Leadership opportunities create career satisfaction for automation engineer
As a recent addition to the IPEX team, having the chance to lead and develop a group of automation project engineers is a source of pride for Sebastian Gutierrez in a field that also provides interesting daily challenges and exciting potential for future innovation.
Joining IPEX in late 2020 as Senior Project Engineer for Automation, Sebastian had the chance to take on the more senior role of IPEX Automation Engineering Manager in March 2022, based in the Ile des Soeurs office in Quebec. He is now responsible for leading and coaching a group of eight project engineers and specialists, including six new team members that joined this year.
“I help my team to understand the projects, find creative solutions for the needs of the operations and develop project management skills,” he says of his current role.
Along with his leadership and team development responsibilities, a typical day for Sebastian involves building structure and developing project teams for larger, corporate initiates. As part of this, Sebastian is active in helping his team overcome any roadblocks that could come up both internally and externally during a project.
He also prepares business cases for projects and manages them from start to finish. The work, he says, is enjoyable, challenging and provides infinite possibilities for future projects.
Team members on a video call with Sebastian may also be treated to a view of his other talent in the background – Sebastian is an avid oil painter and displays his masterpieces throughout his home. He also rides a motorcycle during his spare time.
Although his career path at IPEX is in the early stages, Sebastian’s work to create and mentor the growing team of project engineers in his office has given him a particular sense of accomplishment.
“I think my proudest moment has been creating the project team, their roadmap and a sense of what’s in scope for them. I’m also proud to have developed very significant relationships that support the success of both current and future projects,” he says.
Indeed, the warm and helpful nature of his colleagues is one of the aspects Sebastian likes best about working at IPEX. The last two years have taught Sebastian that communication with colleagues across all departments and levels is one of the most important skills for project success. For his team and other new employees starting their careers at IPEX, he advises breaking out of your own silo to achieve results.
“Understand the interactions between the different stakeholders for any project or task that is assigned to you. And don’t be afraid to take the initiative – be proactive and find your own challenges.”
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