EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Matthew Brock
Testing, certifying, and protecting—discover Matthew’s role at Nemko.
North America
Define your role within Nemko.
I am an engineer on the hazardous locations or “Ex” team. We evaluate, test and certify customer products that require a special marking so that they can be safely operated within industrial areas that may have a flammable mixture of gases or dusts present (such as offshore platforms, pumping stations, oil and gas refineries, sugar mills and grain silos).
How did you choose this career path?
I was looking to use my engineering degree in a more interesting field. A certification company was hiring in the North Texas area in 2007 specifically for their hazardous locations team, so I applied and have stayed in this field ever since.
What do you enjoy most about your job at Nemko?
It is a position in which I’m continually learning and there is support from team members for testing as applicable.
Are there any challenges that you’ve faced during your career that have taught you important lessons?
Yes, I’ve learned that it is best to provide bad news or test results to customers as soon as it has been confirmed. This gives them the most time to come up with a solution. I’ve also learned how helpful it can be to keep the salesperson involved at key points throughout the certification process because they are frequently equipped in other ways that can link other company resources / offerings and solutions to help the customer.
What do you think the industry will look like in 20 years?
Probably much the same, but with greater variety of batteries, materials, and new technologies.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
1. Complete and correct testing, and 2. Seeing design changes that correct non-compliances.
What are some market trends you’re keeping an eye on?
More interconnection such as Internet of Things (IoT) and industrial robots may push safety emphasis more onto functional safety, the electrical codes may align further with European and International electrical methods.
When not working, how do you spend your spare time?
Family responsibilities, troubleshooting home appliances, running, playing disc golf.
