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Hannah Harding

Mechatronics Engineer at Bentley Motors

STEM Ambassador
It is difficult to know what you want to do for a job. Make use of contacts, placements and work experience to discuss and try as many industries and jobs as you can.
Hannah is a...

Coach

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Developer

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Quality Controller

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About Hannah...

Who am I?

"The personaliy types fit very well with me and the attributes which help with my job. The coach attributes help me to work effectively as a team and encourage a positive work enviroment. The quality controller type is part of being a considerate and ethical engineer. Being able to look at processes and designs and trying to improve them whilst assessing the impact of doing so (to the business, my colleagues, customers, the environment,...) is an important part of my everyday job. Many of the attributes under the coach and quality controller types are closely aligned to organisational codes of conduct and are positively encouraged in all employees. The developer attributes are really important to being an engineer, solving problems and wanting to improve the world around you in a creative way. Learning new things and applying that knowledge is one of the best parts of the job, every day is an opportunity to learn something new."

What do I do?

"I am involved in projects from the very early concept stage right through to supporting with technical issues on fully built cars. I design mechanical systems which have electrical control, such as powered car boots and the radiator mascot. I design the components, carry out design risk assessments, work in cross-functional teams to ensure all systems work together, discuss specifications and testing with suppliers, support early prototype builds, test and electrically calibrate the system to function in a wide range of environments/situations and complete problem solving should any technical issues arise at any stage. I enjoy being able to see a project through from start to finish. I usually have multiple projects on at the same time so I can be testing parts on cars at the same time as designing new parts for a different project. Every day is something new. It is also great when you see your design out in the world, knowing that you have helped to create it."

How did I get here?

"I competed in Greenpower electric car building/racing at secondary school and the support from my tech teacher had a big influence in my career path.I completed A-levels, my masters degree and then out into the world of work where I have worked in many industries including food, aerospace and automotive. My roles have also been varied, including manufacturing, quality and design. Having a wide experience across different areas of different industries has given me a broader knowledge base and network of contacts to support my work. I have also recently qualified as a chartered engineer with the IMechE, with whom I have been a member since secondary school. I have always had an interest in how things work and come from a long line of engineers."

The life I live

"I enjoy being outdoors, especially walking and gardening.I also have a classic car which I like to maintain and go for drives out in."

My typical day

"First thing in the morning I usually read through e-mails and plan my day. On a normal day I will attend several meetings such as technical working reviews and project meetings. I will create and update timing plans, talking with colleagues and suppliers to ensure the latest information is available. I create presentations for status updates and technical detail explanation. I also use spreadsheets for creating tracker documents, completing calculations, problem solving. I often use CAD for design work and creating technical drawings. Whilst a lot of time is spent at the computer, I also have to do practical work such as durability testing, building up a car to have the latest level parts, building prototype mechanisms and problem solving on a car."

My qualifications

"A-Levels: Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Product DesignMasters Degree: Innovative Manufacturing EngineeringPlacements during degree: Nestle Product Technology Centre - Maintenance Engineer and New Product and Process Development Engineer, Bentley Motors - Test and Measure EngineerGraduate Scheme: BAE Systems Military Air - Logistics, Additive ManufacturingBentley Motors - Production Quality EngineerBentley Motors - Mechatronics Engineer"