Employee Spotlight - Meet Matt Taylor

In this employee spotlight, we're talking to Motorsport Assembly Technician, Matt Taylor, to find out what led to his career at Alcon.

When did you join Alcon?

I joined Alcon in May 2022.

Do you have any qualifications and what route did you take towards the career you have today?

I hold an HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering which I completed during my apprenticeship at Tamworth College. I did this whilst working at Zytek Automotive, where I then stayed for around nine years. My role there involved building wiring harnesses for race cars. Since then, I have gained experience in various sectors, including aerospace, motorsport, rail, and electric vehicles, before joining Alcon.

What does your job entail?

When I first arrive to work, our Technical Lead assigns roles to everyone and discusses the day’s priorities. My main responsibilities include building pedal boxes, master cylinders, and occasionally calipers. For a pedal box, jobs are initially released as sub-assemblies: building the throttle pedal, brake pedal, frame, base, and sometimes a clutch, all individually. These pieces are then kitted with the final top-level parts and assembled together, much like Lego as I'd like to describe it. Everything gradually comes together into a cohesive unit. Final touches, like laser etching, will be added before it undergoes quality checks. My favourite task is definitely building pedal boxes; I find it very satisfying constructing things and watching them come together.

What do you like most about your role at Alcon?

My role involves a blend of working independently and in a team environment which I enjoy as it adds variety to my day. I appreciate the work environment and get along well with my colleagues. I have made genuine friends for life at Alcon.

Do you have any special memories through working at Alcon?

Although I’m not a huge petrolhead myself (despite having always worked in the industry), I take great pride and enjoyment in knowing that components I’ve built have ended up in prestigious cars. For example, a pedal box for an Aston Martin Valkyrie or a master cylinder for a Formula One car. I find that very cool and rewarding.

What are some achievements you’re proud of both within work and personal success?

A proud moment in my career was being part of the team at Zytek that built the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) for McLaren when Lewis Hamilton became the F1 Drivers World Champion in 2008.

I am very comfortable in my position at Alcon, and it fulfils me every day. Joining Alcon has helped me build my personal confidence at work, and I feel I have settled into the dynamic well.

In my personal life, I am a proud family man. I am grateful to have seen a lot of the world and hope to visit many more countries in the future with my wife.

What's the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career? Any lessons you’ve learnt along the way?

Be in a place that makes you happy. Treat people how you want to be treated; you will get the best results from them and yourself. Don’t settle for a job that doesn’t fulfil you, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Step out of your comfort zone; it will never be as bad as you think and may turn out to be something great. If you don't try, you'll never know.

For more information on careers at Alcon please visit: https://www.alcon.co.uk/alcon-careers/