Randy - Industrial Engineer

Describe your role in 3 words

''Process optimisation, cooperation, relating theory to practice.''

What is important within your position?

''I find myself exactly at the cross section between engineering and (business) processes. This ensures that I am concerned with understanding both product design, assembly, qualification, and the logistics. Based on these elements, I design and optimise the factory layout to produce as efficiently and effectively as possible. Here, it is important to have both tactical and human insight to initiate change step-by-step. When we are going to improve something, it often means changing things. By making sure I both know the theory and practise, I make sure the change is supported by all layers of the organisation to minimise the challenge of the change itself.

Important qualities within this role are that you have a great sense of ownership, show perseverance and have communication skills. I asked around in my team, what I am known for within the team is that I am helpful, can give guidance and direction, am an atmosphere builder and am accessible. I think these are also points that are important to achieve success within this role. I have a fairly self-willed character, during my time here I have learned to use this trait appropriately. This is mainly because I often had the right people around me to pull me up, or who encouraged me.''

What do you enjoy about your work?

"In 2020, I started in production as a Factory Engineer. Here, I was involved in supervising the Protobuild. My Technical Business background came in handy in translating the proto builds into volume production. In my current role as an Industrial Engineer, I am involved in this full-time, working on several product groups. Within Industrial Engineering, I get to deal with increasingly complex projects, but also, for example, with the department's internal processes.

The semicon market is a special market, especially from a business point of view. Due to the relatively low production volumes but high mix/complexity of products, this creates nice issues regarding business design. The organisation is experiencing nice growth, so my role is developing rapidly.

Since I started at VDL ETG, I have grown a lot. In this, I have especially learned a lot from all layers of business operations. In my current role, I come into contact with very many disciplines so that learning never stops. Through a PEP (Personal Effectiveness Plan) training course I have developed both personally and professionally."

What has been the highlight of your career? 

"''A new production environment at the ReMa was commissioned in 2023. This is a grade 1 environment where cleanliness requirements are extra strict. Our department designed the production facility. We also designed a separate room for a new type of Atmospheric Wafer Handler in which prototypes are built. These are projects to which our department made a major contribution. Now that everything is in use, it is nice to see what we have brought about with our work."

What advice would you give someone planning to apply for a job at VDL ETG?

"Are you ready for some action? And are you looking for an informal company culture and a fun team? Then my advice is: Do it!

Even though VDL ETG is big, it doesn't feel that way to me. For example, the lines of communication are short. I experience the culture within VDL ETG as informal, helpful and sociable. You notice that the colleagues are committed and flexible. Colleagues also seek each other out outside working hours for fun activities."