Design Engineer
1) How long have you worked for Triumph?
I joined Triumph nearly 2 years ago now.
2) What education did you have prior to working for Triumph?
I studied at the University of Warwick and left with a BEng in Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering and a MSc in Manufacturing Systems Engineering.
3) Why did you choose to work for Triumph?
The job advert in the back of Professional Engineer immediately stood out because there aren't too many automotive design jobs available in the UK. I would not describe myself as a ‘motorcycle fanatic’, but knew of the brand and its reputation and the more I researched Triumph the more I wanted to be involved with the company and the design of its products. The highly competitive salary and benefits also helped!
4) Where else have you worked within Triumph?
I have only worked within the Design Department, however during my time in the department I have gained a lots of knowledge and appreciation for departments all over the business.
5) What work do you get involved in on a day-to-day basis at Triumph?
The work I do day-to-day varies hugely. One day I could be out testing a prototype part, visiting a supplier, sat at my desk using CAD or something else completely different. The variety in tasks is huge and involves working with a lot of different people all over the world.
6) What role do you have within your team at Triumph and how do they help you?
I currently work in a team of around 12 people and I am responsible for the design and development of the area around, and including, the yokes for a couple of bikes due for release in early 2014. My role involves modelling the components in CAD to producing the drawings. Then liaising with the supplier, team members and other departments within Triumph throughout the development of the parts all the way up to and after the bike enters volume production.
7) What do you like best about Triumph?
The large amount of responsibility given to me. It’s very rewarding to see the first batch of parts from the supplier knowing that it's your design. Or seeing the first bike come off the line and knowing you helped design that.
8) How have you progressed whilst working at Triumph?
I feel, as an engineer, I have learnt an enormous amount since joining Triumph. It’s been a steep learning curve. But I have been supported every step of the way. I've been on several training courses since starting and I have learnt loads of new skills and expanded many of my existing ones, most particularly my CAD modelling skills and general understanding of production processes.
9) What did the recruitment process involve when you applied to work at Triumph?
After seeing the job advertisement in the back of Professional Engineer and following the application process I was invited to sit a handful of tests at Triumph's Head Offices in Hinckley one morning. There was a group of 9 of us and after lunch they invited 4 or 5 of us back that afternoon to be interviewed by a couple of Design team leaders. A few weeks later I was asked back to be interviewed by the Head of Design and Head of Chassis Engineering. I was surprised at how much they wanted to know about me and what I was like, as well as my understanding of engineering. About three days after the second interview I got a phone call offering me the job and started 2 weeks later!
10) Describe Triumph in 3 words?
Exciting, challenging and rewarding.
Materials Handling Apprentice
1) How long have you worked for Triumph?
I have worked for Triumph for 2 Years.
2) What education did you have prior to working for Triumph?
I went to Polesworth School, Polesworth, and studied my GCSEs and A-Levels.
3) Why did you choose to work for Triumph?
Triumph gave me a chance to engage in more practical work and to pursue a career that I wouldn’t have been able to pursue whilst doing A-Levels. I have always had a passion to work with bikes from a young age and gaining an apprenticeship at Triumph enabled me to do this.
4) Where else have you worked within Triumph?
Just in Materials Handling but have been given a wide appreciation for all elements of the business, learning various job roles especially within the Materials Handling Department.
5) What work do you get involved in on a day-to-day basis at Triumph?
Process sheets, waste management stream, production engineering environment, a lot of responsibilities regarding motorcycle manufacturing, such as purchasing consumables, ensuring that quality standards are upheld. Shadowing more senior personnel within the department, learning new tasks on a daily basis. Dealing with external contractors and informing them of H&S issues, making sure the tasks they are asked to complete are to a satisfactory level in line with Triumph's standards. I do a lot of computer work, working on Excel and learning various IT systems related to the Materials Handling department.
6) What other roles are there within your team at Triumph and how do they help you?
Production Engineers (making sure systems are run effectively in order that operators can carry out the necessary work ) , Team Leaders, Operators and Supervisors to ensure that the Materials Handling department carry out the necessary work to aid the sole purpose of Triumph which is to build bikes. Main tasks include taking parts to and from the line, storing correct stock levels, and carrying out a new CKD operation to enable sales throughout the world.
7) What do you like best about Triumph?
The work ethic; there’s a distinct drive to achieve the best possible across the company. Working relations between all employees are great with someone always there to help, I have been given many opportunities to get involved in varying tasks across the company.
8) How have you progressed whilst working at Triumph?
I have studied the ILM level 3 management course, I have also completed level 2 in warehousing and logistics, and i'm now moving on to level 3. These courses have increased my confidence to carry out more complex work within the department, taught me the basics and led to me going on to win Apprentice of the Year at NWHC for the year 2012. This was a clear indication of the progress I have made since joining Triumph. Triumph has given me a career path and something to aim for.
9) What did the recruitment process involve when you applied to work at Triumph?
Originally applied for Paint Shop Apprentice, and completed tests onsite, then had two interviews and then unfortunately on that occasion I wasn’t quite what the hiring managers were looking for in that department. I then got asked to come back in for an interview for the Materials Handling apprenticeship, which I was successful in obtaining.
10) Describe Triumph in 3 words?
Passion, proud, challenging.
Project Manager
1) How long have you worked for Triumph?
I have worked for Triumph Motorcycles Ltd for 17 Years now.
2) What education did you have prior to working for Triumph?
Nicholas Chamberlaine, Bedworth. Starting straight from school after studying for my A-Levels. I eventually decided that Triumph was the company for me.
3) Why did you choose to work for Triumph?
Triumph at the time was a local British company, producing a prestigious product that really grabbed my attention. Originally I applied for the role to gain experience and knowledge in the recruitment process. There were 12 trainee positions offered in 1996 with over 200 applicants, and I was extremely lucky to be selected as one of them. I was taken on as an apprentice, as a trainee store man whilst studying warehousing, wholesaling and stores courses at college which were then assessed on the job.
4) Where else have you worked within Triumph?
Materials handling is where I first started as a trainee, with on-the-job studying and assessment alongside this. I then progressed to Assembly where I became a Team Leader both in the Chassis and Powertrain areas; I learnt vast amounts throughout this time. After this I was given the opportunity to become a Team Leader in the Design and Development workshop, experiencing new aspects of work every single day. I now work as a Project Manager in the Value Engineering Department focusing on key aspects of the manufacturing process.
5) What work do you get involved in on a day-to-day basis at Triumph?
Supply chain management within the purchasing department is a key area of the role. I work closely on design and development aspects, and also get involved in trying to use common parts across our model ranges to try and achieve the most efficient working methods possible. Working with colleagues across the business to measure effectiveness and efficiencies of systems within our current manufacturing processes. I also enjoy getting stuck into resolving customers queries no matter how big or small.
6) What role do you have within your team at Triumph and how do they help you?
I am part of the Value Engineering Department, I work closely with Richard who solely focuses on internal manufacturing processes, both in the UK and overseas. For example we currently run a Kaizen improvement scheme across the business.
7) What do you like best about Triumph?
Job titles are not specific to your role. Due to the complexity of manufacturing processes a wide range of tasks are asked to be carried out. This leads to vast amounts of learning throughout all areas of the business. You get to interact with lots of people around the company and learn various different aspects to the company. I also gain satisfaction from working closely with the customers to achieve the best job possible.
8) How have you progressed whilst working at Triumph?
I have found that a company like Triumph rewards honesty, integrity, transparency and punctuality and if you’re prepared to give that bit extra you will be rewarded.
9) What did the recruitment process involve when you applied to work at Triumph?
I had to complete two lots of tests, numerical, verbal and then participate in a problem solving task that was timed, I then had a day in Materials Handling which was in effect a full day's line trial. Following this I had an interview with all relevant hiring management within the department. However, the recruitment process has tightened a considerable amount since I joined! It’s a lot harder to get in now!
10) Describe Triumph in 3 words?
Passion, Pride, Performance.
Design Project Engineer
1) How long have you worked for Triumph?
I joined Triumph in 2009.
2) What education did you have prior to working for Triumph?
I attended a state secondary school and 6th form before reading an Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineer Master's Degree at the University of Leeds.
3) Why did you choose to work for Triumph?
I have been involved with motorcycles since a very early age and I am a keen motorcyclist myself, so when I saw the opportunity on the Gradcracker website during my final year at University. I applied.
4) Where else have you worked within Triumph?
I have always worked within the Design department, but I completed secondments in the Purchasing, Assembly and Quality departments during my induction period.
5) What work do you get involved in on a day-to-day basis at Triumph?
The work I get involved with is incredibly varied, even on a daily basis. This week I have overseen some engine rig testing; reviewed stripped engine components with the Chief Engineer; discussed inspection results with the Quality Department; modified several components in CAD and released the associated drawings; attended the weekly project meeting with the project manager. Over the next couple of weeks I could travel abroad to discuss alterations to my components with our suppliers. It really is different day to day.
6) What role do you have within your team at Triumph and how do they help you?
I am the sole Project Engineer on my team. Therefore I am responsible for a large number of components in the engine. I am also responsible for the 3 engines used for testing during the engine prototype phase. During periods when my team leader is absent I am responsible for the day to day running of the team and the engine side of the project from a design and development perspective.
7) What do you like best about Triumph?
The responsibility I have for my own components and testing. No one else is accountable for the way the components I have designed perform during testing.
8) How have you progressed whilst working at Triumph?
I started as a Design Engineer, I was then promoted to Senior Design Engineer and finally around a year ago I was promoted to my current role as a Project Engineer.
9) What did the recruitment process involve when you applied to work at Triumph?
The Recruitment Process was fairly straight forward. I was required to complete a covering letter and upload this in addition to my CV onto the Triumph website in the careers section. I was then asked to travel down to Triumph for an assessment and interview day.
10) Describe Triumph in 3 words?
Challenging, committed, passionate.
Junior Design Engineer
1) How long have you worked for Triumph?
10 months.
2) What education did you have prior to working for Triumph?
I studied Maths, Physics and Graphics at A level, as well as Sport to AS level. I also had relevant work experience within motorsport.
3) Why did you choose to work for Triumph?
I have always been fascinated by automotive engineering and how things work. The opportunity to work in the design of world class motorbikes was very exciting for me! The Junior Design Engineer scheme offered was excellent – A year of work and training before being sponsored through university to study Mechanical Engineering sounded perfect for me.
4) Where else have you worked within Triumph?
I have been working within the Design Office, however this requires interaction with all other departments.
5) What work do you get involved in on a day-to-day basis at Triumph?
I am involved in the design and development of motorcycle components within my team's current projects. This will involve designing the part on CAD, making tolerance and FEA checks on the part, creating relevant drawings and documents before thoroughly testing the part to ensure it is safe and performs correctly. Working in design I get to take part in a wide range of tasks on a daily basis.
6) What role do you have within your team at Triumph and how do they help you?
Within my team I am delegated certain jobs by my team or project leader. I then fulfil these tasks with the help of other engineers or departments if needed. I support a wide range of testing and other work that is currently required. My team members and others within the company help with any problems or questions I have. I learn something new every day.
7) What do you like best about Triumph?
The responsibility given straight away and the wide range of jobs. I have worked on so many different things within the last 10 months that have allowed me to learn a great deal.
8) How have you progressed whilst working at Triumph?
Since starting work at Triumph I have received numerous training courses. These have included a one month intensive engineering training course at a local college. This course covered engineering drawing, engineering materials and manufacture, as well as engineering mathematics. This helped me establish a basic engineering knowledge for my future work. I have also had advanced CAD and FEA training, as well as Triumph specific systems training. Throughout the past 10 months I have developed my engineering skills and understanding, as well as learning about powertrain specific design.
9) What did the recruitment process involve when you applied to work at Triumph?
The recruitment process started with an introduction to working in design and the opportunity to ask any questions. I then had to take several short tests. After passing these I was asked to return for an interview. My interview lasted just over an hour and included a wide range of questions about engineering design and materials, as well as questions about my own personal experiences and CV. Shortly after I was contacted and offered a position as a Junior Design Engineer!
10) Describe Triumph in 3 words?
Driven, Dynamic and Precise