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Most commercial vehicle converters simply adapt existing designs. At Trucksmith, we innovate. Our extensive R&D department is the driving force behind our industry-leading designs, including the original Trucksmith LoLoader. This commitment to research and development means you get vehicles that are not just different but demonstrably better.
Toby is a Junior Design Engineer at Trucksmith. Since joining Trucksmith 18 months ago, Toby has become an integral part of our Quality and Product Design team. His dedication to excellence and proactive approach have led to tangible improvements across our product range. This dedication was further recognised with a trip to the prestigious IAA TRANSPORTATION show in Hannover, accompanying the senior management team.
MEET TOBY!
What does a typical day/week look like for you as a Junior Design Engineer?
No two weeks are the same, I am fortunate to have some key tasks like using SolidWorks to implement continuous improvement on the workshop floor; the department has a lot of scope and I enjoy a varied role.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role?
The variety of problems we get to deal with on the workshop floor is actually a huge driver for continuous improvement. Each new challenge, whether it’s a unique vehicle modification, a complex repair, or a process bottleneck, presents a learning opportunity. By analysing these problems, identifying root causes and implementing solutions, we constantly refine our processes and improve our efficiency. We’re not just designing and building vehicles; we’re constantly learning and improving how we work.
What skills are most important for success in your role?
Attention to detail is absolutely crucial in this role. Even small errors in design or execution can have significant consequences in a vehicle conversion. We’re dealing with precise measurements, complex systems, and strict safety regulations. A keen eye for detail ensures accuracy in everything from initial designs and calculations to final assembly and quality checks. This prevents costly mistakes, ensures the safety and reliability of our vehicles, and ultimately delivers a better product to our customers.
What are you learning in this role?
I’m gaining valuable experience in process engineering, which involves analysing and optimising our workshop workflows and manufacturing processes. This includes learning about lean manufacturing principles, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing changes to improve efficiency, reduce waste and enhance quality. I’m learning how to document processes, create flowcharts, and use data to measure the effectiveness of improvements
What are your short-term and long-term career goals within design engineering/the company?
In the short term, my goal is to solidify my skills and become a highly proficient and reliable member of the engineering team. I want to contribute to building a strong and stable team environment where we can effectively collaborate and share knowledge. I’m also eager to expand my experience with different design solutions and contribute to increasing our capacity for innovation. Long term, I see myself taking on more responsibility within the team, perhaps specialising in a particular area of design and playing a key role in developing cutting-edge solutions for Trucksmith
What’s a recent accomplishment you’re proud of?
I recently faced a challenge when trying to scan a vehicle bulkhead. The glossy surface was causing significant reflection, making it impossible to get a clean scan. The standard solution would have been to use a specialised anti-glare spray, which costs over £30 a can. However, I decided to explore alternative solutions. I remembered that talc powder can sometimes reduce shine, so I picked up a £3 tub from a local shop. It worked perfectly! I was able to get a high-quality scan without the expensive spray, saving the company money and demonstrating a bit of resourcefulness.
What sparked your interest in design engineering?
I’ve always been fascinated by product design. Even as a kid, I was taking things apart to see how they worked and trying to build my own creations. That interest led me to pursue design and technology at GCSE level and then onto a degree in product design. It’s not just something I do at work, either; in my free time, I enjoy more artistic pursuits like, which I think complements my technical design skills.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I’m pretty active. I love playing various sports, but snowboarding is definitely a passion of mine – there’s nothing like carving down a mountain! I also train in Muay Thai, which is a great way to stay fit and focused. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding. And even in my free time, I find myself drawn to design. I enjoy working on personal projects with 3D printing and rendering models – it’s a great way to explore new ideas and keep my creative juices flowing.
What’s a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
I share the same birthday as my dad, Martin. It’s quite a coincidence – I was actually born on his 30th birthday, so I guess you could say I was his big 3-0 present!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have any superpower, it would definitely be super intelligence. Not just knowing a lot of facts, but the ability to process information incredibly quickly, see connections others might miss, and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. I think it would be fascinating to be able to tackle engineering challenges with that level of cognitive power, designing more efficient vehicles, developing sustainable technologies, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Toby’s dedication to problem-solving, his resourcefulness, and his passion for design engineering make him a valuable asset to the Trucksmith team. His contributions, from workshop floor improvements to international industry exposure, embody our commitment to innovation and continuous development. We’re excited to see what he accomplishes in the future and how he continues to contribute to Trucksmith’s success in the commercial vehicle market.
For more information on careers at Trucksmith, contact Abigail at humanresources@trucksmith.co.uk
