WHAT does your job entail? I am responsible for all aspects of new product design, prototypes, pre-manufacturing samples and production jigs and components. The firm designs electronic hardware, firmware and software applications for in-house products and contract projects.

Some of my first designs to include microprocessor technology were controller "brains" that direct the operation of clean air environment (fume) cabinets and incubators, which are used in laboratories and hospitals for biological research. I designed the first locally produced forensic superglue finger printing machine, (think of the CSI television series where finger prints cannot be dusted off paper, cloth and so on - this machine sorts out that problem).

Recently I designed a hi-tech medical operating table, another first for South Africa as these tables were previously imported.

At the moment I am designing headsets for use by telephonists and call centre staff. These are the first locally manufactured heads sets. With the number of local call centres increasing there is a need for a locally manufactured product.

Average work day: My job includes quality control and checking production test equipment and procedures.

I often liaise with clients who may require specialist solutions, and am very involved in the design of new products.

Best part of the job: Total job satisfaction is seeing one of my inventions being used to help someone. I still recall the look on an elderly man's face the first time he used one of my SAM telephone amplifiers and could hear his children clearly on the telephone for the first time in many years.

Worst part of the job: While most of my projects run smoothly, there are times when many a frustrating hour is spent debugging systems. At times like these, I can understand why "Bills Windows" is so hard to keep going.

Why did you choose this career? I have always been interested in electronics and automation. When I was young, I used to open whatever I could get my hands on to see how it worked inside.

What else would you have liked to do? If I had the space and time to set up a workshop, I would like to produce fine quality solid wooden furniture.

Are you paid enough? I am comfortable, but there is always room for improvement.

Rate your work stress on a scale of 1 to 10: My stress level swings between 6 and 10, depending on the status of the project that I am working on.

What do you do in your leisure time? I tend to have little spare time, often working at home in the evenings. When I can, I like to spend as much time as possible with my family.

Travel opportunities? You could spend a lot of time travelling to promote ideas and test design applications.