25 June 2024
There's a lot more going on at AAE than just machines; we've got people, innovation, and a culture centered around growth and collaboration. Tim’s journey from assembly to system engineer , and later engineering manager within the UCPM business line reflects these values. For 12,5 years, Tim has combined his passion for technology with his work at AAE. His story shows how AAE not only provides a place for professional development but also fosters an environment where colleagues collaborate and support each other. Discover what working at AAE means for Tim.
Tim’s choice to persue a career in technology was no surprise. He shares, “At home, I was always tinkering. In my parents’ shed, I would take apart various items and build something new out of them. Once, I made a little truck from an old VCR and some wood. And it could even drive!” Naturally, Tim chose to study Mechanical Engineering at TU Eindhoven.
Practical experience as the foundation for Tim’s success
After graduating, Tim found his place at AAE, where he could put the theory from his education into practice. Tim explains, “During my studies, I found the theory interesting, but I was always drawn to the practical side. I took extra courses to build a solid practical foundation. While some classmates went to work at engineering firms, I wanted to get hands-on. Just dealing with theory alone seemed a waste to me. At AAE, things were different from the start. I started in assembly because there was no immediate engineering assignment at that time. Thanks to the practical experience I gained then, I gained an understanding of how we build machines here. Moreover, as an engineer at AAE, you’re involved in building a machine from start to finish. You see it being built right in front of you because we work in a transparant environment, and we truly collaborate with production. That makes our work much more enjoyable.”
From assembly to engineering manager UCPM
After a while in assembly, Tim was ready for a new challenge. The role of system engineer appealed to him. As a system engineer, you ensure everything comes together into a functioning machine. You’re involved in drafting, but also in integrating technical disciplines. Additionally, you coordinate the project. Tim: “After working as a system engineer for about four years, the opportunity arose to become the engineering manager for Ultra Conditioned Precision Modules (UCPM). At UCPM, we create high-quality, ultra-precise modules that must function under extreme conditions. Although I had been with AAE for some time, I knew that with this new opportunity, I would continue to be challenged at AAE for a long time.”
Ambitious goals
AAE constantly pushes the boundaries of technology. Tim elaborates, “We have the ambition to develop our customers' products and/or modules into products that we can produce stably and in large quantities. To stay ahead, we continuously invest in research and development. We expand our knowledge to become experts in specific areas. Using our own technology and innovation roadmap, we proactively develop ourselves based on our customers' needs. It would be fantastic if customers immediately think of AAE when they have a new project. Our customers also continuously challenge us to push our limits. With my engineering team, I always look ahead and try to integrate the latest technologies into our designs. It’s our drive to keep innovating and improving so we stand out.”
Recently, Tim received a great compliment about how much AAE is valued. Tim shares, “We often work with a program manager from a client who is brought in to get escalated projects back on track. Although we are not currently working directly with him or for his team, he approached us to discuss a problem he was facing. He told us how much he appreciates working with us. He described our team as particularly pleasant, constructive, pragmatic, and flexible to work with. I see it as a huge compliment that an important program manager seeks us out and values us, even for a project we are not involved in.”
Thriving in the right place
As an engineering manager, Tim finds it essential that people are in positions where they thrive. “Our team consists of nearly 30 engineers, each with different roles. I genuinely believe that if someone is in the right place, it’s optimal for both them and AAE. As a manager, I try to make a difference here. This is something I’m always consciously working on,” Tim says with a smile. He continues, “I also believe it’s important that my colleagues are not afraid to make mistakes. We get support from the organization, which makes working much more pleasant. The collaboration with my colleagues and the challenges in my work make it enjoyable to work at AAE. We can joke around together, and there’s a good atmosphere; all this together makes me really enjoy my work at AAE.”
Want to read more about working at AAE? Read the blogs of Tim’s colleagues here.
