One man following his dad in the field of engineering
This article focuses on the story of one man following his dad in the field of engineering. Uchenna Odinukwe is a Field Service Engineer for Kaeser Compressors at JMG and works on industrial air compressors, air dryers, air compressor boosters, and air conditioners. His father was a Civil Engineer and had seven sons and three of the seven are engineers (two mechanical and one electrical and electronic). Uchenna always knew that he would follow in his father’s footsteps and become an engineer too.
Two generations in the field of engineering
Background
Were you always interested in how things worked? Why?
Yes, and I was this little boy who was too curious about everything while growing up.
Were there any childhood interests that were a factor? Can you give examples?
Knowing that my late Dad was a Civil Engineer, I somehow knew I would be an engineer too just like him. I wanted to take over from him even though I lost him when I was ten years old.
Have you always liked fixing things? Do you fix things even when you are not at work – for example around the home? (Any examples?)
Yes, I have always liked fixing things.
For the past four years since I moved into my current apartment, I haven’t called a technician or an electrician to fix anything for me. I have done everything myself, starting from the plumbing to the electrical, down to the painting and the assembling of the furniture.
Mentors and inspirations
Who have been your mentors and inspirations at different stages of your life?
My Dad was my mentor before my Mum took over. This woman really motivated me to start thinking about inventions. For example, I remember when I was thirteen years old, and I thought of inventing a fuel-less generator which I named ESPG (Energy Self Powered Generator). I shared the idea with my mum, and she encouraged me to document the idea, while some I shared the idea with discouraged me. However, twenty-two years after, we have fuel-less generators everywhere.
Studying in the engineering field
Why would you suggest studying in the field of electrical and electronics engineering to other people who are deciding which branch of engineering to study?
I would suggest studying electrical and electronics engineering to other people who are deciding which branch of engineering to study due to its global relevance, wider scope, high demand, and job opportunities, to mention but a few.
If someone is at school now, what could they do to start to prepare for studying electrical and electronics engineering?
They should join science or JETS (Junior Engineers Technicians and Scientists) club where they will be introduced or exposed to basic DIY electronics. They should also focus on maths and science, read widely, and learn some computer programming skills.
Why in your opinion is it a good career?
Electrical and electronics engineering is a good career because it has a global impact, high demand, job security, diverse opportunities, and so many.
What sort of personality traits are ideal for becoming an engineer?
The key ones are attention to detail, problem-solving skills, patience, communication, and critical thinking.
Field Engineering in Installation and Commissioning
You are an experienced Field Engineer in installation and commissioning.
How important is software knowledge in your roles?
Software knowledge is essential for me as a field engineer. It helps me install and commission systems smoothly, ensuring they’re configured correctly. This leads to successful projects. Without these skills, field engineers might have trouble keeping up with today’s complex installations.
How quickly can you learn a new piece of equipment?
As soon as I lay my hands on the operational manual, I can learn it. However, in a situation where there is no operational manual, I just need a little time to study the equipment and do a little research on it.
Equipment used in your engineering field
You have experience with a range of equipment and handling the installation, service, and training.
What are the different types of equipment you have worked on during your career?
Industrial air compressors
Industrial air dryers
and Industrial air compressor boosters
Air conditioners.
What is the best/most interesting piece of equipment you have ever worked on?
Air compressors are the most interesting pieces of equipment I have ever worked on in terms of their preventive, periodic, and corrective maintenance. In these maintenance types, you already know what to do and how to do them. I can remember when I was a field maintenance engineer, working on Atlas Copco Compressors. I felt it was always fun for me to carry out these maintenance procedures with all precautionary measures and now I am replicating the same as a KAESER COMPRESSOR service engineer.
What has been the most difficult/challenging piece of equipment you have worked on?
Air conditioning equipment is one of the most challenging types of equipment that I have worked on. I remember carrying out maintenance on an air conditioner with all precautionary measures put in place, only to find out that the AC wasn’t cooling as expected which boils down to getting a good gas or a weak AC compressor.
Typical week in field engineering
What’s your typical week like?
The dynamic nature of my job as a field service engineer means that my weekly routine can vary significantly depending on the projects I’m working on and the clients I’m serving. It’s often hectic.
How much of your time is spent ‘hands-on’ in the field and how much doing other things?
As a field engineer, I sometimes spend five to six hours ‘hands-on’ in the field and the rest of the time either relaxing, playing games, or something else to ease off the stress. The timing is not a fixed thing.
Which other people in your company give you support?
We have the sales team and the back-office staff. In short, every department is interwoven.
What are your tips for the best ways to share knowledge and experience with other engineers?
Through technical talks, workshops, report writing, regular feedback, etc.
Building relationships with customers
How do you start to build a relationship with a new customer?
Having effective communication, building trust, going beyond expectations in giving value-added services, and showing empathy among many.
How do you develop the relationship so that it becomes more than just ‘supplier’ and ‘customer’?
Like I said previously, going beyond expectations in giving extra value-added services.
How do you approach visiting a new customer for the first time?
First of all, get the customer’s contact, give the customer a call to fix an appointment with him or her, and on the day of the appointment, be there on time.
The most challenging part of the job
What do you find most challenging when you are working – the technical side or people/customers?
Managing people is the most challenging. To successfully lead others, one must possess emotional intelligence, strategic planning abilities, and excellent communication skills.
Have you ever arrived on-site and found that it’s been much easier than you expected? For example, have you just needed to switch on a machine?
Yes, I remember two months after I joined the JMG KAESER COMPRESSOR Department, there was a customer who kept on complaining about their compressor shutting down. Although I wasn’t handling the customer at that time. When I was given the customer to handle, I requested to visit the site. I had to travel over 800km to the customer site, and on getting there, all I did was just adjust a switch and the compressor started working fine and has still been working for months now without issues.
Work-life balance in field engineering
How do you personally handle the stress of working as a field engineer?
Talking to friends and loved ones, going off siteseeing to just gaze at nature, and also rest and sleep.
What advice would you pass on to others in the field?
Always take good care of your health as this is the most important thing in life.
How do you keep a work-life balance?
Having a good rest and sleep after work, during the weekends to go sightseeing, and in general having fun.
About JMG Limited
Partnering with FG Wilson, renowned for generators powered by Perkins engines, JMG Limited ensures top-tier performance with advanced engine technology. Additionally, their alliance with Eletromak diesel generators and Mitsubishi diesel and gas generators further strengthens their offerings.
JMG partners with the American industry leader to enhance both living and working spaces. By collaborating with Trane, JMG has established a strategic alliance with Kaeser Compressors.
As well, JMG is the authorized distributor of the leader in the elevator and escalator industry, TK Elevator.
JMG Electrical Division specializes in power distribution, cable management, and switchgear, showcasing leading brands such as ABB, Legrand, Indoasian, and EAE Electric.
Further reading about field engineering
Spotlight on life of Onshore Field Mechanical Maintenance Officer
Spotlight on life of an Electrical and Instrumentation Technician
Responses