Daniel Keil – a mechatronics engineer determined to pursue a long-term career at Smiths Detection
In 2009, a 19-year-old Daniel Keil took up his first temporary assignment at Smiths Detection as a Mechatronics Technician. He was very quick to realise he really wanted a permanent position and waited patiently, continuing to gain experience as a temp with the company. Six years later, the right position became available and Daniel joined the permanent staff in Wiesbaden, Germany.
“The first stage of my development was to qualify as a commissioning engineer for Smiths Detection equipment. I then worked on all the different production stages of a complex, high-end, explosives detection system for hold baggage and air cargo (HI-SCAN 10080 XCT) and helped to train new colleagues. This led to restructuring the entire assembly area for that particular system – a great opportunity to develop and demonstrate my organisational skills.”
Promotion to Foreman followed and Daniel became point of contact for technical queries and responsible for organising movement of materials, work schedules and assembly for the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT. In addition, using the knowledge and expertise acquired during his years as a temp, Daniel was able to work on other systems as and when needed.
As Team Lead Mechanical Assemblies, Daniel now has 19 colleagues reporting to him and his role has expanded to cover the whole range of screening systems.
Impressed from the outset
“When I joined Smiths Detection as a young temp, I did some research and was very impressed by the presentation of the Smiths Group brand and the huge range of products. Working for the company, I discovered a supportive and encouraging culture; fascinating, diverse products; and the chance to do an important job by providing equipment which helps to keep people safe.”
The potential and possibilities for career development within the company are regularly discussed and Daniel continues to receive support from line managers and others throughout the company. He has been challenged with many different tasks and acquired a broad range of insights along the way. Daniel is proud to work at Smiths Detection and justifiably proud of the skills and knowledge he has gained thanks to diligence, passion and the assistance of colleagues over the years. Working with his team, Daniel can now make a difference in areas such as restructuring, digitalisation and production communications.
“I don’t have any specific ambitions. I love my job and the people I work with and want to continue contributing to the development of the business. I guess my key goal is to stay working at the company for my entire career and I’m looking forward to many more exciting and successful years. Ambition, curiosity, commitment and perseverance help people thrive in this environment. No matter who you are, if you have the drive to succeed and achieve, then it is up to you how far you can go at Smiths Detection.”