March 28, 2023
Are you interested in pursuing a career as an Automation Engineer? In this article, we interview James, a Senior Automation Engineer at McKay, to learn more about his role and life outside of work.
James has been working at McKay since February 2016 and is responsible for designing, implementing, and commissioning electrical and control systems. He also plays a key role in project management and mentors junior engineers.
"The advice I would give to an aspiring Automation Engineer would be to be proactive and creative problem solvers, embrace continuous learning, and find a like-minded mentor.''
When asked about why he decided to become an Automation Engineer, James explained that he studied Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Auckland, which set him up for his current role. However, it wasn't until he saw the job advertisement at McKay that he became more interested in the field. ''I was on holiday in Whangarei and saw the role advertised at McKay. The job description sounded exciting, so I dropped into the Whangarei office that day to introduce myself. And here we are now.''
James described the culture at McKay, as down-to-earth and respectful. ''Communication is open and collaborative, regardless of roles or experience levels.'' The company's can-do attitude fosters creativity and innovation, leading to a broad range of projects in different industries.
In my work at McKay, I would describe it as challenging, fulfilling and importantly, fun!
Outside of work, James enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, outdoor activities, and sports, especially running.
If you're interested in joining the team at McKay, sign up for career updates here, to learn about current opportunities. With its supportive culture and exciting projects, McKay could be the perfect place for you to grow your career in Automation Engineering.