Introduction
At MechDes, I enjoy working on technically challenging projects, but I also like experimenting with small, creative applications. Recently, I mounted a 3D-printed ski under my one-year-old daughter’s stroller. It worked immediately, my daughter loved it, and it certainly attracted attention on the slopes in France. After all, how many people have skis under their stroller?
For me, it was a way to create something practical, learn how materials such as TPU and PLA interact, and at the same time gain inspiration for projects at MechDes. What I appreciate is that here, curiosity and experimentation are encouraged, both at work and at home.
Personal growth and a healthy work-life balance
I studied Mechanical Engineering at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences in Zwolle. After several years of work experience at another company, I joined MechDes three years ago. I started as a Junior Mechanical Engineer and have since progressed to a Medior Mechanical Engineer. Looking back, I realize how much those three years have contributed to my development, both professionally and personally.
From the beginning, I noticed that I was seen as a person, not just as an engineer. Working hours, development opportunities, personal circumstances: everything is open for discussion. That flexibility allows me to grow not only technically but also as a professional. Team spirit here is genuine. When you encounter a challenge, the team helps you move forward. Asking questions and seeking support feels natural, which significantly accelerates learning and development.
MechDes actively invests in the development of its engineers. Each engineer, for example, has an annual training budget of €3,000 for courses and education, and you can always propose your own ideas. By taking initiative and expressing what I need, I can actively shape my development and receive concrete resources to support it. That sense of ownership is motivating and enables me to deepen my technical skills step by step.
Involved from start to finish
Machine building at MechDes revolves around practical solutions that truly work. Currently, I am working on a forty-meter-long machine featuring eleven robots and multiple product handling stations. It is a project that brings together all disciplines within MechDes, from welding fixtures to robotics. My role involves being engaged from the concept phase and fully developing a welding fixture down to the smallest detail. I have the freedom to work out my ideas from start to finish, always in collaboration with Lead and Senior Engineers.
The learning process is continuous: you design, consult, adjust, test, and constantly look for improvements. It takes time to arrive at the right solution, and not everything works immediately as envisioned. That can be frustrating, but it is part of the process. Through these iterations, you learn not only technical skills but also project-based thinking and how to collaborate effectively as a team.
What makes MechDes special to me is that our innovative strength is expressed not only in large projects but also in small, practical applications. We are strong in product development and Rapid Prototyping, and in our internal 3D printing lab prototypes of welding fixtures and machine components are regularly printed. More importantly, these prototypes are truly used to test and iterate concepts. For me, this means my designs quickly become tangible, allowing me to see what works and what does not. Designing, testing, learning, and applying is actively encouraged here. Sometimes I print something for home, learn from the process, and then apply those insights directly to customer projects. That keeps the work varied, challenging, and educational.
The exchange of giving and gaining knowledge
A significant part of my job satisfaction comes from the balance between responsibility and support. When extra effort is required, I know the company values and facilitates that. It works both ways: that support motivates me to deliver my best work, and in turn, I can share my knowledge and support colleagues. In this way, the team grows together and continues to challenge and inspire one another.
Personal development is structurally supported. In addition to an annual performance review, there are quarterly meetings to evaluate how things are going, what I need, and where I can grow. It is not only about work; personal matters can also be discussed. This combination of professional and personal attention helps me remain stable, focused, and able to steadily deepen my skills.
What makes it even more special is that my brother Benjamin also works at MechDes as a Mechanical Engineer. He is younger and at the start of his career. I already see the same opportunities emerging for him that I had when I joined. That makes me proud of him and also reminds me of my own development. Sometimes you forget the progress you have made, and seeing it happen from a distance through him is truly rewarding.
Reflection and inspiration along the way
The best ideas often emerge when I clear my mind. Exercising helps me step away from daily work, reflect, and discover new perspectives. Cycling to work is a fixed ritual for me. At least half of my working days, I commute by bike. It benefits my physical condition and keeps me mentally strong and focused.
In summer, colleagues and I often take a scenic route along the Veluwemeer on our way home, turning the commute into a 50-kilometer ride. It is not only healthy and good for team bonding, but during those rides the best insights and ideas often arise.
For me, it is essential that ideas are given time to mature rather than forcing immediate solutions. As an engineer and a young father, I need to manage my time carefully. That is precisely why a healthy work-life balance is crucial for me.
Less is More is more than being a ‘lazy’ engineer
"Less is More" is a design principle that is applied daily at MechDes and deeply embedded in our company culture. For me personally, it has become a strong driver in my work over the past few years. A good engineer is also a "lazy engineer." It may sound humorous, but it holds truth.
Designing less might seem easy, but it is not. Simplicity is often more difficult than expected. The fewer components you need while maintaining functionality, the more reliable the machine and the lower the cost for the customer. With every decision, I ask myself: does this truly add value, or is it unnecessary? This critical mindset ensures continuous learning and direct impact, both for the customer and for the team.
At MechDes, it is not only about technical choices. The culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing strengthens this principle daily, and learning from those around you plays a key role. Senior Engineers bring insight, overview, and experience that accelerate your growth. By working closely together, you learn where bottlenecks arise, how processes can be optimized, and how your design decisions influence the bigger picture. It is this combination of critical design thinking, experimentation, and responsibility that has made my growth over the past three years possible.
Advice for young engineers
For young engineers just starting out, my advice is to seek an environment where learning is natural, knowledge sharing is standard, and colleagues help you grow. Do not expect to know everything from the beginning, but be willing to learn by doing. At MechDes, you can shape your career step by step, deepen your expertise, and make an impact, both on projects and on the people around you.
The same principle applies to Senior Engineers: you are in a position to pass on your knowledge, challenge yourself with complex projects, and further develop your innovative strength in a place where it is genuinely valued.
Whether it concerns a 40-meter robotic machine or a small personal project like a 3D-printed mini ski, at MechDes it is about creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration. Your ideas can be big or small, and by testing them, you grow, enjoy your work, and feel proud of what you achieve together.
For me personally, this is a place where technology, creativity, and personal development go hand in hand, and where I can fully utilize my talents.
