Software Engineer, New Product Introduction 2023 – current
Wrightbus, Ballymena
Software Engineer working in the development and optimization of hydrogen fuel cell and battery-powered buses, my primary focus is to design and implement advanced software systems that support the efficient operation and performance of these vehicles. Responsibilities include:
- Lead the design, development, and implementation of PLC-based control systems for new product introductions, ensuring compliance with project timelines and quality standards.
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering) to ensure seamless integration of PLC control systems into new bus models.
- Support the NPI process by creating technical documentation, including software specifications, test plans, and user manuals.
- Conduct detailed troubleshooting and debugging of programs during the prototype phase, identifying and resolving issues to minimise delays.
- Conduct fault diagnosis, troubleshooting, and debugging during the testing and validation phases to ensure the systems met performance and safety standards.
- Work closely with suppliers and vendors to ensure compatibility and quality control of hardware used in the production of innovative renewable technology buses.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of software development processes and tools, promoting a culture of innovation and sustainability in the development of zero-emission buses.
- Perform continuous improvements in control strategies, contributing to the optimization of hydrogen fuel cell and battery system operation increasing product reliability.
- Ensure adherence to safety standards and best practices during the integration of systems in NPI environments.
- Support the transition of new product lines from R&D to full-scale manufacturing, ensuring smooth handover and minimal downtime.
- Contribute to the development of product specifications, testing plans, and post-launch support strategies to guarantee product success in the market.
Key Technologies & Tools:
Contential ZR5 Processors and Distributed IO; Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology: Vehicle
High Voltage Battery Systems; PLC Programming; CAN Network Analysis Software;
Electrical Schematics; Safety Standards (e.g., IEC 61508, ISO 13849, ISO 26262)
Deputy Operations Engineering Manager 2019 - 2023
Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Belfast
Internal promotion within the Operations Engineering Department following a process of isometric testing and panel interview.
Maintaining the duties of an Operations Engineer with the additional managerial responsibilities:
- Management of technician team.
- Creation of the yearly technician shift rota and statuary holiday cover rota.
- Authorisation and approval of Material Planner purchase orders up to a value of
£10,000.
- Capital project specification, costing and creation of job authorisation documentation for director/CEO approval to allow budget allocation.
- Management of capital projects following authorisation to ensure completion on time and within the budget.
- Mentoring of apprentices during their 4 year apprenticeship to ensure they had the correct project for their work logs.
- Carrying out disciplinary investigations and recommending disciplinary actions as required.
Operations Engineer 2014 - 2019
Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Belfast
One of three Operations Engineers responsible for:
- The provision of an efficient planned preventative maintenance and breakdown service for all assets within Operations Engineering. This includes the daily organisation and job allocation for the 18 technicians and support staff and the authorisation of annual leave and shift cover etc.
- Providing effective technical assistance and support for the technicians to ensure maintenance work is completed effectively and on a timely basis, thus minimising plant downtime.
- Organising the servicing and routine inspection of building services such as fixed electrical wiring, air conditioning and boilers which are covered by statutory obligations. This involves the supervision of contractors, management of costs and keeping accurate records.
- Ensuring the Belfast Harbour Electrical safety rules are adhered to and acting as a
High Voltage Senior Authorised Person during the execution of the rules producing switch schedules and safety documentation to ensure the safety of all parties involved in High Voltage work.
- Ensuring compliance with all Belfast Harbour Commissioners Health, Safety and
Environmental policies and procedures and ensuring that all work is carried out safely.
- Representing Operations Engineering at daily operational meetings and maintaining effective communications and working relationships with other departments and external customers.
- Process managegment for the purchase of new cranage equipment including a rail mounted cranes, a Gottwald Harbour Mobile crane, two Mantsinen Material Handlers and eight rubber tyre gantry cranes with two ship to shore cranes as part of the Victoria Terminal 3 re-tooling. All these purchases were carried out through the European Journal process requiring management of the pre-qualification process, specification writing with invitation to negotiate criteria, along with the scoring of returned bids and contract award process.
Project Manager
Mo Team Ltd, Crumlin 2003 – 2014
Project Manager responsible for the delivery of projects to client specifications.
Project Manager key responsibilities
- Hold initial project review with client to detail projects.
- Costing, quoting, designing, implementing and commissioning automation solutions.
- Project resourcing of competent personnel to ensure objectives are met.
- Project reviews with clients to ensure objectives are being met.
- Writing and commissioning control solutions using the following Programmable Logic Controllers:
- Allen Bradley SLC, ControlLogix and GuardLogix.
- Siemens S7 and S5.
- Mitsubishi A and Q Processors.
- Schneider Electric Premium and M340 Processors.
- Use of relevant programming software for the above controllers, namely RSLogix 500 and 5000, Step 7, GX Developer and Unity.
- Development of HMI applications.
- Designing automation solutions using Bosch Indradrive and Telemecanique Lexium servos.
- Design of distributed I/O systems on Ethernet, DeviceNet, Profibus and CANOpen.
- Production of Electrical schematics using AutoCAD.
- Production of technical manuals for client records.
Sample client list: Michelin, Montupet and Seagate.
Electronic Test Engineer
Nortel Networks, Newtownabbey 2000 – 2002
Test Engineer responsible for Pre-functional, Functional, Systems and Environment Stress testing for a number of products within the OM4000 range.
Test Engineering role key achievements:
- Weekly Yield analysis to produce corrective actions to maintain the first time pass yields above 95%.
- Resolution of any day to day issues in the manufacturing facility, maximising production and minimising downtime.
- Control and reduce the test failures in the diagnostics area by analysing and identifying causes, advising and prioritising test technician work.
- Root Cause Analysis – diagnosis, repair and testing of customer failures, including a customer report, to maintain after sales service and customer satisfaction.
- Maintain the test specifications for any products under my supervision ensuring compliance with quality standards.
- New Product Introduction – the transferring of a new product from design to the manufacturing facility by specifying test strategy and criteria, organisation of prototype builds and technician training.
