Ding Zhen Wei ceng MIMechE

Ding Zhen Wei is a Production Operations Liaison Engineer at Shell.

Tell us about your career path since graduation. Ding_BW

Since graduating with a BEng in Mechanical Engineering,
I continued my studies to earn a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham, majoring in
heat transfer and nanofluids. In 2012, I took up a role in my sponsoring company, Xyratex, as a Mechanical Development Engineer where I designed, built and commissioned, and
automated hard disk testers. In 2015, I joined Shell as a Graduate Mechanical Static Engineer, working in the Upstream, Projects and Technology space following which, I became a Turnaround Engineer in Shell Deepwater Maintenance, and am currently a Production Operations Liaison Engineer with Upstream Shell Operations.

What does your current role entail?

My current role as a Production Operations Liaison Engineer gives me the opportunity to work with internal and external stakeholders and Joint Venture parts in day-to-day operations and task force initiatives. This builds on my skills as a mechanical engineer, whilst providing me with a broad view of the business ventures in the Upstream Energy business. 

Tell us about your most interesting career experience to date?

I was a Turnaround Engineer for Shell’s Gumusut-Kakap offshore platform. This was especially meaningful for me, as I was part of the initial project team in 2015, and then I was asked in 2019 to support the Turnaround. This brought my involvement in the platform full circle. My responsibilities were to plan, coordinate and execute the first Turnaround for the operating asset. What made it even more exciting was how the project was covered by the international newspapers.

When did you first join the Institution of Mechanical Engineers?

I first joined IMechE as an Affiliate Member in 2005, during my first year at the University of Nottingham. I become an Associate Member in 2016. My Associate membership has given me the tools, support and connections within Shell, and also within the wider IMechE community to help me achieve my goal of becoming a Chartered Engineer.

How has your membership benefited you?

My membership has given me access to some great resources. The IMechE library with its books and journals has already proven to be very helpful. Being able to plug into the professional networks has allowed me to make useful relationships – and make some new friends along the way. It also helped me to learn that mechanical engineering covers a broader spectrum of topics from valves and piping, to pumps, compressors, project management, safety in engineering and also on understanding how the decisions we make as an engineer can directly or indirectly affect the company’s bottom line.

I hope to continue leveraging on the world class networking opportunities with the engineering community around the world, and also strengthen my career in engineering with the recognition that comes with being a Chartered Engineer.

How did the Institution help you to become a Chartered Engineer?  

The Institution has helped me immensely with my aim of becoming a Chartered Engineer. Over the past few years, the IMechE team in Malaysia has reached out to various companies and institutions to promote professional registration. Within my department in Shell, my colleagues and technical coaches have guided me towards professional registration as a Chartered Engineer. The local representatives have been really open and helpful, guiding me through this fulfilling process. I would like to thank the IMechE representatives in my region who have been patient and thoughtful in helping me grow professionally.


Where do you see yourself in five year's time?

In 5 year’s time, I hope to establish myself in a position to influence and drive both local and international energy companies to provide safe, reliable and sustainable energy to the global community. 

And finally, if you could give one piece of advice to a graduate engineer today, what would it be?
Be open, be courageous and stay curious. Take each problem as a positive challenge, do not waste a good crisis but learn from it.

Become a member

Contact our Membership team if you have any questions about joining us:

  • Dan Bunfield

    Meet our Members

    Find out more about members of IMechE and how professional registration helps their careers