Ted Simpson | Engineering Portfolio
Industry Experience | Land Rover
Role Overview
My engineering career began with a three year Level 3 Light Vehicle Service and Maintenance apprenticeship at Land Rover, where I gained hands on experience in vehicle diagnostics, servicing, repairs and fault finding while working alongside experienced technicians. After completing my apprenticeship, I remained at Land Rover as a qualified Vehicle Technician for a further year, developing my technical skills in a fast paced professional environment.
Skills Gained
My time at Land Rover taught me far more than just how to repair vehicles. Working in a professional workshop environment helped me develop strong problem solving skills, attention to detail and the ability to work methodically under pressure. I learned the importance of following technical procedures, maintaining high quality standards and communicating effectively as part of a team. Most importantly, the experience gave me a solid practical understanding of engineering and confirmed that I wanted to continue developing my skills through higher education and pursue a career in engineering.
One example that demonstrated my ability to work methodically under pressure, use my initiative, maintain high standards and communicate effectively was completing a body wiring harness replacement. The repair was carried out within Jaguar Land Rover manufacturer specifications, ensuring the wiring harness was installed correctly and to the required quality standard. Throughout the installation, close communication with senior technicians helped resolve any issues efficiently, resulting in a successful repair that met quality requirements.
Industry Experience | Tiger Trailers
Role Overview
During the summer of 2026, I joined Tiger Trailers as a Manufacturing Assembler, gaining experience in a fast paced manufacturing environment. My role involved assembling trailer components using engineering drawings and work instructions, conducting quality checks, and ensuring work was completed safely and efficiently. Working alongside experienced production teams gave me a greater understanding of manufacturing, production processes and the importance of maintaining high quality standards while meeting production targets.
Skills Gained
Working at Tiger Trailers gave me a real insight into what it's like to work in a large manufacturing environment. I learned the importance of working efficiently without compromising on quality, following engineering drawings and procedures accurately, and working closely with others to keep production running smoothly. The role also improved my communication, teamwork and attention to detail, while giving me a greater appreciation of how planning, organisation and quality standards all contribute to a successful manufacturing process.
One example of effective communication was when working alongside senior automotive electricians during trailer assembly. It became apparent that the proposed routing for the interior wiring would make installation more difficult. Following discussions with the electricians, an alternative routing solution was agreed and implemented, improving the installation process. This experience reinforced the importance of clear communication and teamwork when solving engineering problems.
My Volunteering Experience | Nepal
During the summer of 2025, I spent four weeks volunteering in Nepal as part of a community development programme. I worked with local schools, teaching mathematics and supporting students, while also contributing to projects that benefited the local community.
The experience strengthened my communication, teamwork and adaptability while building my confidence. For example, the image to the side shows me teaching mathematics to Nepali children alongside a fellow volunteer. Working together, we engagingly introduced new topics, helping the children feel more confident while also developing my own confidence in communicating with people from different backgrounds.
Please take a moment to watch the documentary below for a closer look at my volunteering experience in Nepal.
Personal Investigation
Aerodynamic Analysis of a Hatchback and SUV
This independent investigation explored how vehicle shape influences aerodynamic performance by comparing a simplified hatchback and an SUV. Using Autodesk Inventor, vehicle models were created before being analysed using theoretical drag calculations, MATLAB and CFD simulations. The investigation compared drag force, power requirements and airflow behaviour across a range of vehicle speeds to evaluate the impact of frontal area and drag coefficient on overall aerodynamic efficiency.
The project strengthened my understanding of fluid dynamics and aerodynamic principles while developing my skills in engineering analysis and interpreting simulation results. It also reinforced the importance of combining theoretical calculations with computational analysis to support engineering.
Please take a moment to have a look through the investigation. My MATLAB OnRamp certificate can also be viewed below.
Personal Engineering Project
Orbea Rise M20 E-MTB Rebuild
Purchased a crash damaged 2022 Orbea Rise M20 carbon electric mountain bike and restored it to full working order. After diagnosing the drive unit fault, I carried out a full rebuild, replacing the cassette, chain, chainring, crank arms, wheels, tyres, handlebars, rear shock and worn braking components. The suspension, bearings and drivetrain were also inspected before carrying out final testing to ensure the bike was safe and reliable.
The document below contains a small, detailed write up of this project. If you have any questions or would like to know more about any stage of the process, please feel free to ask.
Academic Engineering Investigations
Bending Moment Investigation
This investigation was completed as part of a structural mechanics laboratory to understand how different loading conditions affect the bending moment in a simply supported beam. Using free body diagrams and engineering calculations, I predicted the theoretical bending moments before comparing them with the results obtained during practical testing.
After collecting and analysing the experimental data, I compared it with my calculations and investigated any differences between the two sets of results. This helped me develop a better understanding of how engineering theory is applied in practice and improved my confidence in analysing results and drawing conclusions from experimental testing.
Liquid Viscosity Investigation
This investigation involved measuring and comparing the viscosity of different liquids using laboratory testing alongside engineering calculations. I analysed the behaviour of olive oil, washing-up liquid and golden syrup, comparing the theoretical calculations with the experimental results collected during testing.
The investigation helped me understand how viscosity and density influence fluid flow and gave me more confidence in applying engineering theory to practical experiments. It also improved my ability to analyse experimental data, identify possible sources of error and draw conclusions from the results.
My Key Strengths
Producing accurate work while maintaining high quality standards
Producing accurate work has been a key part of every role I have undertaken. Whether following manufacturer specifications at Jaguar Land Rover or engineering drawings at Tiger Trailers, I developed a strong attention to detail and an understanding of the importance of maintaining high quality standards.
Quickly learning new software, processes, and technical concepts
Throughout my apprenticeship, university studies and industry experience, I have regularly adapted to new software, processes and technical challenges. Learning tools such as Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360 and MATLAB, while also adapting to new manufacturing environments and procedures.
Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve project objectives
Throughout my apprenticeship, university studies and industry experience, I have worked closely with multidisciplinary teams to achieve shared objectives. My volunteering experience in Nepal further strengthened my communication, teamwork and adaptability while working alongside people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Actively expanding engineering knowledge through independent learning and practical project work
Alongside my university studies, I enjoy developing my engineering knowledge through personal projects and independent learning. These projects allow me to apply what I learn while continuing to build my technical skills.
Applying analytical and problem solving skills to investigate engineering challenges
Through my academic investigations, personal engineering investigations and industry experience, I have developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Whether diagnosing faults, analysing engineering data or investigating technical challenges, I enjoy understanding the problem and finding the best solution.
Excellent time management and organisation
Balancing university, industry experience, personal engineering projects and independent learning has strengthened my time management and organisational skills. I take pride in being punctual and well organised.