David Cabral - Mechatronics Engineer at Metsen

We conclude our celebration of National Engineering Month in Canada by recognizing the role of our engineers and engineering support staff.

As our final interview in the series, we spoke with David Cabral, a mechatronics engineer at Metsen.

“I have always been drawn to understanding how and why things work. From a young age, I enjoyed tinkering with electronics and building things, which eventually led me to pursue a career in engineering,” David says.

“I chose to study biomedical engineering at university and later pursued a master's degree in electrical engineering and computer science, as these fields aligned with my interests.

"Activities that were once hobbies, like building computer-controlled laser turrets to play with my cats or designing a software program that makes my LED lights react to music, have now transformed into professional projects, such as tracking metal beams with lasers and using accelerometers to respond to vibrations in steel flow. It's incredible to see how much my hobbies have aligned with my work.”

We asked David some more questions about his work. Here's what he had to say:

What products and services do you support at Metsen?

As a mechatronics engineer at Metsen, my primary responsibility is to design, develop, and test complex systems that seamlessly integrate hardware and software elements.

In doing so, I work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that all our products - including the EVCam series, ALM system, Mold Oscillation, and Vibration Slag Detection system - meet the highest standards of quality, performance, and reliability.

This role requires a diverse range of engineering skills, as I must shift between mechanical, electrical, and software engineering work as needed.

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing an engineering career within the metallurgical sensors industry?

My advice to anyone interested in pursuing an engineering career within the metallurgical sensors industry is to focus on developing a broad range of technical skills, as well as a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in this field.

Whether your interests lie in mechanical design, software development, or materials science, there is a place for you in this industry.

The key is to be curious, open-minded, and willing to learn.

What motivates you to do the work you do at Metsen?

What motivates me to do the work I do at Metsen is the sense of shared purpose and camaraderie with my colleagues. As a team, we are committed to developing innovative solutions that improve the efficiency and safety of industrial processes.

Seeing the impact of our work is incredibly rewarding, and I am inspired by the dedication and talent of my teammates, who push me to perform at my best every day.

I take great pride in being part of a company that has experienced significant growth despite challenging economic conditions. It is a testament to the value of the work we do at Metsen.

What is something that excites you about the future of engineering?

The future of engineering is incredibly exciting because of the transformative impact that technology can have on so many industries. Advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and automation are changing how we live and work, and I feel privileged to be a part of this rapidly evolving field.

At Metsen, we're encouraged to explore these new technologies and create innovative solutions that were previously unheard of.

I'm excited to see what the future holds for engineering and technology!