This week Synthotech’s Christopher Barker achieved Chartered Status with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Chris joined Synthotech in 2015 having previously worked in the Aerospace, Nuclear and Defence Industries. He graduated with First Class honours from the University of Southampton with a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering combined with a Semester abroad at the French military base, École Navale.
His project since joining the Synthotech Research & Development Team has been to further develop Project GRAID (Gas Robotic Agile Inspection Device), a system which when completed will allow National Grid Gas Transmission (NGGT) to inspect its Above Ground Installation sites (AGI’s) in live operating conditions.
Chris’ primary roles in the Project have been to assess the effects of natural gas on the robot, to develop and validate the systems engineering architecture, and ensure the robot complies with all standards required to allow the system to be tested in a live field trial. Chris has also carried out feasibility studies and mathematical modelling for Project Serviboost.
Combined with Chris’ Project Management experience working on the Airbus A350 Programme, and Systems Engineering & Research within the Ministry of Defence (MoD), this portfolio of work has allowed him to become eligible for Chartered status.
Chris is currently the Principal Mechanical Engineer on Project GRAID which, having now been manufactured, is ready to undertake live field trials next year. Chris was delighted with achieving Chartered status, but hints that the application process went all the more smoothly with having such a talented team to work with on Project GRAID!
Congratulations to Chris from all at Synthotech.
To find out more about a career with Synthotech, please contact us.
