Profile

Photo:

Steph Tomlinson

My CV

  • Education:

    I studied Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London from 2000-2004. At 6th Form college I studied Maths, Physics and Art for my A-levels and was torn between doing engineering and going to Art School.

  • Qualifications:

    I have an MEng (M = masters which I did as a 4 year full time course) in mechanical engineering. 3 A-levels, 11 GCSE’s

  • Work History:

    During university summer breaks I worked for special effects company helping produce pyrotechnic effects (fire and explosions), weather effects (snow, rain, wind) for music videos, tv ads and dramas. I also worked at a small company to design and make the head and neck of an animatronic dinosaur (like you see in the museums). After university I worked in construction on the Terminal 5 project at Heathrow. I project managed the construction work required to extend the train and tube lines.

  • Current Job:

    I am now Engineering Manager responsible for delivering the engineering requirements on multi million pound international laser development projects.

  • About Me:

    I relish the challenge of designing and building bigger and better lasers for all over the world.

  • Read more

    I have worked as an engineer in scientific research for 11 years. It is such an interesting environment and I am always learning something new.

    I live with my family in Oxfordshire and living with a toddler can be hilarious.

    I like to keep a good balance of family and work life. I like to play netball, ride horses and dance to swing music.

  • Read more

    Scientists and engineers use lasers for a huge variety of reasons; they help you look at stuff in detail, like cancer cells, look at things over time, like proteins changing as you boil an egg, you can use them to create extreme environments like those that would occur at the centre of a star or you if you fire a powerful laser at some materials you can make them stronger.

    As an engineer I design and solve the complex problems needed to make bigger and better record breaking lasers. I also manage the whole process as it takes a big team of people to make it happen, and make sure it happens safely.

  • My Typical Day:

    I spend most of my time at my desk planning, co-ordinating and thinking about ways to solve problems

  • Read more

    I look after my team and make sure they know what they need to do and how to do it.

    I think about problems and novel ways to solve them. My team uses engineering knowledge to try and invent new devices helpful to the laser systems. We also simulate what is happening to improve designs, such as where the heat from the laser goes and how to stop it going somewhere you don’t want it.

    I have responsible roles to make sure everything is done safely and the quality of everything is good.

  • My Interview

    • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

      Motivated, organised, enthusiastic

      What did you want to be after you left school?

      Special Effects Supervisor for film and TV

      What don't you like about your current job?

      sometimes the admin and paperwork can be a chore

Questions answered by Steph

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