- Traveling the world
- Luton town FC
- Cars and motorcycles
- Gym
- Cooking
- Reading
- Music
Ian Hepple
Suffolk,East Anglia
Summary
Technical Support Specialist experienced in troubleshooting and resolving complex systems. Delivered fault resolution across mechanical, electrical, and software-driven systems, ensuring rapid diagnosis of hardware and software issues to minimise service disruption. Committed to enhancing customer satisfaction through practical solutions that improve operational efficiency.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Service Engineer
Mechtronic Ltd
02.2024 - Current
- Serviced and maintained heavy-duty petrol tanker delivery equipment for fleet of over 600 class 2 rigid and class 1 articulated fuel tankers, ensuring reliable fuel supply to commercial and domestic premises across UK. Delivered breakdown cover across all regions, resolving issues with complex pneumatic and hydraulic systems to minimise downtime. The company has 6 Technical service engineers covering the whole of the UK. Rebuilt and replaced large cargo pumps, fitted entire wiring looms, replaced pneumatic pipelines and valves, and programmed software to prevent fuel contamination. Earned several customer recognition awards for meticulous attention to detail and high efficiency in service delivery.
- Managed installation projects from inception to completion, ensuring seamless integration of new technologies.
- Customised software configurations to meet specific client needs, delivering tailored solutions.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure high-quality components at competitive prices, enhancing project margins.
Production Supervisor
Meridian Audio
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Managed team of 17 staff, including SMT/PCB Technicians and Warehouse Operatives, coordinated production planning with Oracle and SysPro for stock control, set staff appraisals, and oversaw Quality Control and QMS, operated surface mount PCB line using Euro-placer and Mirrae Machinery. Conducted electronic testing, oversaw fault finding, and managed root cause analysis teams using '5 Whys' and '8D' strategies, ensured detailed completion of non-conformities. Collaborated on new product development for Meridian's 'Ellipse' product release, supported and approved SOPs for new products introduced to the production line.
- Supervised daily production activities, monitored employee performance, and addressed inefficiencies to optimise workflow.
- Planned and communicated daily manufacturing tasks and targets.
- Instructed staff on production processes to ensure output targets were met. to achieve production output.
Cell Lead - Production Supervisor
CMR - Cambridge Medical Robotics
09.2020 - 06.2023
- Led Bedside Unit team at CMR, managing 10 production staff and 3 engineers through regular one-to-one catch-ups and annual appraisals, including oversight of PIP and disciplinary procedures. Collaborated with senior management, human resources, and planning department to achieve production KPIs and OKRs, guiding technicians in skill development to foster a productive LEAN manufacturing environment. Managed several projects with strong input from team members to help towards developing Versius and preparing for FDA status for sales in the USA. Ensured our quality standards were maintained and efficiently escalated any issues that arose using relevant resources. Maintained traceability of inventories and build records to the highest standards in compliance with medical regulations.
Project Manager of new Ely Manufacturing Site
CMR
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Completed building construction of our new 7000sqM manufacturing plant and managed a team of 20 employees to set up our new LEAN manufacturing layout. This project included the setup of all new 'single piece flow line' in order to hit our company's OKR target of 500 systems by 2025. The project involved the setup of 52 workstations with an optimal production flow in order to reach our ever-growing demand. The project was completed 3 weeks before the three-month deadline and is now fully operational.
- Developed project plans that outlined scopes, timelines, and resources, enabling effective execution.
- Coordinated with clients to define project objectives and requirements, aligning them with business goals.
- Facilitated team meetings and stakeholder updates to ensure open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
Senior Manufacturing Technician
CMR - Cambridge Medical Robotics
10.2019 - 09.2020
- Collaborated on 'Versius' surgical robotic systems, developing pioneering surgical technology for minimally invasive procedures, aiming to reduce patient recovery time and theatre waiting times. Constructed highly precise robotic systems, ensuring compliance with stringent traceability standards within the medical industry. Tracked every component during builds to maintain the highest level of traceability, including individual washers, in adherence to GDP and ISO:13485 standards.
- Performed detailed repairs on mechanical systems and equipment to ensure optimal functionality. of installed mechanical systems and equipment.
- Supervised a team of maintenance technicians, providing guidance and training to enhance skills.
- Documented all maintenance activities, creating comprehensive records for audit and analysis purposes.
Supervisor - Motion Control & Quality Control
Thorlabs
08.2018 - 10.2019
- Led team of 16 assemblers and 3 Quality Control Inspectors in managing Quality Control section, achieving ?100k daily targets and reaching monthly targets of ?2m since starting role. Reduced RMAs significantly since 2017. Conducted yearly appraisals to motivate and develop staff, enhancing job satisfaction and team focus in LEAN manufacturing organisation.
- Provided detailed instructions to staff on production processes to enhance efficiency. to achieve production output.
- Resolved customer complaints swiftly, turning negative experiences into positive outcomes.
- Maintained high standards of cleanliness and organisation in the workplace.
Quality Control Inspector
Thorlabs
03.2018 - 08.2018
- Inspected and signed off all products prior to release, ensuring compliance with quality standards. Conducted audits to verify products meet 100% satisfaction before delivery to customers. Producing ISIR and FAIR reports. Liaised with customers and vendors to maintain highest quality standards across all items. Since starting this role RMA's have reduced by 52% with no impact on production output. Working closely with senior management and customers to ensure maximum output of the highest quality.
- Performed final inspections of finished products, ensuring they met customer specifications and quality criteria before dispatch.
- Inspected and tested products, parts and materials for conformity with specifications and standards.
- Discarded non-conforming products and materials to ensure compliance with quality standards.
Electro/Mechanical Assembler
Thorlabs
04.2016 - 03.2018
- Engineered and assembled precise components for medical and aircraft industries, including PCB, CNC, soldering, crimping, and laser alignments. Conducted full electronic and mechanical assemblies, ensuring compliance by signing off equipment. Maintained extreme fine tolerances and traceability of components throughout assembly process. Managed concessions for changes, including fastener coatings and O-rings in builds. Gained RMA/RFI experience and adhered to ISO:9001 standards.
- Read work orders, specifications and technical diagrams to ascertain materials needed and assembly instructions.
- Executed installation of electric switches and circuitry in new and existing buildings, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Conducted repairs on wiring and electrical components using specialised tools and equipment to ensure functionality.
Brick Labourer
Eastern Property Maintenance
01.2015 - 04.2016
- Executed precise brick cutting to meet project specifications using advanced cutting and power tools.
- Ensured brick lines remained level by diligently using a spirit level and plumb line during installation.
- Utilised various construction tools to complete fundamental bricklaying tasks on-site.
- Joined local business while seeking new permanent position, developed skills in bricklaying, plastering, and roofing, and gained CSCS Operative licence and CPCS Excavator training.
Operations and build Engineer
Velocix/Bell Labs (Alcatel-Lucent)
04.2013 - 12.2014
- Designed, developed, and implemented complex systems engineering solutions to meet client specifications.
- Built and configured global video download servers for major telecommunication companies, ensuring alignment with customer specifications through precise software configurations and efficient electrical connections. Coordinated global shipment, managing shipping documents to minimise US customs delays, while also providing IT support and facilities management.
- Coordinated with IT support teams to troubleshoot and resolve system issues, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive system documentation to facilitate knowledge transfer and improve system maintenance efficiency.
(promotion) Assistant Chemist / Assistant Section Head
Anglian Water
04.2009 - 02.2013
- Maintained technical understanding of analytical regulations within Anglian Water Laboratories ISO:18001, ensuring compliance and facilitating quality assurance. Deputised for Section Head (Chemist), organised team of 8 technicians to meet regulatory deadlines while communicating and enforcing health & safety policies. Managed 24/7 emergency call out system for regional wastewater emergencies, ensuring timely response and resolution. The role also included the management of all records and documentation in accordance with the QA accredited systems and communicating with customers both internally & externally.
- Engaged customers in meaningful conversations to build rapport and trust.
- Attended training sessions to enhance knowledge of product updates and promotional strategies.
- Adapted to different locations and schedules to effectively support promotional campaigns.
Laboratory Technician
Anglian Water Laboratories
04.2004 - 04.2009
- Carrying out a large scope of sample testing procedures efficiently and to a very high standard for the business; Using a variety of discrete analysers, spectrophotometers, continuous flow instruments, Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and HPLC. Following highly regulated ISO accredited procedures in order to produce accurate analytical results, whilst working to tight deadlines in a safe manner. Managed day-to-day operations of a one-year contract with South West Water, overseeing a team of three technicians in Exeter to deploy and maintain automatic sampling equipment.
- Performed extensive laboratory tests and recorded results accurately to ensure reliability of data.
- Compiled and analysed testing data, presenting results using scientific methods to support informed decision-making.
- Ensured accessibility and accuracy of data on relevant databases to facilitate timely reporting and analysis.
Machine Operator/Team lead
G's Beetroot Soham & March
09.2000 - 04.2002
- Started in pack warehouse at Soham Beetroot & Garlic factory, progressed to Vac-pack machine operator. Operated and maintained packing machines, promptly addressed machine breakdowns, including changing plastic vacuum bases, updating date and batch stamps, and resolving programming faults and safety guard sensor issues. The machines had several members of packing staff working either side of the machines, loading the beetroot into moulded trays. Collaborated with teams to motivate staff and consistently meet or exceed daily targets. The factory relocated to a much larger facility in Hostmoor industrial estate in March. I continued my development with machine operating/maintenance, from the vac-pack machine to the peelers and cookers. The much facility upgraded their lines to a lean manufacturing style, from raw beet from the lorries delivering, through to the packing lines ahead.
- Followed health and safety regulations to ensure workplace safety.
- Ensured cleanliness and organisation of work areas to promote efficiency.
- Followed strict clean-up protocols after each production run, maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
Education
HND - Electrical & Mechanical Engineering
Cambridge Regional College
Cambridge01-2003
A-Level - Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Geography
Longsands Sixth Form
Saint Neots, CAM01-2001
GCSE - Maths, Geography, English, Art, Double Science, Food Technology, Business Studies
Longsands Community College
Saint Neots, CAM01-1999
GCSE - Maths, Geography, English, Art, Double Science, Food Technology, Business Studies
St Ivo High School
Saint Neots, CAM01-1996
Skills
- Hydraulic systems
- Pneumatic systems
- Cargo pump rebuilds
- Valve replacement
- Technical troubleshooting
- Preventive maintenance
- Equipment servicing
- Logistics coordination
- Technical coordination
- Data analysis
- Computing: proficient in MS Word, PowerPoint, Teams and Excel
- Decision making
- Composure under pressure
- Data analysis
- Electronic systems proficiency
Interests
- Traveling the world
- Luton town FC
- Cars and motorcycles
- Gym
- Cooking
- Reading
- Music
Knowledge & Experience
- Electro/Mechanical Engineering
- HGV & ADR Technical service mechanic
- Manufacturing
- Robotics
- Health & Safety - IOSH
- City & Guilds PAT tester
- HND in Mechanical engineering
- CPD portfolio (Chemistry, management & engineering)
- Management LSG Training Course UKAS
- CNC Soldering & Crimping
- Appraisals & Disciplinary procedure experience in management
Interests
Certification
- Full UK driving license
- First aid
- CPD
- Fire Marshall
Timeline
Technical Service Engineer
Mechtronic Ltd
02.2024 - Current
Production Supervisor
Meridian Audio
06.2023 - 10.2023
Project Manager of new Ely Manufacturing Site
CMR
01.2023 - 03.2023
Cell Lead - Production Supervisor
CMR - Cambridge Medical Robotics
09.2020 - 06.2023
Senior Manufacturing Technician
CMR - Cambridge Medical Robotics
10.2019 - 09.2020
Supervisor - Motion Control & Quality Control
Thorlabs
08.2018 - 10.2019
Quality Control Inspector
Thorlabs
03.2018 - 08.2018
Electro/Mechanical Assembler
Thorlabs
04.2016 - 03.2018
Brick Labourer
Eastern Property Maintenance
01.2015 - 04.2016
Operations and build Engineer
Velocix/Bell Labs (Alcatel-Lucent)
04.2013 - 12.2014
(promotion) Assistant Chemist / Assistant Section Head
Anglian Water
04.2009 - 02.2013
Laboratory Technician
Anglian Water Laboratories
04.2004 - 04.2009
Machine Operator/Team lead
G's Beetroot Soham & March
09.2000 - 04.2002
HND - Electrical & Mechanical Engineering
Cambridge Regional College
A-Level - Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Geography
Longsands Sixth Form
GCSE - Maths, Geography, English, Art, Double Science, Food Technology, Business Studies
Longsands Community College
GCSE - Maths, Geography, English, Art, Double Science, Food Technology, Business Studies
St Ivo High School