Hi, my name is Patrick Kinanga, the team lead for mechanical and piping at Bilfinger Engineering in Belgium. Leading a talented team of piping engineers, I am excited to share a bit about my journey and what makes my role both challenging and rewarding.

I began my career at Bilfinger as an equipment engineer at the office in Hengelo, the Netherlands, working under a senior mechanical engineer who guided me through the intricacies of specifying equipment, creating requisitions and working in multidisciplinary teams.

In October 2011, I left Bilfinger for different positions and companies. I eventually returned to Bilfinger Engineering in Zwijndrecht, Belgium. In February 2023, I took on the role of Senior Mechanical Engineer. Thanks to the vast career opportunities at Bilfinger Engineering, I was appointed team lead for piping and mechanical in January 2024.

My day as a Lead Engineer involves coordinating with team members, collaborating with departments and disciplines across different countries, and managing projects as the key figure in project execution. In short, it’s a blend of leadership, technical tasks, and cross-border communication.

“Translating customer requirements into technical solutions are crucial aspects of my role.”

One of the biggest hurdles in my work is managing unexpected changes from the customer and tight deadlines. Prioritizing tasks, staying flexible, and keeping the team engaged are key to overcoming these obstacles and essential qualities for success.

Completing a challenging project for a customer in the chemicals sector stands out as a significant milestone in my career. During my time on-site, the team tackled real-time technical challenges. These experiences demonstrate the team's capability to tackle complex tasks and contribute to my professional journey as a Lead Engineer. In the future, my role as a Lead Engineer will involve leading multiple projects simultaneously, as well as managing and mentoring colleagues.

What makes working at Bilfinger Engineering unique is the collaboration between offices in different countries, the effective onboarding process for new employees, and the strong knowledge-sharing culture within the company. Moreover, Bilfinger Engineering offers challenges and opportunities for professional growth, the development of innovative solutions to various queries, and the chance to work independently within an international network.

For those of you looking for an international, dynamic, growth-oriented environment, Bilfinger is the place to be!