The Power of 3D Models: From Drawing Board to Reality
Niels, Lead CAD Engineer at DENS, took a winding path before finding his place. “I went from HAVO to MBO, then worked while earning my HBO diploma part-time. After that, I completed a post-graduate degree in refrigeration technology. But now, I’ve found my place and left the school desks behind,” he says with a smile.
Where innovation meets passion
That eagerness to learn is a perfect fit at DENS. Niels and his team of seven CAD engineers are constantly designing new, cutting-edge energy systems. “It’s like playing with a giant, high-tech LEGO set every day,” he jokes. “Except our pieces are a bit more complex than plastic bricks.”
Niels’ eyes light up as he talks about his work. “Before DENS, I was designing air conditioning systems for buses. That might not sound thrilling, but funnily enough, that experience is proving to be really useful now. Our PowerHub has an advanced cooling system—talk about perfect timing!”
The choice for Impact
Why did Niels choose DENS? “I didn’t want to work for a huge company where, as a CAD engineer, you spend all day designing a tiny screw,” he says with a wink. “I wanted to be somewhere I could make an impact. At DENS, we’re looking for people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty—well, figuratively, since our models are digital. I turn 2D ideas into 3D models, and from there, the real challenge begins.”
The excitement in his voice is unmistakable. “My job? I take ideas and make them real. Then we build, test, sometimes swear when things don’t fit, and go back to the drawing board.
But when I walk through the workshop and see the machines we’ve designed come to life, I still get goosebumps. Seeing an idea grow into something tangible that makes a real difference in the world—that’s what makes this job amazing.”
More Than Just a Workplace
for Niels, it’s not just about the work. “We’re like a family here,” he says. “Okay, sometimes a slightly dysfunctional one when we don’t agree, but an hour later, we’re all laughing together at the Friday afternoon drinks. Everyone here shares the same goal: to grow this company and create incredible products.”
And the future? Niels doesn’t have to think twice.
“I often look back at what we’ve achieved, and it’s fantastic. But honestly? I can’t wait to see what we do next. The energy transition isn’t slowing down, and neither are we at DENS!”