Taylor Polacheck - Design engineer

Joining the company as a design engineer three years ago, 26-year-old Taylor Polacheck works for Bruks Siwertell’s Alpharetta, Georgia, USA, business unit and praises its career opportunities; she was also nominated as its 2023 Employee of the Year

As a design engineer, I create intricate three-dimensional (3D) models and drawings for fabrication and procurement using advanced computer-aided design (CAD) technology, especially SolidWorks. For the past three years I have worked on Bruks Siwertell’s equipment lines, particularly focusing on stacker reclaimers and ship loaders.

These are great pieces of equipment and what makes our products stand out is their versatility. Every project is a unique puzzle, with different locations, design parameters, and materials to tackle. It keeps things interesting. We never build the same machine twice, but this wide range of experiences gives our team a strong foundation to take on new challenges.

Growing responsibilities

Lately, I have taken on more project coordination responsibilities, tracking team progress and ensuring they have everything they need to complete drawings in a timely manner. I have discovered that one of the best aspects of working here is the people. I interact daily with colleagues of all ages and experiences, with mostly technical backgrounds. Whether in the office or out visiting project sites, there is always something new to learn. I have really enjoyed learning from our site team.

At least some CAD experience is a great start when working in our office. But equally important are qualities like a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and strong communication skills, even if you are not entirely comfortable navigating the software at first.

Projects coming to life

For me, the real thrill is in seeing our projects come to life. You can work with models and drawings all day, but nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing your creation in action, out in the world. It completely changes your perspective.

I like to work somewhere where there is always the opportunity to try something new and this is possible here; there are always new opportunities. If you want to pursue designing our multiple product lines, you can have that opportunity.

If you want to dip your toes into project management or sales, you can do that and if you want to take on management responsibilities, you can do that too. There are many types of employment opportunities here. You can craft your career path to best suit your passions and interests. Many of our staff work in a more blended position. It is truly up to you. The world is your oyster with Bruks Siwertell.