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Career story Adam Kozak

Today, we speak to Adam Kozak in our Poznań office. Adam, what is your background?

I have been living in Poznań for almost 12 years now and I studied at Poznań University of Technology. I really like the city, it's a great place to live.

While studying at university, I had classes in 3D scanning and reverse engineering techniques. That's where my keen interest in both these areas of study began.

Consequently, I have been working in this field since the beginning of my career. My first job was mainly focused on 3D scanning and learning the basics of the process. Three years ago, I joined ACE and now I focus on 3D modelling based on customer scans.
 

 

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What kind of project are you working on now?

I am working on a project for Sulzer as a mechanical designer. It is a project focused on reverse engineering turbine blades, vanes and combustion components. The team is international, some colleagues are in the Netherlands and there is also a teammate working with me in Poland. The leader of the team is Davey van Wageningen.

What do you value most about your colleagues on team Sulzer?

I really enjoy working with my team. The communication is very clear, if something is wrong, we don't make a fuss about it. We just talk about it directly, which helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps everyone on track.

Our meetings are always relevant and everyone is involved. It's a small group, so everyone has a voice. We support each other because although our designs are similar, each part is unique in its own way.

Reverse engineering is a bit different from traditional design work, you start with an existing product, but without all the background information. You often have to make educated assumptions, so it is incredibly useful to discuss challenges with teammates who can offer different perspectives. You can easily overlook details when working alone, so collaboration is key.
 

Where do you see yourself in five years? What do you want to achieve?

I want to keep working on reverse engineering projects. Recently, I got the chance to lead a small local team - just me and one other person - and I would like to see that team grow.

I would like to have more responsibilities and help build a strong team here in Poznań, preferably working on our own projects. But I also want to stay involved in technical work, because that keeps me engaged and motivated.
 

How do you like to relax after a busy project or work week?

On a daily basis, I enjoy cycling, provided the weather is good. I also like to read books, play video games and hang out with friends. We often go to the Warta River in Poznań to have a beer or barbecue. It's a quiet place to unwind.

When it comes to longer breaks - like after a busy month or year - I like to go travelling. Whether it's a bike ride, a road trip, a mountain hike or just a weekend away, going somewhere different really helps me clear my head and disconnect from my work.
 

Thank you Adam for this very nice and open conversation! Good luck with your further career at ACE.