Working Lives: Adam Wilson is making things do things at Tracerco

At Tracerco, innovation is driven by people who are passionate about solving problems and pushing technology forward. One of those people is Adam Wilson, a Senior Embedded Software Engineer in our Process Diagnostic & Innovation team, whose curiosity and creativity are central to the development of our next-generation instrumentation and diagnostic tools.

"I make things do things"

That’s how Adam sums up his role in under 30 words. But behind that modest description is a career built on adaptability, perseverance, and a deep fascination with how things work. While many might assume his job is all about coding, Adam reveals that it’s actually more about testing, tweaking, and refining, making sure everything works just right.

A career sparked by a twist of fate.

Adam’s journey into engineering wasn’t exactly planned. Originally accepted to study Chemistry at York University, a last-minute change in course availability led him to choose Electronics Engineering instead, a decision that shaped his entire career.

From a summer placement at SSI, where he worked next to a blast furnace and learned the realities of heavy industry (and the cost of dusty shirts!), to roles at MJR Controls and the Centre for Process Innovation, Adam has built a career grounded in real-world problem solving. Along the way, he’s worked on everything from marine control systems to innovative healthcare solutions.

Making an impact at Tracerco

One of Adam’s proudest moments at Tracerco has been supporting the development of Discovery Offshore. He’s currently planning a visit to the U.S. to see the tool in action and assess how the changes he’s helped implement are performing in the field. “It’s exciting to see the impact of our work beyond the lab,” he says.

Skills that power innovation

Adam’s role demands more than just technical know-how. He relies heavily on problem solving, perseverance, tenacity, and adaptability, skills that help him navigate complex challenges and collaborate across teams. While programming is part of the toolkit, it’s his ability to think creatively and stay curious that really drives his success.

Advice for aspiring engineers

“Don’t be afraid to play around with things,” Adam advises. “Break them, fix them, and learn from the process. And most of all, enjoy it!” His enthusiasm for discovery is infectious, and it’s clear that he finds joy in the journey as much as the outcome.

Beyond the workbench

Outside of work, Adam’s passion for electronics continues. He collects vintage tech, from 80s PCs and valve radios to calculators, and volunteers at his local Repair Café, helping others bring old gadgets back to life. One recent repair of a laserdisc player even inspired him to hunt one down for his own collection.

His home is filled with radios (one in every room!), and he’s had to adopt a strict “one in, one out” policy to keep the collection manageable. Adam’s story is a brilliant example of how curiosity, resilience, and a love of learning can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career. His journey is a testament to the opportunities at Tracerco for those who are ready to explore, experiment, and grow.

Join us at Tracerco

Adam’s story is just one of many that show how passion, determination, and a supportive environment can lead to fulfilling careers. At Tracerco, we’re proud to be a place where people bring their whole selves to work and go home feeling proud of what they’ve achieved.

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