A day in the life of an Associate Data Engineer

Chris is a city boy through and through, he grew up in Hong Kong and has been living in London for more than a decade. In between, he moved to Birmingham and also Atherstone but all roads led him back to London.  Before joining Vortexa, Chris worked at Recycleye, a company specialising in computer vision, and robotics for the waste management industry. As a Computer Vision Engineer, he developed machine learning models to detect and analyse waste, enabling more efficient sorting processes. This role involved visiting various waste facilities to install AI-powered robotic systems designed to enhance sorting efficiency and reduce the amount of material sent to landfills and incineration.  Fun fact: Chris can make an incredible Cantonese-style roast pork belly in the air fryer—at least according to his very exclusive sample size of two!

What does day-to-day life in your role look like?

In my day-to-day role, I collaborate closely with our analysts to refine and resolve data-related issues on the Vortexa platform within our pod’s scope, ensuring smooth and efficient data processes. Additionally, I continuously improve our code stack to enhance performance and develop new features aligned with client needs and our product roadmap.

What would you say is the most interesting aspect of your role?

One of the most interesting aspects of my role is working within our pod structure, which empowers us with greater autonomy and decision-making capabilities to develop best-in-class solutions for our department. I also enjoy the challenge of learning about legacy processes and the software decisions behind them, which is essential as I integrate new features into existing systems to deliver the best insights for our customers.

What was your path to joining Vortexa? 

I've been passionate about Formula 1 since I was a kid, which led me to study Mechanical Engineering with the hope of working in the field one day. Early in my career as a Transmissions Control and Design Engineer, I realised I wanted to expand my skill set and dive deeper into software development. This led me to pursue a second master's in Computer Science, where I discovered my passion for coding and solving complex problems. My transition from a Computer Vision Engineer to a Data Engineer was driven by my desire to work on broader applications and strengthen my software engineering skills. I was particularly drawn to Vortexa because of its cutting-edge technology and the incredibly welcoming and talented team. It felt like the perfect place to grow and make an impact.

What kind of qualities does a person need to have to succeed at Vortexa?

At Vortexa, I think being solution-focused and always ready to help others really makes a difference. It's all about having a genuine willingness to learn and being open to feedback so you can continuously improve. Essentially, a positive attitude and a collaborative mindset are key to thriving here.

What do you like about the culture? 

I love the collaborative vibe here at Vortexa. The flat hierarchy means that everyone’s voice is heard, and it really creates a culture where feedback and innovation thrive across all teams. I also appreciate the high level of autonomy we have in our day-to-day work, which lets you truly take ownership of your projects. And the networking matching program is a fantastic bonus—it’s a great way to meet and connect with colleagues you might not usually interact with.

Who do you collaborate with?

I collaborate closely with pod leads, as well as team members like analysts and customer success managers, to understand client requirements and address any inquiries.

What are the first three things you do on a Monday morning?

On Monday mornings, I start by checking Slack to catch up on any updates. Then, I join my daily stand-up with a cup of coffee in hand. Finally, I map out my priorities for the day to ensure I’m focused on the key deliverables.

What energises you most about working as an Associate Data Engineer at Vortexa?

What energises me most about working as an Associate Data Engineer at Vortexa is the chance to learn from some of the brightest minds in the industry—colleagues and managers alike—and to dive into the fascinating world of oil and gas. Gaining insights into industry trends and innovations truly fuels my passion and drive every day.