1 February 2024
In the world of high-tech tools, where precision is key to success, Pim Schlief fulfils the role of New Product Introduction (NPI) Engineer at AAE. He shares how in almost 3 years he has developed himself, been given opportunities to achieve his goals and how AAE's culture has contributed to this.
Pim starts by outlining his field of work: “I work for a customer in the high-tech sector, where we not only produce modules for their machines, but also the indispensable tools to install and handle those modules in the first place. Compare it to a car manufacturer who makes a lot of wheels and doors, but only needs one toolbox for this. We are the manufacturers of such high-quality, complex tools. And yes, that is super cool.”
NPI Engineer: the bridge between idea and reality
As NPI Engineer, Pim assesses new manufacturing orders and determines the manufacturing strategy. His goal is to ensure that supplier, production and customer are aligned, to achieve the preconceived goal together.
Pim: “The customer comes with a sketch, and I then assess whether it is manufacturable. If it’s not, I advise the customer on how we can improve the manufacturability. In my role as NPI engineer, I determine the manufacturing strategy and ensure that our production floor knows exactly what to do and in what order. Because of my work, the supplier, production and customer are on the same page. It's all about translating abstract ideas into reality. That's AAE’s strength.”
600 different tools
In the past six months, Pim and his team were responsible for the delivery of as many as 600 different tools, which makes his role extra challenging. Pim: "600 tools is an enormous amount, and we keep adding new tools. We also need to produce everything with the same high quality. In order to deliver such a broad range of tools, collaboration, identifying problems and quick problem-solving are very important. All while maintaining focus on the customer needs."
"We always get it done", Pim says proudly. Emphasising that AAE is known for making the seemingly impossible come true. Pim continues: "Despite being a big company, we know how to find each other quickly. If a part for our manufacturing process cannot be delivered on time, but the customer really needs the end product on the agreed date, then we manufacture the part ourselves in order to get the job done. This mentality enables us to solve seemingly unsolvable problems within a few days, sometimes even the same day."
Culture of collaboration and growth
Pim then explains that this collaboration between colleagues comes about because of the culture at AAE, where colleagues also interact with each other outside of work. This strengthens relationships and ensures close cooperation. Pim: "AAE is a relatively big company with more than 500 employees. For me, it’s just the right size and culture that makes me feel I know everyone, and everyone knows me."
He continues: "The bond between colleagues in AAE is very strong, which motivates us to move forward together and create better, more beautiful and faster products every day. This is partly due to the fact that we interact with each other not only at work, but also outside. AAE organises activities, sports events, parties... A lot of colleagues always take part in these and, as a result, I also come into contact with someone I normally wouldn’t meet. At those moments you find out that that colleague has a lot of knowledge that I can learn from or can make beautiful things. I really like that."
Future plans and career opportunities
Pim concludes with his ambitious future plans. His participation in the Young Leadership Programme and the Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt course testify to his determination for personal development. Pim: "It’s no secret within AAE what my ambitions are and AAE already offers me the opportunities to realise them. I greatly appreciate that about AAE."
Want to know more about working at AAE? Check out the other blogs here.
