Nobleo's consultancy program: a continuous learning curve

When Ben Kanters reflects on his more than ten years at Nobleo, one word consistently comes to mind: ‘growth.’ Not just professional development, but the comprehensive learning that comes from constantly stepping outside your comfort zone while maintaining solid ground beneath your feet. "It's reassuring to have Nobleo as a steady base while experiencing different companies and projects," Ben explains.

The leap from familiar ground

After completing his Mechanical Engineering degree at Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven, Ben spent eight years at a small company specialised in bond testing.  Here he gained his first working experience as an engineer. Eventually the work became too much of a routine however and he decided it was time to move on. “When former colleagues who had transitioned to Nobleo spoke about their experiences I was intrigued,” Ben recalls. “I could continue doing the same work for another eight years or discover what else was out there.” The prospect of working across multiple companies while enjoying permanent employment security aligned perfectly with his desire for both stability and adventure. 

Engineering at scale

Ben’s journey through Nobleo’s consultancy program took him to some of the Netherlands’ most innovative engineering companies. His first assignment for a company that develops high-tech machinery for the semiconductor industry provided solid grounding. But it was his next role at a company specialised in developing high-tech mechatronics products and systems that presented his most memorable challenge. “The project we did was extraordinary,” Ben explains enthusiastically. “We developed a precision measurement machine – more particularly the positioning stage, which was massive: 3x3x4 meters, yet required atomic-level accuracy.” 

The project represented a convergence of Eindhoven’s high-tech ecosystem, with major high-tech players in the Brainport region all contributing their expertise. The machine was designed to measure optical components for advanced lithography systems, operating within vacuum conditions to eliminate contamination. “What made it challenging wasn’t just size or precision, but also the coordination,” Ben continues. “The company had 35 engineers working on the project, plus all the external partners. Managing interfaces and ensuring alignment taught invaluable lessons about technical integration and team dynamics.”  

The complexity extended to the supply chain as raw materials had to be sourced from various countries worldwide. Finding suppliers capable of machining such large components to the required specification proved to be its own engineering challenge. “Every aspect was unique,” Ben reflects. “From procurement to manufacturing to assembly, we were constantly problem-solving in uncharted territory.” 

Learning through setbacks

Not every project proceeded smoothly, and Ben values those experiences equally. During the next project in his consultancy journey, he faced different challenges that tested his communication skills as much as his technical expertise. “One of the suppliers took too much initiative, implementing their own interpretations rather than following our specifications,” Ben explains. “When the deliverables didn’t match our expectations, we had to completely realign the project.” This experience taught him the importance of clear communication in complex engineering projects. “Learning to navigate such situations has been invaluable,” he observes.  

Understanding the journey

Ben believes Nobleo’s strength lies in its understanding that learning curves naturally flatten. “When you enter a new company, the learning curve is steep. After a few years, you understand operations, and growth levels off. Nobleo recognises this and gives freedom to seek new challenges when ready.” 

But recognising when it’s time for a new step is only part of the story. Just as important is knowing you can always rely on the expertise of colleagues, wherever you’re working. Nobleo’s competence groups ensure that engineers stay connected and can draw on each other’s experience across both internal and external projects. “Everyone is tackling different projects, so exchange of that knowledge is incredibly valuable,” Ben notes. “You hear about solutions you wouldn’t have come across otherwise and you can immediately apply them in your own projects. And if you encounter any challenges, you know you have at least fifty equally technical colleagues you can call on. That backing makes a significant difference.” 

Present focus

Now working on an internal Nobleo project, Ben continues finding satisfaction in new challenges. His role has evolved to include mentoring younger engineers. “Passing on knowledge and seeing others grow is genuinely rewarding,” he explains. Outside work, Ben maintains practical focus. With daughters aged eleven and eight, family provides both grounding and motivation. He stays active through tennis and running, currently training for the Eindhoven marathon in October, when he is going to run 10K with some of his fellow Nobleans. When asked about future plans, Ben maintains his characteristic pragmatism. “I don’t look too far ahead. I’m doing work I genuinely enjoy now. If I can continue to use and extend my expertise during the very diverse projects I am allowed to do for Nobleo, I am quite content.” 

The perfect explorer’s formula

Reflecting on his journey, Ben sees his career as validation of Nobleo’s approach to professional development. “The biggest advantage has been the ability to step into different environments while always knowing Nobleo had my back. That security enabled me to take risks and pursue challenges I might otherwise have avoided.” His story exemplifies what the Nobleo’s consultancy program aims to achieve: providing engineers with both the stability to grow and the freedom to discover their potential across the Netherlands’ most innovative companies.