Sammy Chilcott
Mechanical Design Engineer

I work in the Design office, which is the beating heart of sycamore and I enrolled here in 2018. As a Mechanical Design Engineer in a process engineering company, my main responsibilities revolve around contributing to the successful design and implementation of mechanical systems within various industrial processes. In 2023 I was awarded The Apprentice of The Year Award at the annual Somerset Business Awards.

Here are some key aspects of my role:

  1. System Design and Modeling:
    • Develop detailed mechanical designs and models using CAD software, ensuring they align with project specifications and industry standards.
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical systems seamlessly into larger process engineering projects.
  2. Feasibility Studies:
    • Conduct feasibility studies to assess the viability and practicality of proposed mechanical designs in the context of specific processes.
    • Work closely with the project management team to provide technical input during the project planning phase.
  3. Material Selection and Analysis:
    • Select appropriate materials for mechanical components based on their compatibility with the process requirements, considering factors such as corrosion resistance, temperature, and pressure.
  4. Prototyping and Testing:
    • Oversee the prototyping and testing phases to validate the performance and reliability of mechanical components.
    • Analyze test data and feedback to refine designs and ensure compliance with project goals.
  5. Regulatory Compliance:
    • Stay informed about relevant industry standards, codes, and regulations to ensure that mechanical designs comply with all necessary requirements.
    • Collaborate with regulatory affairs professionals to navigate compliance issues.
  6. Cost Estimation:
    • Collaborate with the cost estimation team to provide accurate assessments of material and labor costs associated with mechanical designs.
    • Optimize designs to meet project budget constraints without compromising quality.
  7. Documentation and Reporting:
    • Generate comprehensive design documentation, including drawings, specifications, and technical reports, to facilitate seamless communication within the team and with clients.
    • Provide regular progress reports to project managers and stakeholders, ensuring transparency about design milestones and potential challenges.
  8. Collaboration and Communication:
    • Foster effective communication within the team and across departments to ensure a cohesive approach to project objectives.
    • Engage in collaborative problem-solving, actively seeking input from colleagues with different expertise.
  9. Continuous Improvement:
    • Stay abreast of emerging technologies and methodologies in mechanical design and process engineering, and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and innovation.

In summary, my role as a Mechanical Design Engineer involves a comprehensive approach to designing mechanical systems that seamlessly integrate into process engineering projects, meeting performance, safety, and regulatory requirements while also being mindful of budget constraints.

I am not currently studying a qualification with Sycamore, instead I am taking time to develop my skills in the workplace.

A typical day for me includes attending design reviews, 3D model designs, collaborating with internal and external engineers.

Outside of work I enjoy still life drawing and Jui Jitsu.