Zahir Khalifa is our Service & Calibration Engineer here in Coventry. Zahir works closely with customers to help them keep their Polytec equipment accurately calibrated and well-maintained and arranges repairs when needed. Zahir helps ensure the reliable performance of our equipment and helps customers across a wide range of industries get the best value and longer life out of Polytec instruments. With an engineering background and a commitment to continuous learning, Zahir provides knowledgeable support, helping customers get the most from their systems over the long term.
From Civil Engineering in India to Precision Engineering in the UK
Zahir’s journey began in India, where he completed a degree in civil engineering. He has always been interested in engineering, and as part of his degree, he had to cover the basics of other engineering specialisms, including electronic and mechanical engineering. This gave him a broad foundation for him to work across diverse fields. Although he initially trained in civil engineering, his interests quickly expanded to other areas of engineering.
Zahir moved to the UK in 2007. Although he already spoke English he worked to improve on it so that he could converse more easily in a work environment. “When I came here, I knew I had to work on my English to better integrate and succeed professionally,” So Zahir he took ESOL classes, gradually progressing through different levels to improve his fluency at the same time as working in his first job here in the UK. This commitment to self-improvement paid off, not only in his personal life but also in his professional growth, where communication is key. Zahir describes these language studies as a stepping stone to his career in engineering in the UK, allowing him to build a robust foundation for his role here.
Building Expertise: From Mobile Phone Repairs to Calibration Engineering
Zahir’s first job in the UK was with a company specializing in mobile phone repairs. Starting at the basic repair level, he showed a keen interest in learning more complex technical skills, eventually progressing to component-level repairs and soldering. Zahir fondly recalls the support he received from an experienced colleague, with whom he worked closely to develop his skills in advanced repairs. “I started asking him questions, and from one question, it became two, then three. It really increased my knowledge,” Zahir shares. His curiosity and hands-on learning approach allowed him to advance within the company, and he remained there for over ten years.
Zahir later worked with an electronics manufacturing company, where he further honed his skills on different machines, including both semi-automatic and fully automatic systems. His aptitude for understanding engineering and his desire to always learn new things helped him excel. He often assisted his team leader with material selections and machine operations, showing a natural inclination for leadership. However, as the company relocated operations to Newcastle, Zahir had to find a new opportunity, leading him eventually to Polytec.
Joining Polytec: A New Chapter
Zahir’s needed a role that offered flexibility to balance work with his family commitments. “A big factor in choosing Polytec was their flexible approach,”. After an introductory chat and tour of the facilities with Our Managing Director Chris, Zahir was impressed by Polytec’s technology.
Working at Polytec has introduced Zahir to a new world of possibilities in engineering. Polytec’s equipment is used across a range of industries, particularly for research and development, and the sheer versatility of the instruments has expanded Zahir’s engineering expertise. “There’s so much to learn about each system and how it’s used in different applications,” he says. This continuous learning process is something Zahir values deeply, and it aligns perfectly with his own drive for self-improvement.
A Day in the Life: Supporting Customers with Precision and Care
In his role as Service and Calibration Engineer, Zahir and important point of contact for many of Polytec’s existing customers. His day typically starts with checking emails and ensuring he is up to date on any service or calibration requests. Part of his role involves proactively reaching out to customers to remind them of upcoming calibration needs. For Zahir, calibration is a crucial aspect of Polytec’s commitment to quality. He emphasizes its importance: “Polytec’s equipment is often used in critical research and development. Regular calibration is essential to guarantee that readings are accurate and reliable.” Zahir keeps a detailed schedule to stay ahead of calibration deadlines, offering clients peace of mind that their instruments are in optimal working condition.
One aspect of his role that Zahir finds particularly important is the opportunity to collaborate closely with Polytec’s German headquarters. “If I need any support, I know I can reach out to our contacts in Germany for help,” he says. This direct line of communication with the original designers and builders of Polytec’s equipment allows him to provide a high standard of service and support. He notes that some clients may use third-party services, but Polytec’s in-house support is invaluable, as it ensures that equipment is calibrated and maintained according to the manufacturer’s standards.
Outside of work
Outside of his professional commitments, Zahir enjoys a busy life centred around his family. Having moved to the UK in 2007, he has embraced the challenge of adapting to a new culture while staying connected to his roots. Zahir and his wife have two children, and he’s deeply involved in their lives, from school to their extracurricular studies. On top of all of this Zahir is an enthusiastic cricket player. Balancing work and family life can be challenging, but Polytec’s flexibility enables Zahir to be there for his family when needed.
His journey is one of resilience and adaptability. Despite facing language barriers and relocating to a new country, Zahir has carved out a successful career and embraced new opportunities for learning and growth. His dedication to his craft and the support he offers clients in maintaining the precision of their equipment make him an invaluable part of Polytec UK.