What Does a Design Engineer’s Job Look Like at ELPLC S.A.?
ELPLC S.A. specializes in the design and construction of machines in the form of workstations, stations, and production and assembly lines, which automate technological processes across virtually all industrial sectors. Our expertise allows us to create automation concepts from scratch, designing dedicated solutions precisely tailored to specific technological processes.
Prototyping and Design:
The creation of prototype concepts is handled by our design engineers, who have access to advanced tools and, most importantly, possess interdisciplinary knowledge and creativity, allowing them to develop even the most complex automation concepts. Ryszard Sobol, one of our design engineers, when asked about his beginnings at ELPLC S.A., says, “My work at the company as an independent designer began almost 14 years ago. I took on this position as one of the first employees. Over all these years, I have seen the company grow and the role of the design engineer evolve, and most importantly, the needs of our clients change. It can be said that ELPLC S.A. is a dream job for design engineers. It primarily offers independence and growth. To create concepts in the world of automation, which is a very challenging field, freedom is necessary. Without a doubt, finding new solutions also involves collaboration with other departments (design, programming, machining, mechanical and electrical assembly). Therefore, proper information exchange and data integration play a key role.”
Responsibilities of a Design Engineer at ELPLC S.A.
The range of tasks performed by design engineers at ELPLC S.A. is very broad. Primarily, they create automation concepts, considering client specifications and requirements. During this process, 2D construction documentation and 3D models are developed. Creating descriptive documentation and technical specifications for designed elements is crucial. It’s worth noting that conceptual design work is conducted for both new and modernized machines. Engineers select components and commercial subassemblies based on client standards. They consider machine functionality, component weight, and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, during the conceptual design phase, FMEA analysis and other risk assessments are conducted to ensure machines comply with legal regulations, standards (including ISO 13849:2016, ISO 13857:2010), and the Machinery Directive. Evaluating the product in terms of safety and compliance with project documentation is essential. When designing concepts, various factors are considered, including technical and financial aspects—cycle time, production volume increases, quality control, production costs, available space, etc.
Qualities of a Design Engineer
Design engineers at ELPLC S.A. are primarily passionate individuals who combine their acquired knowledge and skills with technical insight. Keeping their knowledge up to date by following trends and innovations in automation is essential. They expand their knowledge through specialized training, trade fairs, workshops, conferences, and industry symposia.
Ryszard Sobol adds, “A design engineer must have great imagination, experience, and technical knowledge. The ability to create automation concepts can be compared to a painter creating artwork, transferring his vision onto canvas. Similarly, design engineers transfer concrete ideas into projects, which then turn into the technical documentation of the machine (mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic). ELPLC S.A. design engineers are characterized by patience, composure, and the ability to learn quickly. Any project difficulties lead to new, better concepts. As a result, dedicated solutions are created, tailored to specific industrial processes.”
Design engineers at ELPLC S.A. have excellent technical drawing skills and are proficient in specialized computer software, such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD. Additionally, our engineers use several dedicated design tools with digital representations of automated process flows using simulations and animations.
Extensive Technical Knowledge
A broad range of knowledge encompassing mechanics, electrical engineering, automation, pneumatics, hydraulics, machine construction, and materials science is crucial. Understanding industrial technological processes is also important. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is essential, including listening to suggestions from other team members and drawing constructive conclusions when discrepancies arise. This is a very important trait for design engineers.
Ryszard Sobol, when asked about sources of inspiration during concept creation, emphasizes that he always seeks knowledge. Relevant information is often found in various popular science materials and specialized industry portals. Learning through observation is also crucial. “It helps the most. […] I have often participated in the construction and modification of machines and observed how individual elements are integrated into a cohesive whole. Additionally, relying on young minds is very important. Students have a completely different perspective, stemming from progress. Therefore, students and interns who often stay with ELPLC S.A. longer are always welcome,” adds Ryszard Sobol.
Daily Responsibilities and Skills
In the daily work of a design engineer, communication skills are essential for collaborating with clients, understanding their needs, and organizing work efficiently. Proficiency in English is also necessary for working in an international environment.
What ELPLC S.A. Offers Design Engineers
Aside from access to various benefits (→ see the Careers page), design engineers at ELPLC S.A. have the opportunity to work on innovative projects worldwide. Independence and access to the latest design tools and technical innovations are emphasized.
“I am particularly proud of the prototype projects where ELPLC S.A. is a market pioneer. This largely stems from our clients often needing highly automated solutions, and not all suppliers have the human and technical resources to develop the right concept. Participating in such projects not only gives a sense of belonging to the project but also satisfaction from being part of a challenge realized here in Tarnów,” emphasizes Ryszard Sobol.
ELPLC is a producer of specialized production lines and custom solutions for automation and robotics in production. The company has unique know-how in implementing production lines, based on 17 years of operation and experience. It is a complete provider of industrial automation and machine production, cooperating with leading system and component suppliers.
ELPLC S.A. is a team of over 160 specialists: designers, programmers, mechatronics engineers, automation specialists, operators. It has its own R&D department, an automated production system, and design and programming workshops. The manufacturing potential is defined by approximately 4200 m² of production space and its own park of 26 machines, including 8 CNC centers, 9 conventional milling machines, 3 lathes, and 6 grinding machines. The company offers complete robotic production lines, automatic and semi-automatic assembly stations. It provides production systems with numerous innovations, such as leak testers, control and measurement stations, including those based on vision systems for controlling very precise processes, and modular production lines.
