Brad Simon

About me

I was born/grew up in:Bell Island, NL

I now live in:St. John’s, NL

I completed my training/education at: Engineering Technologist Certification, College of the North Atlantic, Ridge Road Campus, St. John’s, NL.

What I do at work

I do a lot of different things in my job and it depends on the type of project I am working on. For example, I might have to analyze an automated process, such as having a robot pick up an item and put it in a box, and figure out why it is not working properly or most efficiently. As I identify design flaws I’ll use software such as SolidWorks 3D to manipulate different possible solutions before I make the changes to the automated process.

Sometimes I work with special “vision” software that teaches a robotic system how to recognize objects in the work setting. The software allows me to connect sensors and cameras into the automated system and these become the robot’s “eyes”. This is tied into the robot’s arms so it can manipulate, move or place items properly.

My career path is

I was always interested in engineering and computer programming which is why I enrolled in the Engineering Technologist program. During my second work term I became actively involved in a project where I helped program an ABB Robotic Arm through the use of vision systems so that it could manipulate a specific process. After I graduated I was hired on at the same company doing more intense R & D projects using vision system robotics. I love it so much that I haven’t looked back !!

I am motivated by

I find the fact that every day will present new and exciting challenges for me to work on and solve very enjoyable. Even if I’m using the same software the problem I’m working on will have differences that always keeps me thinking; I never get bored at work!

I also like being part of a team that works on a larger project, where you can see the developments and changes over time and eventually become a solution to the problem you were working to solve, or part of a larger automated process. I find this personally rewarding; especially if I had a major role or impact on the development of the solution.

How I affect peoples’ lives

In my job I help remove the tedious, undesirable and, sometimes, dangerous jobs from other employees so they can apply themselves in other areas of the workplace. Also, by helping automate a specific process, I’m helping my company provide better quality, and more consistent, products to our customers.

Outside of work I

I play several instruments (drums, guitar, and base) and enjoy practicing and performing with my bandmates on my free time.

My advice to others

If you feel a passion for it, don’t think twice because your body and mind are already telling you what you want… just devote yourself to becoming the best you can be!