Alex Bannister
This month’s employee spotlight features Alex Bannister, a Mechanical Designer with a focus on projects at Rainhouse. Alex is a UVic Alumni with a degree in mechanical engineering. With a passion for precision and a commitment to excellence, Alex plays a pivotal role in shaping the design solutions that power our projects. He is a driving force behind our innovative endeavours.
We asked Alex a few questions to get to know him better, and here is what he had to say.
What do you do at Rainhouse?
My scope of work is quite varied at Rainhouse. I am a mechanical designer for the company, meaning I help consult on client designs and produce the planning, models and drawings required for the manufacturing stage to be efficient and first-rate. I also assist the shop in whatever way my skillset allows, whether it is material sourcing, process improvement, or machining in general. Additionally, I’ve been helping in the R&D ventures of Rainhouse to support the creation of battery energy storage system technology.
What do you enjoy most about working at Rainhouse?
I really love the discussions involved in the design process. There’s nothing more enjoyable to me in the design field than to have a meeting of the minds to talk about why something may or may not work, and more importantly, how to tackle the requirements at hand in a cost-effective and elegant way.
How many projects have you participated in?
I have been part of a few design projects in my short time on the job. I’ve assisted the shop with many projects in small ways, as well as being a part of several longer design projects.
What project has been your favourite so far? Why?
My favourite project so far was the design and manufacture of a large rocket nozzle testing jig. The system had to be built for a giant tanker for the purposes of testing a rocket nozzle’s propellent properties. Everyone in the building was on board to make sure the parts were meeting specifications and would be assembled properly. I was satisfied to know that the client’s testing was a resounding success and that the jig worked perfectly!
What is something most people do not know about you?
I am a huge RC planes nerd. I was president of UVic AERO for a brief period and I like to keep up with drone technology, whether it be general forward flight, rotorcrafts, or VTOL designs from startup companies.
What is the ONE THING you cannot live without?
My legs. All of my active hobbies (including running, climbing, and biking) heavily require my legs. It would certainly mean a huge change in my lifestyle if I ever lost them.