Chris Pickles

Chris Pickles has a diverse and extensive work experience spanning over 25 years. Chris started their career as an Apprentice at RLC Callender, where they gained practical experience in various departments such as milling, turning, grinding, inspection, cutter grinding, and toolroom. After completing their apprenticeship, they continued working at RLC Callender as a Manufacturing Engineer, utilizing their technical knowledge and collaborating with customers and the shop floor to enhance concurrent engineering.

Chris then moved on to ELE Advanced Technologies Ltd, where they served as a Manufacturing/Project Engineer, focusing on gas turbine blade manufacture. In this role, they provided engineering support to customers, developed manufacturing processes, designed fixtures and tooling, and created stage drawings.

Following that, Chris joined Weston EU as a Manufacturing Engineer, primarily focused on new product introduction (NPI) in aero blade manufacture. Chris was responsible for designing fixtures, creating stage drawings, defining operation sequences, and serving as the Catia CAD/CAM software administrator. Chris also took on the role of lead project engineer for several part families.

In 2007, Chris returned to RLC Callender and took on various leadership positions. As an Engineering Leader, they spearheaded the successful delivery of a new blade project involving linear friction welded blisk blades. Chris also led the Blades & Annulus Filler team, resolving manufacturing challenges and improving quality, delivery, and cost performance. Additionally, they served as an Engineering Leader in the Manufacturing Support - Blisk department, supporting production and quality teams and implementing new methods of manufacture.

In 2018, Chris joined BCW Manufacturing Group as a Production Engineering Manager in the automotive sector. In this role, they led manufacturing engineering initiatives, including capital and process development projects, and managed a team of Production Engineers.

Most recently, Chris worked at Pyroguard as the Head of Engineering. Chris played a crucial role in developing and delivering new products, equipment, installations, and process improvements. Chris'soverall accountability encompassed engineering and maintenance across the company's UK sites. Additionally, they served as the Industrialisation Manager, leading a project team in relocating a production facility to a new site and enhancing production capabilities and capacity. Chris also spearheaded the industrialization of next-generation products.

Throughout their career, Chris Pickles has demonstrated strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and a track record of successfully driving projects and improving manufacturing processes.

Chris Pickles earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Integrated Technologies (Mechanical & Electrical Engineering) from Accrington & Rossendale College from 1999 to 2001. Prior to that, from 1995 to 1999, they received an ONC & HNC degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution. Additionally, during the same period, they completed an apprenticeship at Training 2000, where they obtained the degree of Tool Room Time Served Engineer (NVQ).