Inside the Cold Room: Oliver Jell
When did you join Lightfoot and what do you do in your own time?
Hi, I’m Oliver Jell and I have been with Lightfoot since 2019, I was initially brought in as a Senior Workshop Engineer to assist with the building and testing of the then new LIDSS ground equipment, since then I have been involved in a number of other Aerospace projects within Lightfoot.
Outside of work I have an interest in a variety of sports and currently play Squash, I really enjoy the intensity and strategy of the game. I have a young family, and we enjoy making the most of the good weather with camping breaks whether that be on our own or with a group of friends. I’m a keen woodworker and have built my own small workshop at home.
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?
Since starting at Lightfoot in 2019 I have been promoted to Aerospace Workshop Supervisor. In this role I act as a buffer between the engineers on the shopfloor and the management team, delegating out tasks so that production targets are met on time whether that be major project builds like LIDSS and ARU equipment or smaller spares items that come in at short notice. The role enables me to still be hands on with the tools but also to step back and take an overview of production within the workshop to help maintain the standards and quality of workmanship that the company strives for in its products and services.
WHAT’S YOUR CAREER BACKGROUND?
Before joining Lightfoot, I spent 6 years in the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineer leaving in 2016 as a Leading Hand, this gave me experience in a variety of mechanical and electrical disciplines, it was also my first exposure to being in charge of a small team. My Next Role was as an ROV technician quickly becoming the ROV pilot and supervisor where I was in charge of a small team cleaning the underside of RO-RO vessels in Southampton docks. Before all of this I trained as a Cabinet maker for 5 years producing high end furniture for customers such as Harrods.
What are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your role?
The most challenging and rewarding parts of my role are actually the same thing, this would be the fault finding. In some cases, trying to find the solution can take hours even days but the satisfaction in rectifying the problem makes up for the stress and pain of looking for it and understanding why it has happened.
WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SUPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Here at Lightfoot, we use a lot of PLC’s and HMI’s within our equipment and develop the software as we build, working closely with the software engineers to have the equipment run the way we want and have the desired aesthetics. With this exposure I have been able to develop an understanding of the software and can now execute changes in house, this has been especially useful when customers have required minor changes which I have been able to do instantly for them.
WHAt’S A PROJECT OR ACHIEVEMENT YOU’RE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF?
I get a lot of satisfaction and pride from taking a product from component parts and putting it all together to create a fully working piece of ground equipment like the LIDSS and ARU. It is great to see the build-up in real time of the machines coming together on the shop floor, then going through test and being delivered and used by the customer. Knowing that myself or one of the other engineers in the workshop have hand built these pieces of equipment gives me a real sense of achievement and high level of pride.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN (WORK OR PERSONAL)?
The best piece of advice for me that I still use today is nothing is a failure if you learn something from it.
WHICH BOOK, PODCAST OR PERSON HAS INFLUENCED YOU RECENTLY?
I can sometimes struggle with sleeping where my brain can’t switch off, and thoughts will keep going round and round but thanks to a Podcast called “Sleep Cove” I am able to get to sleep quickly and feel refreshed in the morning. There are many episodes to this podcast where it can assist with anxiety, stress, over thinking and confidence as well as helping you to sleep better. So, anyone that finds it hard to wind down and sleep in the evening I would highly recommend this to!
