Reflections as a Project CAD Engineer

We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Suhan Hoque, who has risen through the ranks at BCW Engineering to become our Project CAD Engineer. Drawing on his strong manufacturing background, Suhan has quickly become an integral part of the team. He plays a key role in managing new projects and translating complex information into clear, accessible formats for other departments, ensuring a smooth and timely quotation process.

In this Q&A, Suhan shares insights into his day-to-day responsibilities, the challenges he encounters in his role, and his aspirations for further development.

How has your experience as a machine operator helped you transition into the Project CAD Engineer role?

My experience as a machine operator gave me a better understanding of processes on our shop floor, alongside internal logistics and operational strategies. My time in that role offered many opportunities to learn new skills, like programming machines and fixing tools, which have supported my growth as an aspiring engineer. I enjoyed the role as it allowed me to work hands on and gain some practical experience.

What challenges have you faced in adapting to your new position, and how have you overcome them?

At first, I was a bit uncertain about the specific requirements, as the department had recently been created. However, with guidance from my manager and mentor, I was able to find my footing and steadily adapt to the role. I've been fortunate to work with colleagues who can navigate challenging times effectively. Over recent months, I can confidently say that our department has had a positive impact, as other departments have sought our support, and we've managed to assist them successfully. In terms of my own performance, I am developing and gaining more experience every day and thoroughly enjoying coming to work.

Are there any skills from your time as a machine operator that you find especially useful in CAD design and project management?

As a machine operator, I became accustomed to reading drawings to understand machine processes and procedures. This skill is particularly useful in my current role, as I frequently review detailed information and create engineering drawings as needed.

What areas of CAD design are you most excited to continue learning or improving in?

I’m eager to deepen my understanding of complex simulations for parts and machining processes, analysing structural integrity, and features like stress and strain using SolidWorks, along with theoretical calculations like Von Mises stress analysis. I already have some foundational knowledge in these areas, but I'd be thrilled to design components, simulate my designs, identify their flaws, and work on performance improvements.

A skill I’d like to improve is creating 2D drawings. Initially, I thought I knew enough to produce drawings to specification. However, after meeting my mentor, a respected figure throughout the company, my perspective changed and there is a lot to learn to excel in this area. It’s an honour to learn from him and hear some of his stories—even those going back to when England won their first World Cup!

How do you collaborate with other teams, like production or quality control, to ensure your designs meet all requirements?

I ensure effective collaboration through regular meetings and email exchanges. In meetings, I make sure I fully understand the requirements and pick up general information related to my role. I then follow up via email with the relevant departments to confirm that I’m providing exactly what's needed.

Can you share a project where you applied both your hands-on experience and CAD skills to solve a problem or improve efficiency?

My first task as Project CAD Engineer was to assist the engineering team in producing saw drawings for extruded parts. Having worked with these parts before, I could clearly illustrate the loading and cutting processes. My experience with drawings as a machine operator allowed me to envision an optimal layout to help saw operators cut parts efficiently.

What tools or software have you found particularly helpful in your new role, and why?

SolidWorks has been invaluable. It’s the most widely used software here, known for its strong capabilities in modelling and simulation.

What does an average day look like?

Most of my time is spent managing project-related design data and assisting other departments with any tasks where they need support. My priority is handling new enquiries and translating information into a clear and concise format to enable our cross-functional team to provide feedback for quotation.

What advice would you give to others looking to move from a hands-on role into a more technical, design-oriented position?

From my experience, I’d recommend observing drawings closely and expanding your social network. Building connections could open up more opportunities in the future, and by studying drawings, you’ll be well-prepared to understand designs. Also, as my elders have often reminded me, patience is key.

We caught up with Suhan’s Manager, Harry Ingle (Programme Manager) who went on to say.  Suhan joined the Programme Management team in May 2024, over the past 7 months his conduct and development has been exemplary. He is eager to learn and approaches his work with professionalism and integrity. Working alongside Alan, his mentor, he has gained a base knowledge of Solidworks and has recently completed some external training to further increase his skillset. I am confident that Suhan has a promising Engineering career ahead of him and I am proud to be a part of his journey.

If you are interested in joining TeamBCW contact recruitment@bcwgroup.co.uk