Nick Bardy

Nick Bardy
JOB Control and instrumentation engineer
EMPLOYER Fluor Ltd
DEGREE BEng systems engineering with aerospace (2003)
UNIVERSITY University of Hertfordshire

Finding a job

I sent my CV speculatively to a range of employers and received three interview offers. By chance my first interview was with Fluor, my preferred choice. I attended an assessment centre, which included team exercises, psychometric tests and a formal interview, after which I was offered my position.

My role

I work with control equipment that has the function of maximising production and maintaining the ability to shut down the plant safely in the event of a dangerous situation or loss of control. I am responsible for numerous pieces of equipment such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), gauges, transmitters and valves, and make decisions about what types to use and how to wire them together. I also liaise with the process department to develop piping and instrument diagrams (P&IDs), which form the basis of design for the plant.

Training

On my first day I met my mentor and we planned my training structure together. I had a degree in control systems but my job also involved instrumentation, which meant I needed training courses to help me learn about this side of my work. We receive continuous training for four years, during which time my mentor is always there to consult with and help me.

The highs

The opportunities to travel make my job exciting. I’ve just returned from France and in two weeks’ time I will be working in Milan.

The lows

The client always pushes to get more out of their contract and this means that sometimes you have to be diplomatic and firm in your negotiations.