From test engineer to media star

Andy Clarke

Andy started his career at Dana as a co-op student while enrolled at Mohawk College, a community college in Hamilton, ON, and he was hired full time after graduation. He worked on developing in-vehicle tests and systems-level tests. He also enrolled at McMaster University (also in Hamilton), taking evening classes. Four years later, he graduated with a bachelor of technology degree. He says, "Keeping the balance between work, home, and school was difficult, and it was a very busy four years, but it was well worth it."

I recently had the chance to ask Andy a few questions and get some insight into his work at Dana:

DR: Please describe the types of tests you are responsible for.

AC: Our group does performance testing of Dana's heat-exchange components, and our main focus is on heat-transfer analysis. A systems-level test will include temperature measurements of both the hot and cold fluids under investigation, the flow rates of the fluids, and pressures at various points in the system. We also collect other information that will identify the operating parameters of the vehicle or equipment. This may include vehicle speed, engine rpm, wind speed, humidity, throttle position, or any of a large number of other parameters.

DR: What are some of your biggest challenges as a systems-testing supervisor?

AC: One of the biggest challenges is finding the right supplies and materials on the road. We typically are a one- or two-vehicle convoy. Without the backing of a support truck loaded with tools, parts and supplies, self-sufficiency is key. Multi-use tools are a godsend. It can get a little MacGyver-esque, but we always get things working in the end. It is fun.

DR: How does it feel to be a media star?

AC: Well, it's tough to get work done with all the people lined up for autographs and pictures, and I don't even know where to start with the groupies. . . . All kidding aside, though, I'm glad that I've been able to help make people aware of who test engineers are, what we do, and what we must endure to get critical test data back to our design engineers.

DR: What's the most satisfying thing about your job?

AC: Personally, I'm torn between the technical and personal aspects of my job. It is gratifying to create test equipment that helps us perform tests better, faster, or more accurately. But working with my crew is also rewarding.

We hire many co-op students, and I get a lot of satisfaction in seeing them develop over the course of a semester. Ultimately, I'm glad to be part of the development process. As a husband and father of two, I like to think that I'm doing my part to ensure that your family and mine are not left stranded at the side of the road with a cooling system that was not up to the task.