Expert mechanics technician

Can you explain to us what your job is about?

I’ve been a maintenance technician specialising in machining and mechanical welding with DV GROUP for 20 years now. I have several general mechanical tasks within the company, essentially machine turning and also general welding tasks, repairing or adapting parts. Mainly, I develop parts from a raw product. I design the plan and the part, fit it and integrate it for the client. I also repair or modify existing parts. Here is a concrete example: I intervene when the client has older generations of encoders on which the old connections are no longer appropriate. In this case, it is necessary to machine a new intermediary part which allows the new encoder to be adapted.

Why did you choose the profession of Expert Mechanics Technician and what do you like about this job? 

Following my placements and seasonal jobs in the maintenance field, I decided to follow a training course in general mechanics and industrial maintenance. I’ve always liked the creative aspect of the job which is somewhat akin to sculpture, particularly with this idea of going from a raw product to a finished one. What I particularly enjoy is the work of making a part, but design is also interesting because it allows you to question your own work and challenge yourself every day.

In your view, is there a particular quality or talent you need for doing this job? 

Being meticulous, rigorous and creative is, for me, the three essential qualities for doing this job. Being meticulous and rigorous because it’s important to remain concentrated. The parts have to be perfect. Then, there’s a creative aspect because there’s an engineering side to the job, particular in the plan development phase.

In your view, what has changed in DV GROUP in 20 years?

In 20 years, I’ve been able to see an evolution in our clients and their requests: growing demand and bigger projects with high-power motors, for example. There has therefore been a development in our machine stock which has allowed us to be reactive and to respond to demand.

Has there been an evolution in working tools in 20 years?

We have always retained the same processes (always the same cutting parameter, always the same trajectory etc.), which has allowed us to ensure quality. What has evolved are working conditions and well-being in the workplace. If I can give a concrete example regarding matter removal, working tools have adapted with the aim of increasing user comfort for the technicians.

What would you be doing if you weren’t doing your current job?

I think I’d be a wrought iron worker because I enjoy working with metal and the idea of designing gates or handrails in wrought iron for restauration projects within historical monuments.