Mike Dunn

Introducing Mike, one of our Engineering Managers! We asked Mike a few questions to get to know more about his role at CAN and what is on his bucket list!

What does a typical workday look like for you?

Every day is different with new challenges. I balance engineering management for the delivery of complex nuclear containment integration projects with people management and development. The engineering management provides the opportunity to engage with engineers and project delivery teams both internally and within our client or supplier organisations to find solutions to technical and commercial problems. People management allows me to work with a team of engineers to develop our capability and ensure we can meet our current and future demand across a range of projects in the capability areas and markets we deliver to. My role includes a lot of different internal and client meetings, document reviews and project planning / management, but the best part is engaging with people to collectively solve problems and deliver successful outputs to our clients.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from your career so far?

I have worked across a range of industries, including Nuclear, Rail and Mining. Both in the UK and Australia. One common element from all the most successful projects is that stakeholder engagement and communication is key. Most engineering challenges can be overcome but if we do not understand out client’s requirements and objectives, or their processes and key stakeholders, the engineering solutions may not hit the mark with what is needed or there may be other ways to more effectively delivery what is needed. Collaboration and good working relationships is also a major part of that, both internally to our organisation and with the clients and suppliers.

What is your proudest professional achievement to date?

Not directly related to my personal career achievements, but I have been a school mentor and a mentor for the IMechE. Some of the school students I helped went on to complete engineering apprentices and other engineering roles. I helped the IMechE mentees work towards their own professional development. I certainly had help and support along the way from a lot of people, so it is good to do the same for others.

What is on your bucket list?

I have been fortunate enough to have lived in Australia for a number of years, so I ticked off a lot there. Including traveling 20,000kms in a caravan for 6 months. Cycling around Uluru and seeing Aboriginal art from thousands of years ago was a highlight. Having moved back to the UK there are a lot of places I want to travel to, and I think Scandinavia would be next. Snowboarding in Canada is also high on the list

If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would it be and why?

There are quite a few to choose from. Probably not quite a historical figure, but one would be David Attenborough. He has so much experience from his career travelling the world. Although being a drummer it would have to be John Bonham from Led Zeppelin. There would be quite a few stories, and I’d drag the drum kit along for a lesson too.

Interested in working for CAN? Check out our latest vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group