How do you install, maintain, and service bottling production equipment? Clement Nosakhare studied electrical and electronics engineering and has over seven years of experience working on equipment for beverage packaging. He works for J4 Automation Limited providing technical support for SACMI machines and Krones equipment and is based in Nigeria.

Life of a Field Service Technician, bottling production equipment

Background and Path to Field Engineering

Were you interested in how things worked when you were a child? Can you give examples?

Yes, I have always been fascinated by how things work. As a child, I enjoyed taking apart household gadgets and electronics to understand their inner workings. For example, I once disassembled a broken radio to see how the components interacted, and I successfully reassembled it, making it operational again. This early curiosity laid the groundwork for my career in engineering.

How old were you when you took apart the clock?

The earliest memory I have is of taking apart a broken clock at age 10. I was intrigued by the gears and mechanisms inside, and though I couldn’t completely reassemble it, the process taught me a lot about mechanical systems and sparked my interest in engineering.

Has there been a particular person who has inspired you, and why?

My high school physics teacher was a significant inspiration for me. This was because, her enthusiasm for the subject and her ability to make complex concepts understandable ignited my passion for engineering. Her encouragement to explore and experiment was pivotal in shaping my career path.

Why did you decide to study electrical and electronics engineering rather than a different type of engineering?

I chose electrical and electronics engineering because of my deep interest in understanding and developing technology that drives modern innovations. The field’s potential for impact, from energy systems to communication networks, aligned perfectly with my passion for solving complex technical challenges.

Working on Krones Equipment and SACMI machines

The Krones Group is global. How much support do you have from people in other countries? Is your training provided in Nigeria, remotely, or in another country?

I have substantial support from my colleagues at Krones both locally and internationally. I received comprehensive training on Krones blow mould (mold) and filler machines in Nigeria. Then, I have furthered my knowledge on the job by tackling various challenges and resolving issues with the equipment.

What are the different types of Krones equipment you have worked on? (Serviced, maintained, and installed)

I have experience working with several types of Krones equipment, including:
PET blowmould (blowmold),
fillers,
labellers, and
Variopac machines.

Which countries have you worked in?

I have worked extensively in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Typical Day as a Field Service Technician, Bottling Production Equipment

What’s your typical day like?

My typical day starts early at 5:00 am with a morning exercise routine. I then check my emails before heading to either the office or to a site. My day is often busy and involves a mix of technical work and problem-solving.

How much of your time is spent on site and how much with admin and other tasks?

The amount of time I spend on site varies. For example, for installations and overhauls, I typically spend a minimum of ten hours daily on site. However, for interventions, the time can exceed ten hours, depending on the complexity of the issue.

Which other parts of the organisation give you support?

I receive valuable support from the help desk as well as various departments within the organisation.

What do you think will be the biggest change in the equipment you work on in the next five years?

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is likely to be the most significant change, because it is enhancing equipment capabilities and predictive maintenance.

Most Challenging Part of the Job working with Bottling Production Equipment

What do you find most challenging when you are working – technical side, people/customers, or logistics (travel etc.)?

The most challenging aspects are often related to customer interactions and logistics. Managing client expectations and dealing with travel complexities can be demanding.

What has been your most challenging job in the field?

One of my most challenging assignments involved a major equipment overhaul in a remote location, requiring extensive troubleshooting and coordination under tight deadlines.

The equipment you install is for food and beverage production. Are there particular health and safety rules you need to follow in terms of hygiene (when on site)?

Yes, hygiene is crucial so I must adhere to strict safety rules, including wearing hair and beard covers at all times when on the production floor. This ensures compliance with hygiene standards.

How do you explain technical issues to non-technical people? Can you give an example?

I focus on simplifying technical jargon and using analogies because this makes concepts relatable.
For instance, when explaining a complex issue with a machine’s control system, I might compare it to a computer’s operating system and how it manages different tasks to ensure smooth operation.

Making a Winner

What makes the type of field service engineer who is tomorrow’s senior engineer?

Tomorrow’s senior engineers are distinguished by their personal drive, ongoing training, as well as the ability to think creatively to solve problems. This is because, a proactive approach, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are essential for career advancement.

How important are communication and people skills?

Communication and people skills are vital. This is because they enable effective interaction with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders, which is crucial for successful project execution and to foster strong professional relationships.

How important is ongoing training?

Ongoing training is essential to stay current with technological advancements and industry standards. This is because it ensures that engineers remain proficient and capable of handling emerging challenges in the field.

New Field Engineers in Bottling Production Equipment

What advice would you give to someone who has just started their first job as a field engineer for bottling equipment? Or is considering moving into this field?

I would advise new field engineers to focus on building strong problem-solving skills and gaining hands-on experience. Being proactive, staying curious, and continuously learning will help them
adapt to the dynamic nature of the field. Networking with experienced professionals and seeking mentorship can also provide valuable insights and guidance.

Further reading about bottling production and packaging equipment

Life of a Field Service Engineer who loves Italian technology

Production Line Field Service Engineer and his dog