MEET OUR TEAM- ENGINEERING STORIES FROM THE INSIDE. FEATURING Krzysztof Piasecki, R&D Validation Engineer
In this edition of “Meet Our Team”, we speak with Krzysztof, an R&D Validation Engineer currently working on advanced automotive transmission testing. With a strong hands-on background in mechanical engineering and years of practical experience in R&D and validation, he shares how consultancy with Engibex provides stability, flexibility, and the opportunity to work on complex, real-world engineering challenges.
“Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what brought you to engineering? “
I’m a mechanical engineer, and honestly, I’ve been passionate about mechanics since I was a child. Instead of riding my bike, I was taking it apart to see if I can rebuild it back again . I was always testing things- once I even dropped my first electronic toy car from the balcony just to see what would happen.
My father was also a mechanical engineer, so this world was always close to me. I graduated in 2014, but my studies took 13 years because I had to stop for some time due to immigration. Later, I came back to university in Poland, and during the last one and a half years I was flying every two weeks from Dublin to Poland to make sure I finished my degree.
While living in Dublin, I was already working in automotive. I had my own garage and also worked as a store manager in a car parts shop. In 2015, I moved to Belgium and started working as an automotive mechanic at a Toyota garage in Oostende. One year later, I moved to Brussels and joined my first R&D project as a technician in a Engine liquid testing lab, working on development of the filters for cooling, fuel and engine lubrification systems of trucks, construction machinery and even for helicopters.
Later, I worked as a Engine Liquid lab supervisor for three years. During the COVID period, I transitioned to a new R&D position at a smaller company specializing in train couplings. The company had about 200 employees, with only three of us in R&D. Each project I received was fully my responsibility- from concept and design to development and validation- which allowed me to gain experience across every stage of product development.
“What kind of projects are you currently involved in, and what do you enjoy most about them?“
I’m currently involved in the development and validation of an E-DCT transmission- a system that combines a dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. We have so far on two variants: a mild-hybrid and a power-hybrid version.
My role is to find weak points in the transmission and prove that it will survive whatever the customer does with it. I do several type of test: starting from vehicle level test, system environmental test, component testing. I often abuse our product in different ways: winter conditions, parking situations, fast driving, hard cornering, extreme environmental condition and also testing on test rigs.
I prepare the car myself: configuration of the vehicle software, preparing my measuring equipment, hardware and right software configuration for data logging.
I execute the tests according to strict standards, usually on dedicated asphalt test fields.
During the tests, I analyze the behavior of the vehicle using special software and different type of measuring equipment but also subjective evaluation of vehicle behaviours during the test.
Like I mentioned I’m also involved in environmental testing: water, salt, heating the transmission. For example, heating it continuously for three weeks can represent half of a vehicle’s lifetime.
I am executing test rig tests as well, especially when the test request is not standardized. Those kinds of tests are usually assigned to me.
Basically, I’m getting paid to damage things: just like when I was a child.
“How would you describe your experience working as a consultant?”
I work on the same project all the time, so it’s very stable. What surprised me is that I actually feel safer as a consultant.
In a previous company, we were close to bankruptcy, and everyone was scared. As a consultant, I felt much safer because I knew that if the project ended, Engibex would find me another one. That sense of security was surprising– sometimes it even feels safer than being a permanent employee, but in a good way.
“What do you enjoy the most about living and working in Belgium?“
Belgium is a calm and safe place to live. I also like that I’m not blocked when it comes to traveling, like in the UK or Ireland. I travel a lot with my caravan, usually within a 500-kilometer radius, and Belgium is a great base for that.
“Engineering aside– what are your passions or hobbies outside of work?“
Old-timer cars. My first car was an old-timer– a VW Beetle– and for more than 15 years I’ve always had at least one old-timer in my garage. Right now, I have three Mercedes SL models, all between 35-55 years old. I restore them, make them better, enjoy driving for some time and then sell them. The biggest fun is to bring project to perfection, ones is done I am searching another one.
About seven or eight years ago, I fully restored a 1978 Chevrolet Camaro- everything from mechanics to welding and painting. After renovation I drove it less then 1,000 kilometers in 3 years, so I decided to sell it.
“Do you remember the time when you joined Engibex?“
In 2021, I joined Engibex. I always wanted to work in automotive industry. My technician background gave me strong hands-on experience. Also while leaving at the coast and working in garage I could see live examples how extreme environmental conditions can destroy a car in just one year- while normally it takes much longer. That kind of real-life experience really shapes how I approach testing.
“What do you think makes Engibex a unique place to work?”
Engibex can really adapt and support you when there’s a need. When I started, my personal situation changed and I needed a seven-seat company car. It was just a suggestion, but the answer I got was simple: ‘The car is coming.’ And that was it.
“If you could describe your typical weekend in three words, what would they be?”
Always doing something.
From all the places you’ve lived or visited, which one left the biggest impression on you?
Ireland- mainly because of the people and the views. The people there are much more open. Of course, Ireland also has downsides: traveling is limited and the weather is tough. Living in different places taught me that there is no perfect country.
“If you weren’t an engineer, what do you think you’d be doing instead?“
I worked in retail before, so I think I would go in this direction.
“What’s the best piece of advice or mindset that helps you stay motivated?“
If you do what you like, you don’t feel like you’re working.
