We all have a story to tell...
Engineering isn't just what we do at Otto Simon—it's at the very core of who we are. It's woven into our history, defines our daily work, and empowers us to build a better future.
We are all dedicated to leveraging our knowledge, creativity and drive to discover and implement effective solutions. This commitment not only benefits our projects but also fuels our individual personal and career development.
To see how you can grow with us, explore the stories of our colleagues below.
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What have you been working on recently?
I’ve been with Otto Simon for nearly 2 years now, most of my time has been working on Industrial Fuel Switching projects, working with clients who are looking to switch from natural gas to hydrogen. We have been supporting trials for them to see how their processes work when firing on hydrogen rather than natural gas.
Which project are you particularly proud of?
The hydrogen projects are what I’m most proud of. They have played a vital role in the nation and society’s ambition to achieve Net Zero. I believe this work is not only important but also impactful for the future.
What has been a particular challenge for you?
Before OSL, I had only worked in a single manufacturing company, OSL has exposed me to new technologies and industrial sectors. Therefore, the main challenge for me has been to understand the different technical requirements in a timely manner. Otto Simon has supported me and provided the necessary training.
How would you describe the culture at Otto Simon?
As part of an Employee Ownership Trust company, I feel our culture is different to most places. There is a unified spirit and collaborative environment which I feel really harbours a nice atmosphere.
What attracted you to Otto Simon?
I was looking for new opportunities to broaden my experience for my own personal development. When I saw Otto Simon, with all the different sectors that they work in, I was enticed by the range of clients and technologies that they worked with, especially the new developing technologies.
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Chris S.
Senior Process Engineer
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What attracted you to Otto Simon?
I was originally approached by an agency with a freelancing role, however at the time I felt I wasn’t quite qualified for it. I had a open discussion with OSL who saw that there were a lot of transferrable skills. During the interviews we determined that I would be a good fit for a staff role instead where I could be supported and provided with the appropriate training.
I liked the image and honesty of the company. Also, the way the company was structured by being an Employee-Owned Trust, was new to me and interesting, that really swayed me towards a staff position.
You have now been with Otto Simon for 2 years, in that time, what projects have you been working on?
I have been fortunate enough to be thrown in at the deep end on many hydrogen projects. This has been on a metal recycling plant, an asphalt plant, a brick works and even on a hydrogen producing yacht which has been very interesting! I have been particularly building my knowledge of the hydrogen sector and the delivery of hydrogen to those sectors.
Apart from the hydrogen jobs I have also been involved in the design of a Biotechnology plant which I enjoyed.
Out of those projects what are you particularly proud of or particularly enjoyed doing?
I like the variety of the work that has been given to me, I never know what is going to land on my desk on any given day which is really exciting. Working on a superyacht has been a new experience for me, previously I had experience on the Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels in the offshore environment. So, to take it up a notch and to add a bit of glamour, visiting the client at their office and working with their naval architects was all super exciting and a nice job to be on.
Was there a particular field or discipline you have preferred during your time at OSL?
Absolutely, I’ve really enjoyed working closely with the process team and the process safety team.
Have there been any particular challenges that you have had to overcome?
Keeping up with the workload. There are always new projects landing at my desk, so balancing that with my own personal development is a challenge. However, I’m lucky that Otto Simon have carved out this time for me in terms of a development plan. Any time I have asked for support OSL have provided it.
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Michelle W.
Plant Designer
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What’s your role within Otto Simon?
I’m an Electrical, Controls and Instrumentation Engineer, I joined Otto Simon in October 2021 I mostly work with Electrical systems though have some Instrumentation experience and very little controls.
How big is the Electrical team at Otto Simon?
It is a small team. We get along really well and manage the work well between us.
What initially attracted you to Otto Simon?
I was a fresh graduate when I started looking for a career, I looked at Otto Simon and was immediately drawn in by the training and support which was offered, it was a clear choice. From then, I feel I have really grown within the company.
Have Otto Simon supported you with your development?
Yes definitely, the training and support has been second to none. The most recent training was Trimble training, which is really important for electrical engineering.
Which projects are you particularly proud of in your time here?
I’ve been involved in a sub-station project with a new transformer, I’ve also worked across a number of Fuel Switching projects with hydrogen. I have enjoyed each of these.
How do you find the Culture at Otto Simon?
Here at Otto Simon the social life is great. We get together and meet up on a regular basis in our local village. Otto Simon is a great place to work with good opportunities for someone who wants to develop in their career.
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Teddy H.
Electrical Engineer