Combilift Careers

Combilift are the Largest Manufacturer of Multidirectional, Sideloading and Articulated Forklifts Globally. Innovation, Flexibility and Service is the ethos on which Combilift’s success is built and has seen us become the world’s fastest-growing forklift manufacturer, exporting to more than 85 countries and with more than 80,000 trucks in use worldwide. No other manufacturer in the world can deliver the same level of customisation and adaptability, or cater so effectively to the diverse needs of every individual customer, whether their enterprise is large or small.

OEM Traineeship Gary McCaffrey

Managing Director Martin McVicar

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Kevin O'Hagan, Design Engineer

Kevin O'Hagan is a Design Engineer at Combilift. Kevin comes from an agricultural background and worked part time in Combilift while at college to get hands on experience on assembly lines.

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What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?

I am new to working in the Engineering sector but securing a full-time job on the Design team at Combilift is definitely a massive achievement to start my career.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

My brothers work in the Engineering industry. I admire the career they have established in the trade over the years and I always wanted to follow in their footsteps. My lecturers in University were also very supportive and always created a positive environment in class which I enjoyed.

How did you go about getting your current job?

I have a background in Agriculture. I grew up working on various farm machinery. I had a part time job in Combilift while I was studying at University. Combilift are great for accommodating summer work opportunities across various departments. I gained hands-on experience on assembly lines where I seen the process come together. I got to see a truck go from a bare chassis right through to a truck ready for delivery. It helped me to gain knowledge on building a truck through Combilift standards.

Describe a typical day?

Each machine is unique if there are parts that need customised, I create them on solid-works and then I send them to be machined. I also go out onto the factory floor and check the machines to see if there are elements/parts that need changed.

What are the main tasks and responsibilities?

My tasks include creating 3D drawings on the program ‘Solid works’. My main role includes designing new parts and also checking the machines to ensure they match the criteria the customer requires in terms of design and functionality. I also note and oversee any changes that are needed on the machines.

What are the main challenges?

Ensuring any parts designed is produced to a high standard and changes are properly conducted after inspection. As a Design Engineer, my role has a great deal of responsibility in the entire process of the project.

What do you like most?

I really enjoy the design process and using my creativity to create a modern and unique product that is specifically customised to every single customer. I also enjoy using the program Solid works in my daily work routine – overall design is my passion and my favourite aspect of the job is seeing your finished product in action.

Is there anything that isn't great?

Sometimes things go wrong, you have to re-visit projects and start the process again which can be stressful and time consuming.

What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?

- Design and Technical skills: key modules studied in University.

- Team work and Interpersonal skills

- Effective Communication

Creativity

What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?

Through working on the farm, I developed an interest in the operational and building of Agriculture machinery. I had a massive interest in subjects such as Woodwork and Art in school which definitely helped me to discover my potential creativity and practically which I use every day in my current job.

What is your education to date?

I studied Engineering in IT Sligo, covering a wide range of areas from programming, design and maths to the practical side which included hands-on modules such as Welding, CNC machining and lathe operations.

What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?

The mixture of practical and technical modules I studied in University.

What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?

My career is only in the early stages but a highlight that stands out to me was when my final year University project got selected to be showcased at the National Ploughing Championship in association with Enterprise Ireland. I felt a sense of pride and it was such an achievement to see my project in action.

What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?

Personal qualities include a work hard mentality, creative and organised. These particular qualities are key in my job role.

What is your dream job?

I would love to keep progressing in the Design Engineering department at Combilift and maybe some day advance to a management role in the future.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Yes, I enjoy my weekends off and I also get to keep another passion of mine alive in my spare time which is farming. A great work-life balance!

What advice would you give to someone considering this job?

I would advise anyone starting out to get in touch with people in the industry. Ask plenty of questions and get a part-time job in the field you are interested in.

What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?

Interpersonal
Motivated
Creative

Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?

I would definitely consider further studies in the future. I finished my undergraduate degree in May. At the minute, I am enjoying work life and using the skills I have developed through my honour’s degree in Engineering.

What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?

Summer work in an Engineering company helped me to gain amazing experience and Combilift have a variety of opportunities for University students during the summer months and university placement programmes.

What is your current job title?

Design Engineer at Combilift

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