From his early days as a STEM-focused student to his current role as Operations Strategic Development Manager at Oxford Instruments, Ben Unett has built a career around operational excellence and a passion for sharing knowledge.
In the next of our 'My Engineering Career' blog series, Ben reflects on his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and why volunteering with the IET Manufacturing Technical Network (TN) has become a meaningful part of his professional life.
STEM to Manufacturing
Ben’s interest in engineering began at school, where he was drawn to maths, physics, and chemistry. With a father who taught maths, STEM subjects were always part of the equation. “I started off thinking I wanted to do mathematical engineering,” Ben said. “But I realised I was more hands-on than theoretical, so I switched to mechanical engineering.”
Ben studied at Portsmouth University and during his placement year, he discovered manufacturing and never looked back.
Early Career: Lean Thinking and Operational Excellence
After university, Ben joined a company as a manufacturing engineer and quickly became immersed in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. “I got into OpEx work early on,” he said. “I’ve always had a passion for seeing business processes get slicker, things going out the door faster, improving yields.”
This focus on efficiency and improvement became the cornerstone of his career. Over time, he progressed into strategic roles, helping shape manufacturing processes across Oxford Instruments.
Ben’s work revolves around making complex systems more efficient and easier to understand. “A picture paints a thousand words,” he said. “I always try to visualise what I’m explaining. People grasp a diagram much quicker than a long essay full of numbers.”
Learning and Mentoring
Ben is a strong advocate for continuous professional development (CPD). Whether it’s learning from colleagues, attending courses, or mentoring others, he sees every interaction as an opportunity to grow. “CPD comes in all shapes and sizes,” he said. “Even if you take away one useful nugget from a course, it’s worth it.” He’s also mentored graduate engineers working towards chartership, having completed the IET’s mentoring course himself. “I find mentoring quite rewarding. You don’t tell people what to do, you guide them. They have to take ownership of their learning.”
Volunteering with the IET
Ben joined the Manufacturing TN with two goals: to give back and to work towards becoming a Fellow of the IET. “I wanted to share engineering knowledge from industry with the wider community,” he said. “There’s so much information out there, it’s about making it accessible.”
He’s helped organise events, connect speakers, and build networks and values the TN not just for its outreach, but for the chance to hear from engineers in other industries. “It gives you a different perspective,” he said. “When you’re deep in your own work, it’s refreshing to hear how others approach similar challenges.”
Looking Ahead: AI, Quantum, and the Future of Manufacturing
Ben is excited about the potential of AI and quantum computing to reshape manufacturing. “Could AI be used to create manufacturing processes?” he asks. “Imagine feeding in a 3D CAD model and getting a full procedure back.” He sees these technologies as tools to accelerate R&D and reduce time to production, especially when paired with traditional engineering know-how. “You’re not going to get AI or a quantum computer to bolt A to B,” he said. “You still need hands-on skills. But combining those with digital tools can make processes more efficient.”
Advice for Aspiring Engineers
Ben’s advice to those starting out is simple but powerful: “Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, that’s the best way to learn. And when you’re young, say yes to opportunities. You’ll learn a hell of a lot.” He also encourages asking questions, no matter how basic they might seem. “You’ll often find others are wondering the same thing but are afraid to ask.”
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