Case study 3

Case study 3 - Jane-Louise Pillans

Sector: Science and engineering
Name of company: Thales Optronics Ltd.
Work area based: Govan, Glasgow
Individual name: Jane-Louise Pillans
Age: 23
Job title: Electro-Optics Engineer
Home area: Paisley
School/college/university: St Columba’s Senior School, Kilmacolm then University of Dundee, Dundee (BSc (Hons) Physics)

Career path
Left school with 6 highers and 2 advanced highers
Completed honours degree in Physics at the University of Dundee
Work Experience whilst at school with OptoSci Ltd
Graduate Electro-Optics Engineer, Thales Optronics Ltd. (2006-present) 

What are the key skills used in your job?
Engineering Skills
Mathematics
Problem Solving
Logic
Analytical skills
Communication (verbal and written)
Creative skills
Time management

What are the biggest challenges in your job?
Thinking up new ideas and developing old ones!
Trying to learn about all the products and services we offer (there are so many!)

What do you enjoy most about your job?
My work is very varied and I have gained experience in many different areas of engineering and manufacturing. I enjoy  how my work is challenging and that I am working with many new technologies. I like the people that I work with and how I can put to use the theoretical knowledge I have gained from school and university.

What advice would you give to others interested in this type of work?
Get good qualifications in Maths, Physics and/or Engineering subjects.Get practical experience to balance theoretical knowledge. Don’t be afraid of not knowing things, there’s so much going on in Engineering, it’s a lot to take in sometimes. Be up for a challenge!

A day in the life of an Electro-Optics Engineer
My job is so varied, I never have the exact same tasks to do each day, but here’s an idea of some of the things I get up to...
My day usually starts at 07:30 and finishes at 16:00. We operate a flexible start and finish policy so it’s up to the individual when he/she starts from 07:30 to 09:30. My feeling is early to work-early home. It also lets me get lots done before the majority of people come on site around 08:30-09:00.
I start my morning by checking emails and finishing tasks from the previous day then I talk with team leader about what equipment needs tested today or which set-ups need assembled/altered.
I then begin on planned optical testing work and juggle regular incoming of new products to be tested and answer queries from other test engineers, design engineers and managers on their products.
I work with optics in a clean room environment and set up tests and use software programs such as MathCAD to model product performance and create algorithms.  I work on creating or improving system and engineering processes.
I go on to planning  internal deadlines with my team to ensure that we will meet the customer time scales and follow test schedules to ensure the products are fulfilling the customer’s needs.

Teacher placement
Would you like to find out more about these companies or this industry? A teacher placement is a great way to do this. To find out more about the national Excellence in Education through Business Links placement programme visit Careers Scotland.