From a young age, Lionel Lee was fascinated by how machines and systems work. His curiosity led him to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, where he could apply his problem-solving skills to real-world challenges. However, what drew him to the Built Environment sector was its profound impact on how people live, work, and interact with their surroundings.
The looming depletion of oil reserves by the end of this century was a wake-up call for Lionel. He realized that the future of energy and sustainability needed urgent attention. This realization fuelled his drive to work on innovative solutions such as optimizing energy efficiency, recovering waste energy, and integrating renewable technologies. Today, as a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Exyte, he is at the forefront of designing and delivering high-tech, sustainable facilities such as semiconductors, battery cells, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and data centers. that push the boundaries of efficiency and innovation.
Navigating a Dynamic Workday
Lionel's typical day begins with reviewing project schedules and prioritizing tasks. Given the complexity of engineering projects, coordination is key. He focuses on tasks requiring input from multiple disciplines early in the day, ensuring smooth collaboration across teams.
One of his primary responsibilities is preparing engineering calculations that align with client requirements. It involves proposing plant design capacities and engaging with the client's facilities and production teams during weekly design meetings. These discussions help ensure that all specifications are captured accurately.
Internally, Lionel works closely with architects and engineers from various disciplines to integrate plant requirements into designs. Weekly coordination meetings with the construction team and subcontractors keep projects on track and address any design updates or constraints that arise.
Lionel discussing with engineer on utilities routing within the cleanroom
Collaboration and Overcoming Challenges
Lionel frequently collaborates with the mechanical engineers on the client's project team. Communication is crucial in this process, as mechanical utility requirements must be meticulously discussed and aligned through structured design meetings. Any engineering constraints or changes are carefully documented as part of ongoing project management.
One of Lionel's biggest challenges is the space constraint for utilities and plant equipment, as space is typically expensive and therefore limited. Even after exploring various equipment types and layouts, there are instances where existing spaces cannot accommodate the latest facility requirements. In such cases, expansion into other utility areas becomes necessary, often requiring careful negotiation with affected teams. To address these challenges, Lionel highlights the significance of comprehending the broader needs of various disciplines in addition to his engineering requirements. Striking a balance between competing priorities ensures a design that works for everyone.
Embracing Technology and Looking to the Future
Innovation is at the core of Lionel's work; he has seen first-hand how technology enhances productivity. His team has leveraged automation in digital design, using programming interface on the BIM (Building Information Modelling) platform to model repetitive cleanroom features. This has significantly reduced modelling time, reducing a three-week task to just one week.
Lionel testing out the programming interface on the BIM platform to model cleanroom features
A recent highlight in Lionel's career was earning his Professional Engineer certification, awarded by Professional Engineers Board Singapore (PEB), a statutory board in the Ministry of National Development. After passing two rigorous examinations and a professional interview, he achieved this significant milestone. It allows him to represent projects in discussions with authorities and positions him to mentor the next generation of engineers.
Beyond his daily responsibilities, Lionel keeps himself updated on global developments, recognizing that international trends influence policies, supply chains, and financial markets. This broad perspective enables him to make informed decisions professionally and personally.
Looking ahead, Lionel is excited about the rapid evolution of the Built Environment sector. As Singapore moves towards net-zero carbon emissions, new technologies are being integrated into buildings, and regulations are continuously updated. Incorporating energy storage devices and stricter energy efficiency targets for mechanical systems reflect the industry's commitment to sustainability. For Lionel, the ability to work at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and environmental responsibility makes his career genuinely fulfilling.
Lionel Lee's journey in the built environment sector illustrates the significant role engineers play in creating a sustainable and innovative future. His work at Exyte highlights the critical role of mechanical engineers in designing high-tech facilities, overcoming engineering challenges, and embracing technological advancements. Aspiring engineers can take inspiration from Lionel's dedication, knowing that their work can contribute to a smarter, greener world.