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Career Story Dimitri Smets

Dimitri graduated in 2024 with a Master’s in Industrial Engineering at KU Leuven in Geel. Shortly after, he joined ACE in Lummen as a Mechanical Design Engineer, starting his career as a consultant in a machine building environment.

Since then, he has been working full-time at SOUDAL as a Factory Development Engineer.

DEVELOPING AND IMPROVING PRODUCTION MACHINES

In his role, Dimitri works on the development of new production machines, from the first design ideas through to assembly and testing on the shop floor.

Alongside new projects, he also works on improving existing installations, focusing on efficiency, reliability and more sustainable production.

FROM DESIGN TO THE SHOP FLOOR

A key part of his job is the variety in what he does. While design and engineering are central to his role, he is also regularly on the shop floor, supporting assembly and testing.

Working both in design and on-site keeps him closely connected to how his work is used in practice and helps ensure the solutions perform as expected in real conditions.

HOW IT STARTED

Dimitri’s interest in engineering started at a young age. His curiosity about how systems work, and how they can be improved, has been a constant throughout his path and still drives him today.

WORKING AS A CONSULTANT AT ACE

Although he has mainly worked with one client so far, Dimitri sees clear value in the consultancy model at ACE. It combines the stability of a permanent employer with the opportunity to gain experience in different companies and sectors over time. 

This allows him to keep developing while maintaining flexibility in his career.

THE TEAM AND DAILY COLLABORATION

Dimitri values a straightforward and approachable working environment. As a relatively small organisation, ACE benefits from short communication lines and strong involvement.

Even though he does not work daily with his ACE colleagues, the contact stays easy and informal. When they meet during events or company activities, the connection quickly feels natural.