customers, as well as a coordinator between the technical and sales departments for complete hydrostatic transmission projects.
I design and implement hydraulic and electric circuits based upon our customers’ specific requirements. This requires mastering transmission and component lifetime calculations.
I am also a member of the Poclain Hydraulics cross-functional trainer team, whose role is to pass on their expertise. Each trainer conducts sessions for Poclain Hydraulics staff and customers. He brings hands-on knowledge that can be directly applied to understanding and using Poclain Hydraulics products.
What motivates me:
My job requires both technical expertise and communication. I must be rigorous and available. I manage my time according to my internal and external customers. Having taken an English course at Poclain Hydraulics, I feel much more comfortable when talking to English-speaking contacts on the phone or during my customer visits, and I find it very rewarding.
Most challenging is assisting customers solve a tricky technical problem. Brainstorming with mobile machinery engineers and helping them understand our technology is very gratifying, as they are eager to apply the theory onto their machines.
My career path:
Having graduated from a two year Automatic Regulation and Control school in 1991, I went on to working part time as an apprentice at Poclain Hydraulics for 2 years while I studied in designing and maintaining hydraulic and pneumatic systems. At the end Poclain Hydraulics hired me permanently.
I began my career in Engineering and contributed to designing an electronic transmission control system. In 1996 I joined the Sales department to apply the system on customer machines; I have remained here ever since and became Applications Engineer in September 2000.
Apprenticeship with time shared between school and a real job is in my opinion the best way to start one’s professional life. It combines theory and practice and enabled me to discover the business world while I was studying. It makes hiring smoother both for the employee and the employer, as we get to know each other before being permanently hired.
Conversation with… Julien, Engineering Draftsman
My assignments:
Within the technical department, Engineering is in charge of designing products. I participate in transforming the customer’s requirements into drawings that are realistic, both from a cost and an industrial standpoint. The draftsman is at the end of the Engineering work chain. He defines and describes in detail the forms and dimensions of each part. His drawings and bills of materials are used by the Purchasing, Manufacturing Process, Production, Quality and After-Sales Departments, as well as outside the company by subcontractors and suppliers.
What motivates me:
Optimising the high technological potential of our products is my permanent challenge; my position is at a key location at the crossroads between the Marketing and Production departments.
I have always been attracted by innovating and creating products with high technical value. My keen interest has led me to my current job. I have sharpened my skills using software, technical drawing standards and strength of materials.
Technical English is an asset I could not do without as our drawings and parts lists are all in English.
My career path:
With my two-year Industrial Product Design degree in hand and five years in the automotive industry, I joined the Poclain Hydraulics Engineering department in 2001 as Motor Draftsman.
Upon my arrival at Poclain Hydraulics, I received training in hydraulics and more specifically in Poclain Hydraulics and other components used in hydrostatic transmissions. I have worked on several projects that are now in production and have been successfully launched on the market.
Conversation with … Laetitia, Product Manager
My assignments:
I coordinate from start to finish a wide range of activities for the products I manage: product design and fine-tuning, international marketing and production. I develop and follow mid and long term plans that set technical and sales objectives. Product Managers report to the Marketing Manager, which implies they are in unison with the company’s strategy. I integrate the company’s priorities and development goals in my initiatives.
What motivates me:
Product Manager is a demanding cross-functional position: I must be flexible and approach problems from various standpoints. On the other hand, this job is very rewarding and enables me to grow on a personal and professional level.
I must be constantly up-to-date on the technical progress made for the products I manage, the market evolutions and our financial and sales results. I find that very motivating. Marketing being naturally more feminine, I am well accepted and recognised in Poclain Hydraulics’ mostly male environment.
My career path:
Having graduated from my scientific and technical engineering school, I joined Poclain Hydraulics in 2001 as Valve Product Manager. Since the beginning of 2005 I have been appointed Motor Product Manager. This job requires a thorough technical understanding of the products, speaking English and being comfortable with ERP systems. Relational and communication skills are also definite assets!