About Us

Prior to starting Index Engineering, Jan ran his own mechanical engineering and building practice in South Africa and on moving to NZ, worked as a mechanical design engineer/project manager.

Jan’s 40 years of engineering work and 15 years as a Design Verifier means that he has become a sought-after engineering specialist within New Zealand. He has over 30 years of in-depth experience in the pulp and paper sector and is a Fellow of Engineering NZ.

Jan’s responsibilities include overseeing all engineering outputs to ensure quality cost-effective outcomes for clients. As MD, he ensures that Index attracts and retains a team of highly skilled, capable staff, and that the Index team is well-supported.

Favourite work aspects:
Jan gets a lot of satisfaction from going the extra mile for customers. He finds it highly rewarding to see the professional development of Index team members. Jan particularly enjoys challenging and difficult work.

Away from work:
When not at work, Jan loves to get his hands dirty on DIY and gardening projects.

Ingrid helped set up Index Engineering with Jan in 2010. While the scope of her responsibilities has changed as the company has grown, one key component she retains from the company’s inception is her role as quality manager: this was (and is) a requirement for accreditation as an ISO registered inspection body. She also deals with finance, HR, policy, systems and marketing.

Ingrid has a BA, PGDIpURP and is currently studying for an MBA at Waikato University.

Favourite work aspects:
Ingrid really enjoys the diversity of a job that offers both big picture thinking and detailed work. Every day is different for her, and being part of a team of smart, fun people means going to work is a pleasure.

Away from work:
Passionate about art, Ingrid loves figurative drawing and creating lino cuts and paintings based on her garden.

Tom joined Index Engineering in 2012 as a University of Canterbury graduate and in 2018, began focussing on supporting clients with their on-site engineering needs. Tom is also a certified API653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector.

Handling a diverse range of projects, Tom focusses on consistently delivering effective design and support services whilst building effective relationships at client sites. He considers it a pleasure to work with a variety of people to achieve a common solution that satisfies everyone.

Favourite work aspects:
A natural leader, Tom likes getting involved in complex projects and takes a methodical approach to problem solving. The pressure of shutdowns and start-ups is something he particularly relishes. Tom also enjoys reviewing standards and codes, as well as identifying compliant designs and working through the process of making non-compliant equipment compatible.

Away from work:
Tom loves family time enjoying outdoor activities and attending art and cultural activities.

Nicky was Index Engineering’s first employee, joining the company in 2011. She qualified as a Design Verifier in 2012 and has 15+ years’ experience in heavy industry projects. Design Verification continues to be a major focus of her work and she also has responsibilities in the area of mechanical plant and equipment design.

Favourite work aspects:
Nicky rates client satisfaction highly and particularly enjoys working with return clients. She also likes being involved in different or unique design verifications and projects.

Away from work:
Weekend family time is spent exploring the outdoors including the Redwoods and local lakes, where spotting a deer or catching a trout are a major bonus.

Bevan has an NZCE and BEngTech and brings 20+ years of design and project management experience to his role at Index Engineering. Bevan believes working with others in the Index team to add value and deliver cost-effective solutions for clients is his main priority. Good project management and relationship building skills as well as significant hands-on experience in the field mean Bevan is a great addition to the team dynamic.

Favourite work aspects:
Bevan has a can-do attitude and rates learning, working through challenges, and seeing satisfied clients as favoured aspects of his role.

Away from Work:
Family, enjoying the outdoors and quiet time come top of Bevan’s list for his free time.

Mark completed his BE(Hons) at Waikato University in 2013 and then spent 8 years working as a reliability engineer and maintenance engineer in the forestry/pulp and paper sectors. This means that he brings a valuable perspective on what our clients want and need from consulting engineers: practical solutions that deliver results.

Favourite work aspects:

After a focus on maintenance work, Mark is relishing the opportunity to be involved in the design and design review of plant equipment. He is looking forward to deepening his knowledge of engineering design, through learning the ins and outs of engineering codes and understanding the “why”.

Away from work:

Mark’s young family keeps him busy when away from work and he enjoys getting out in the forest, lakes and rivers.

Laurence completed his BE(Hons) at Canterbury University in 2019 and then joined Index Engineering Ltd as a graduate engineer. Laurence values practical solutions and is an excellent listener and communicator.

Favourite work aspects:
Laurence enjoys using both FEA and first principles to solve unique problems. He particularly enjoys project/design work, and the satisfaction of seeing an idea or concept come to fruition.

Away from Work:
Laurence is passionate about the outdoors and loves getting out and about in Rotorua and its surrounds, whether on (or in) the water, or out in the forest.

After completing his BE(Hons) at Waikato University in 2019, Josh spent two years working as an electrical trade assistant and mechanical/project engineer. He joined Index in September 2021.

Favourite work aspects:
Josh has a passion for mechanical systems and is keen to build on his technical knowledge through getting involved in rigorous mechanical engineering calculations and use of state-of-the-art software.

Away from work:
Josh is a keen skier and has skied fields throughout New Zealand, Canada and Japan. He enjoys weightlifting and golf.

Chris completed his BE(Hons) from Waikato University in September 2022 and started with Index Engineering in March 2023. He is an Engineering NZ emerging professional member.

Favourite work aspects:
Chris is enthusiastic about starting his journey towards becoming a CPEng and growing his knowledge of industrial design with the support of the experienced team of Index engineers.

Away from work:
In winter, Chris loves snowboarding and in summer, he enjoys squash, surfing and hiking.

Sharik completed his BE(Hons) at The University of Newcastle (NSW) in 2022. He then worked as a toolmaker in Australia before moving to New Zealand in April 2023 to join Index Engineering.

Favourite work aspects:
Sharik has loved the welcoming and supportive environment at Index Engineering and is looking forward to growing his knowledge and skills through challenging projects at the company.

Away from work:
Outside of work Sharik enjoys pursuing his hobbies which include woodworking and exploring nature, whether that be by hiking, mountain biking or kayaking.

Senior Designer James joined the company in 2013 and has a deep understanding of 3D design work. Even though he holds trade qualifications and has four decades of experience in the design and drafting field, James still likes learning new things and expanding his skillset.

Favourite work aspects:
James particularly enjoys the combination of design and finite element analysis; essentially designing or improving equipment then verifying the integrity using both the FEA process and SOLIDWORKS computer modelling.

Away from work:
Outside of work, James loves studying Bible scriptures to gain an in-depth understanding as well as to be able to pass that knowledge on to others. He also enjoys motorcycling and family time.

Pierre gained his mechanical draughtsman certificate while working as a mechanical draughtsman for a mining company in South Africa. He moved to NZ in 2020 to join Index Engineering and brings 15 years of drafting and design experience to his role.

Favourite work aspects:
For Pierre, the best part of his work is creating 3D models in a limitless workspace. FEA software allows him to tackle the potential challenges of a project using 3D modelling to see how things may buckle and bow to accurately assess what design modifications are required. The engineering drawings that follow turn modelling into reality. It makes Pierre happy when these processes make a difference – helping clients work safer and more efficiently.

Away from work:
Family is Pierre’s main passion; creating cherished memories, and making a difference in his family’s lives. Alone, he can be found on his mountain bike or trail running.

Stephan has a Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering and has worked in related fields over several years.

Stephan was introduced to Solidworks two years ago, and the concept of design mixed with problem solving was intriguing enough for him to pursue a career as a draughtsperson.

Favourite work aspects:
Stephan loves 3D modelling using Solidworks, as well as the challenge of constantly learning new things. He hopes to improve his design methods, draughting techniques and mechanical knowledge over the next few years.

Away from work:
At the moment, he spends most of his time with his family, but also loves travelling and photography, and enjoys mountain biking with friends and colleagues.

Melissa recently joined us as our new Operations Administrator. She has a strong administration and customer service background in both the industrial and real estate sectors.

Favourite work aspects:
Melissa has a passion for finding creative solutions and understands the important role administration plays in the success of any team. She is excited to have her creative skills, forward-thinking ability and all-round competency contribute to the growth of the company.

Away from work:
Melissa can be found running the forest trails, paddling on the lakes, and enjoying family life with her two sons and husband.