Nikola Kanjic
Mechanical Engineer
Liburdi Automation
Learn About My Career
I design custom welding equipment to join metal pipes in places too dangerous or not accessible to human workers.
I was born/grew up in: I was born in Burlington and raised in Hamilton.
I now live in: I split my time between home in Hamilton and school at Waterloo.
I completed my training/education at: Mechanical Engineering with the Welding and Joining Specialization at the University of Waterloo.
I work for Liburdi Automation. I design welding equipment for very specialized situations where standard, off the shelf machines or a worker welding by hand will not work. For example, I build machines that are used to join metal pipes in spots either too dangerous for humans to work in or are completely inaccessible to a worker.
My designs follow strict customer specs and government standards. I do a lot of my work in Solid Edge. This is a 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. I use it to make models of my machine’s parts before creating an assembly. I do most of my calculations on paper to make sure my parts are strong enough. Sometimes I use Microsoft Excel for more lengthy calculations.
At work, there is a small team of other engineers. Sometimes I work on projects with them. We share all our designs within the company. Many of our new machines build on what we learned from our old machines.
I decided to study Engineering at the University of Waterloo because of the co-op program. I did not know what I wanted to do other than work with machines. I found my calling in the world of welding by doing co-ops with companies where welding is very important. I also enjoyed my materials courses the most while in school.
My favourite part of my job is seeing my designs come to life. What starts as nothing but an idea in my head eventually turns into something you can touch with your hands. It is very satisfying that I can build a machine that will allow you to do something you could never do with your hands.
The world is moving towards reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Nuclear energy is the only way to meet our electricity demands. I help build new energy plants and refurbish old plants. This directly leads to less greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
I like to play pool and lift weights. I enjoy hiking and backpacking as well.
If you like machines and can picture objects that do not exist in your mind, you might enjoy this line of work. I found the most important thing is to be able to understand why a textbook says what it says rather than just memorizing what it says.
What I do at work
I work for Liburdi Automation. I design welding equipment for very specialized situations where standard, off the shelf machines or a worker welding by hand will not work. For example, I build machines that are used to join metal pipes in spots either too dangerous for humans to work in or are completely inaccessible to a worker.
My designs follow strict customer specs and government standards. I do a lot of my work in Solid Edge. This is a 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. I use it to make models of my machine’s parts before creating an assembly. I do most of my calculations on paper to make sure my parts are strong enough. Sometimes I use Microsoft Excel for more lengthy calculations.
At work, there is a small team of other engineers. Sometimes I work on projects with them. We share all our designs within the company. Many of our new machines build on what we learned from our old machines.
My career path is
I decided to study Engineering at the University of Waterloo because of the co-op program. I did not know what I wanted to do other than work with machines. I found my calling in the world of welding by doing co-ops with companies where welding is very important. I also enjoyed my materials courses the most while in school.
I am motivated by
My favourite part of my job is seeing my designs come to life. What starts as nothing but an idea in my head eventually turns into something you can touch with your hands. It is very satisfying that I can build a machine that will allow you to do something you could never do with your hands.
How I affect peoples’ lives
The world is moving towards reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. Nuclear energy is the only way to meet our electricity demands. I help build new energy plants and refurbish old plants. This directly leads to less greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
Outside of work I
I like to play pool and lift weights. I enjoy hiking and backpacking as well.
My advice to others
If you like machines and can picture objects that do not exist in your mind, you might enjoy this line of work. I found the most important thing is to be able to understand why a textbook says what it says rather than just memorizing what it says.
When I was a student I enjoyed:
- History
- Physical Education / Health
- Science
- Technology
- Math
When I was a student, I would describe myself as someone who:
- Played on a sports team
- Enjoyed working with my hands
- Was motivated by success
- Wanted to be in charge
- Liked being given free range to explore my ideas
- Liked reading
- Played video games
- Liked to design or build things
Partners
CWB Welding Foundation
Let’s Talk Science appreciates the support of CWB Welding Foundation in connecting us with this individual.
The CWB Welding Foundation is a registered charity that works with partners to support and sustain the need for skilled welding and technology professionals and contribute to Canada’s economic prosperity. By creating a gateway to the skilled trades and welding-related professions, the CWB Foundation forges partnerships between industry, labour, education and government to enable the exploration, building and advancement of successful and exciting careers. The CWB Foundation offers education-based hands-on and virtual programs and initiatives and provides financial and technical program supports that reduce barriers affecting vital groups; elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students and educators, Indigenous peoples, women and the underrepresented. We encourage awareness and provide programs supporting access to career exploration regardless of identity factors, social and financial status and lived experiences, including gender, age, ethnicity, language, literacy, culture, income and geographical location.
Website: www.cwbweldingfoundation.org
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