What is your role at Walker Rubber?
I’m a Graduate Sales and Manufacturing Engineer, which basically means I sit right between engineering and sales. In real terms, I help customers turn their idea or problem into something that can actually be manufactured. That might be advising on design, creating CAD drawings, or making sure what’s been specified will work properly in the real world.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are the same, which is what I like. I’ll usually start by reviewing how things are moving: sales performance, workflow, what’s gone well, and what could be improved. From there, it could be anything from analysing data to jumping straight into CAD and creating a technical drawing from a customer’s request. The role lets me switch between engineering and sales constantly, which keeps things interesting.
What were you doing before Walker Rubber?
Before Walker Rubber, I was studying at Oxford Brookes University and graduated in the summer of 2025. Alongside that, I was running my own business. That mix has been great for me, and means I can apply my technical engineering knowledge from my degree while also understanding the commercial side, like customer needs, timelines, and making decisions.
What’s been the best and the toughest part of starting your first role after university?
Starting my first job after uni was definitely nerve-racking at first. But the team here made the transition much easier than I expected. Everyone’s been approachable and willing to help, which makes a big difference when you’re still learning. That support has really pushed me to develop my skills and grow in the role.
What’s challenged your technical skills the most so far?
Rubber manufacturing. It’s not as straightforward as people think. Unlike metals, rubber expands during production, which means dimensions can change. That’s where the problem-solving comes in, adjusting CAD drawings to account for tolerance so the final part is right the first time. It’s technical, but you can really add value for customers.
From a graduate’s point of view, what makes Walker Rubber different?
The size of the team here, because we’re not a huge organisation, you’re not just a number. Anyone can suggest ideas, improvements, or new ways of doing things, and they’re actually listened to. It makes you feel invested in the business, not just employed by it.
What’s your favourite process or product to work with so far?
Extrusions, without a doubt. Every extrusion is different, and the bespoke dies we create are designed directly from customer requests. Seeing those ideas go from concept to finished product is really satisfying.
What’s been your proudest moment since joining?
Completing my first bespoke CAD drawing for a customer and then seeing it manufactured on-site and shipped – that was the moment it really clicked that I was contributing something tangible!
And outside of work?
I like to stay active. I enjoy travelling, getting outdoors, spending time with family and friends, going to the gym, and working on different projects. I’m not great at sitting still!
Got a design that needs turning into a real workable rubber component?
Lewis brings fresh engineering insight, commercial awareness, and hands-on CAD support to help customers get it right from the start.
If you need technical advice or help developing a bespoke rubber solution, get in touch.