English Jonathan Barry, Senior Embedded and Control Software Engineer at AB Dynamics and recently accredited IMechE Chartered Engineer
In the latest edition of our Employee Spotlight, we meet Jonathan Barry, a Senior Embedded and Control Software Engineer at AB Dynamics. Jonathan’s passion for engineering began at an early age and has culminated in his achieving chartership with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). He thrives on the challenge of solving complex problems and loves seeing his code come to life on the test track.
What made you want to become an engineer?
My mum’s a scientist in the civil service, and she spent a lot of time patiently explaining how things like magnets worked to me when I was very small. This early exposure to science sparked my curiosity and set me on the path to becoming an engineer.
What advice would you give someone looking to start a career in engineering?
Engineering is a fantastic career where anyone with a passion for solving problems with maths and science can make a positive impact. My advice would be to try as many different types of engineering as possible, especially in the early years of your career. Graduate schemes that allow you to do multiple rotations in different roles, like at AB Dynamics, are particularly good options.
What does a typical day look like for you at AB Dynamics?
As a real-time software engineer, my job is to write the code that controls our robot products, ensuring tests are carried out accurately and safely. A typical day might start with checking my emails and doing any code reviews assigned by my colleagues. After that, I usually start writing some code myself, often adding new features or software improvements. The day is usually broken up with a few meetings to discuss the technical aspects of a project or to review overall project progress with a project manager.
Most tests can be done from the comfort of the office, but it’s always a good day when I get to take something out on the test track.
What made you want to apply to become a Chartered Engineer through the IMechE?
Chartership is one of the final steps in being recognised as a professional engineer in the industry. While you don’t need to be chartered to work as an engineer, it shows that you meet an internationally recognised standard in your abilities, which makes a very good impression if you’re interacting directly with customers. Completing the application was also a great opportunity to reflect on the experience I’ve gained working full-time in engineering and to look at my future career aspirations and how I might achieve them.
The first step is to select an engineering institution that aligns with your background or work experience. I specialised in mechanical and aerospace engineering during my degree, so I chose to apply through the IMechE. These institutions also offer lots of training courses and regularly put on lectures all over the UK, which further motivated me to become a fully-fledged member.
Can you describe the application process? How did AB Dynamics support the application?
You complete a detailed application where you provide examples and evidence that you are working at or above the standard for chartership in five different competencies, known as the “UK Engineering Spec.” These cover areas such as technical ability, leadership, and communication skills. You should then be invited to an interview, which is the final part of the assessment. The interview lasts around an hour, and the interviewers are very much on your side, steering you to provide further details in the right areas to ensure your scores are a fair and accurate reflection of your abilities.
Before you apply, you need to find two senior engineers to sponsor your submission. They need to read your application to verify everything you’ve said is true and that they agree you meet the requirements for chartership. At least one of them must already be a chartered engineer. Through AB Dynamics, I easily found two sponsors who I’ve worked closely with and who are both chartered engineers. AB Dynamics also provided financial support, helping with my membership and application fees to the IMechE.
How has AB Dynamics contributed to your growth as an engineer?
I joined AB Dynamics as a graduate in 2019, and since then, I’ve had many different opportunities. The company has provided me with a wealth of experience over the past five years, allowing me to give lots of evidence that I met the competencies in the UK Engineering Spec. I’ve had the chance to travel and take on customer-facing roles, engage in practical engineering and track testing, and work on detailed technical design and software development. AB Dynamics has made applying for chartership very easy, particularly with its focus on innovation and constant learning.
For more information on becoming a Chartered Engineer through the IMechE visit https://www.imeche.org/membership-registration/become-a-member/chartered-engineer. Or if you interested in a career with AB Dynamics, visit https://www.abdynamics.com/careers/vacancies/
