A Day in the Life of a Systems Engineer

In the world of technology, Systems Engineers play a vital role in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex systems that power our modern world.

This exclusive Q&A offers an intimate glimpse into the dynamic world of our Systems Engineer. From network infrastructure to software applications, this expert navigates the intricate web of components to ensure seamless functionality and optimal performance.

Q&A with James Scholey

1.?Tell us about your career journey with Bilfinger UK so far??

I have worked at Bilfinger UK for 12 years. Highlights have been working on two major aluminum smelter projects in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, as well as defence projects on the UK for a major car manufacturer.

2.?What does a typical workday look like for you as a Systems Engineer??

The work day can vary depending on where we are in the project lifestyle. We put a big emphasis on having excellent project design and test documentation. Once the design stage is complete we can get into more creative areas such as writing PLC code or SCADA/HMI displays. Commissioning is the most rewarding time as you get to see the project come to life, each day can present a different challenge but it’s a great opportunity to cement the relationship with the end client. ?

3.?Could you describe the key responsibilities and tasks you handle regularly??

Alongside the nut and bolts of project work, a big responsibility is keeping a great relationship with the client. Creating trust between Bilfinger UK and the customer is a great way to create an environment where any challenges are seen as a collective issue that can be taken on and overcome together as a team.

4.?Tell us about your recent success of passing your training??

Over the last 18 months I have undertaken a four-part course in Operational Technology (OT) Cyber Security focusing on the ISA/IEC 62443 standard. It has been fantastic to diversify my skill set after being primarily an automation engineer for twenty years. Cyber security is seen as a real area for potential growth that lends itself well to our core business as system integrators. I am really grateful for the opportunity to broaden my horizons and the opportunity to look at projects from a cyber security angle rather than the project engineering angle.

5.?Can you share any highlights, interesting, or unexpected aspects of your job that others might not be aware of? ?

I think the more interesting part of the job is when you get to go to site and interact with the client at management, engineering and shop floor level. Over time you try to learn how to handle all the different characters you come across in a positive way. An unexpected highlight occurred whilst I was working in the port and utilities automation section at aluminum production site in Saudi Arabia.

On this particular day, I was working with the air compressors when an client's engineer called by to ask for some automation support on the NEWT (Naturally Engineered Water Treatment). What at first looked like a (literal) stinker of a job turned out to be very interesting. The NEWT system takes all the sites sewage waste (at this time around 10,000 people lived on the site in makeshift camps) and uses a series of reed beds (the reeds had to be trucked in and planted before they wilted) and a couple of pumps to produce clean process water. The area became an oasis in the desert and was a haven for birds and wildlife within a few months. So what at first looked like being a job to duck out of really turned out to be unexpectedly rewarding.?

6.?What advice would you give to someone considering a career in Systems Engineering???

I would encourage it due to how varied it can be. Though we handle projects in a similar way, the job can take you around the world and into a variety of industries from nuclear to metals, food to gases.?

7.?What are you looking forward to in the future of your role? ?

Now that I have my cyber security qualification, I am really looking forward to completing a full implementation of the standard. ?I have been involved in the first phase of a few cyber projects as our customers become aware of the need for it so it will be good to see a project all the way through.

Interested in joining #TeamBilfinger like James?

Visit jobs.bilfinger.com to explore our latest vacancies and sign up to our job alerts so you don't miss out on the opportunity to join the Bilfinger family.