Ashley Brittenden

Experience

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  Rangiora Engineering and Structures

  Nov 2009 - Feb 2010

  Workshop Assistant

  Learned a great deal about the operation of a small firm; the importance of communication between staff and clients; how projects are planned and executed and how a business remains competitive.Grew my competency with most common workshop equipment and machinery.

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  Whisper Tech Ltd

  Nov 2010 - Feb 2011

  Research Engineer

  Performed detailed efficiency, emissions, ignition and other testingGained a significant deal of knowledge regarding burner and gas properties, the operation of a Stirling engine, the behaviour of ceramics, the effects of free radicals and emissions.Learnt about quality management systems (ISO 9000) and how they are administered; became competent with the use of ‘Windchill’, a quality management software package.Became aware of how various departments interact; how projects are initiated and monitored; how the engineering and management departments work together. Show less

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  Hamilton Jet

  Apr 2011 - Oct 2012

  Master's Candidate

  My thesis was carried out between the University of Canterbury and CWF Hamilton & Co Ltd. The aim of this project was to develop a fully validated numerical critical speed model of the mainshaft in an 670kW water jet assembly.Along with the successful completion of the project, I improved and developed a number of skills including: data acquisition, rotordynamic vibration analysis and modelling (ANSYS, APDL), hydrodynamic bearing analysis, reporting, presentations and time management.

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  University of Canterbury

  Oct 2012 - Aug 2013

  Research Assistant

  Working under the Acoustics and Vibrations Research Group at the University of Canterbury, I consulted on a number of projects.The main project consisted of two primary goals:(a). Develop a test rig to evaluate the influence of road surfaces on traffic noise (based on the close proximity method), and(b). Validate the design process set forth by the newly developed standard ISO 11819-2For the majority of the project I was in sole charge of research, development, budgeting and correspondence. With my objectives complete, the test rig is now ready for fabrication. Show less

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  Motovated Design & Analysis Ltd

  May 2014 - Jan 2015

  Mechanical Design Engineer

  The Auckland office re-branded to Caliber Design Ltd at the end of January 2015. Please see above for details of my experience across the two companies.

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  Caliber Design

  Feb 2015 - Feb 2020

  As the Analysis Manager at Caliber Design, I'm responsible for organising and developing the analysis side of the business. As well as on-going engineering duties, my key responsibilities include:- Implementing best-practice analysis across the company- Working with our existing clients to find where our analysis capabilities can add value- Risk mitigation, ensuring our work is undertaken in a responsible and ethical manner- Overseeing the development/direction of our analysis offering- Estimating/pricing analysis work- Providing and organising training and support for our team- Developing new analysis clients, presenting at events and trade shows;- Providing input into our marketing collateral and writing pieces for our monthly newsletter- Implementing a knowledge base (intended to capture staff and project knowledge) Show less Working with a range of companies across the Auckland region, I've been involved in a number of industries including Food and Beverage, Bulk Handling and Industrial. Working for Caliber Design (formerly Motovated Design and Analysis, Auckland) since May 2014, my responsibilities have included:The analysis of storage tanks, plant equipment and structures against seismic codes and validating against analytical theory and finite element analysis (FEA). I’ve been responsible for establishing design procedures (based on FEA data) to improve product reliability, performance and reduce manufacturing costs;The development of specialised equipment for the Food and Beverage industry including product processing and conveying and handling systems. My scope of work in this sector has ranged from developing factory layouts and ‘optioneering’ to performing the detailed design of chocolate and bar-line equipment, fish handling systems and dairy product handling systems; andThe re-development of a 1.4km iron sand bulk handling conveyor for the mining industry in New Zealand. This work has included developing code-compliant designs for work platforms and access-ways.Essential to my work has been developing strong relationships with clients to allow for open communication and ensuring project requirements, goals and deadlines are met. Working largely one-on-one with clients in a seconded role, I am typically the primary point of contact. Show less

  • Analysis Manager

    Jun 2016 - Feb 2020

  • Design Engineer

    Feb 2015 - Jun 2016
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  Rocket Lab

  Feb 2020 - Dec 2022

  • Team Lead - Propulsion Continuous Improvement

    Jan 2022 - Dec 2022

  • Acting Lead - Propulsion Continuous Improvement

    Jul 2021 - Jan 2022

  • Senior Propulsion Engineer

    Sept 2020 - Jul 2021

  • Propulsion Development Engineer

    Feb 2020 - Sept 2020
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  FABRUM.

  Dec 2022 - now

  • Head of Engineering

    Apr 2023 - now

  • Lead Development Engineer

    Dec 2022 - May 2023