Systems Engineering with BD - Is it a fit for you?

This week I got the chance to speak with Niall, a Senior Systems Engineer here in BD RCI, and learn all about why he chose a Systems Engineering role. Having worked in BD's Research Center for the past 6 years he is keen to share his experience with the team!

What have you learnt about BD since you joined that you did not know? 

I guess I did not realise that they have so many products! I knew about the Pen Needles and would have used BD syringes during my research days, but it is amazing to see the array of products on the market. For myself, I have now gotten the chance to work with lab automation instruments and flow cytometers. 

What attracted you to working there? 

For me it has been the exposure to so many different groups and teams, I have gotten an amazing rounded experience that I think other roles may not have achieved. It would be hard to find somewhere like this, it’s a unique environment which I really enjoy! You get to see so much new technology, which for an engineer is great. Also, the site has a great family feeling which makes work there that bit better. 

Tell us about your average day?  

It is mixed between lab and office. In the Lab, I try and get the lab work done in the morning and afternoons for meetings, it is a nice 50/50 mix.  

In the lab I work a lot with engineers and scientists to develop our instruments or assays by designing and running studies or experiments. I have also enjoyed learning about the biology and the clinical or scientific applications where these products are used.   

What do you enjoy so far? 

I suppose that overall, I have worked on 3 different projects, I have learnt something new with each one. The nature of the work here is ever changing, and we are always looking to the future to see how we can support other platforms too. 

 What are the challenges? 

Initially it is difficult to find time slots when we are working across countries so getting the crossover time is not always easy, but everyone is flexible and respectful of keeping a healthy work/life balance. Despite the time zone differences teams are very integrated and in a way you get the opportunity to be independent and figure things out yourself.  

What is the work culture like? What are the main differences you have found in this post Covid environment? 

Like I said before, there really is a family feeling at the RCI site. There are often events and activities so we can get to know each other outside the labs and office. With Covid those quick coffee chats are not as frequent on site but it will be great to get back to normal to have an aul chinwag. 

What Advice would you give to someone looking to join BD at this time? 

As a Systems Engineer, you will get to experience a lot and can be the glue in a sense working across a number of teams. It is one of the jobs where you get a lot of exposure and cross over. You would want to be independent and also a good communicator. There will be times where you might not know everything but as an engineer I enjoy that challenge. 

You will need good documentation skills and have a love of being at the cutting edge of the medical device industry. You also need to have a continuous learning mentality, that is one aspect I really enjoy about what I do. 

Sound like a role whichy sparks your interest! Click the link below and speak with one of the members of our Talent Aquisition Team