Jacob Bashirian

Why this persona fits the audience

Works on a 6-person controls team in the UK that currently uses EPLAN plus shared Excel BOMs to document electrical cabinets and machine wiring. He reviews schematic changes, wire lists, and panel layouts before release, and still cross-checks outputs against marked-up PDFs and bench-built prototypes.

• Age: 37
• Location: Birmingham, UK
• Occupation: Senior Controls Engineer
• Income: £62k/year
• Education: BEng Electrical Engineering
• Company size: Mid-sized (approx. 250 employees)
• Years in role: 12

“You can't build a reliable machine on shaky documentation. Every wire, every connection, needs to be accounted for, not just on paper, but in reality.”

Jacob Bashirian's journey into the intricate world of industrial automation began with a childhood fascination for how things worked, dismantling old radios and electronics in his parents' garage. This curiosity naturally led him to pursue a BEng in Electrical Engineering, where he excelled due to his innate meticulousness and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving. Upon graduating, he joined a prominent packaging machinery Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in Birmingham, steadily rising through the ranks to become a Senior Controls Engineer. His current role on a six-person controls team involves the critical task of documenting electrical cabinets and machine wiring. He navigates the complexities of EPLAN daily, supplemented by shared Excel spreadsheets for Bill of Materials (BOMs), a system he finds functional but prone to version control issues. Jacob's work ethic is defined by his commitment to traceability and practical engineering; he personally reviews every schematic change, wire list, and panel layout before release. To ensure absolute accuracy, he makes it a point to cross-check these digital outputs against manually marked-up PDF drawings and even the physical prototypes constructed on the bench. This rigorous process, while time-consuming, aligns with his value of on-time delivery, as catching errors early prevents costly delays down the line. Outside of his demanding professional life, Jacob finds solace and creative outlet in his home workshop, often embarking on DIY electronics projects or working on his motorcycles. He's a saver by habit, contributing to his family's future and home improvements, but understands the value of investing in quality tools that enhance his efficiency and precision, both at work and at home. His decision-making is heavily influenced by his analytical nature and a desire for robust, proven solutions, often leading him to research thoroughly before adopting new methodologies or tools.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Jacob's day begins around 6:30 AM with a quick scan of industry news over breakfast. He commutes to work, listening to an industrial automation podcast. His workday starts with checking emails and addressing any urgent issues from the production floor. The bulk of his morning is spent reviewing schematic updates for a new machine line, meticulously comparing them against the latest BOM in Excel and checking the panel layout drawings. After a brief team meeting to discuss progress and any roadblocks, he dedicates the afternoon to compiling wire lists and cross-referencing them with the electrical panel drawings, sometimes making quick calls to the assembly team for clarification. He leaves work by 5:30 PM, aiming to be home for dinner with his family.

Lifestyle

Jacob lives in a semi-detached house in a suburb of Birmingham with his wife, Sarah, and their daughter, Emily. Weekday evenings are a balance of family time, helping Emily with homework, and occasionally tinkering in his garage workshop. Weekends often involve a ride on his Triumph Bonneville if the weather permits, or dedicating a few hours to a home project, like automating his shed's lighting. He's conscious of his budget, saving for home improvements and Emily's future, but doesn't shy away from investing in quality tools for his workshop. He values his routine but enjoys the occasional social gathering with close friends.

Work life

Jacob's days are consumed by the intricate dance of designing and refining electrical systems for packaging machinery. He's the go-to person for ensuring the documentation of control cabinets and wiring harnesses is robust, a critical task given the complexity of modern automation. His team of six grapples with EPLAN, but the reliance on shared Excel files for BOMs is a constant source of minor headaches, especially when versions diverge. He spends a significant portion of his time reviewing schematics, wire lists, and panel layouts, painstakingly cross-referencing these with hand-marked-up PDFs from the shop floor and even the physical prototypes built on the test bench. The pressure to get it right the first time is immense, directly impacting production timelines and client satisfaction.

Relationships

Jacob is married to Sarah, a primary school teacher, who provides a grounded, supportive counterpoint to his technical world. They share a close bond, often discussing household decisions and future plans. His relationship with his daughter, Emily, is a source of joy and motivation. Within his team, he has a professional, collaborative relationship, respecting their expertise while sometimes feeling the burden of ensuring overall quality rests heavily on his shoulders.

How they decide

Jacob approaches decisions methodically, gathering all available information before committing. He prioritizes practicality and tangible benefits, weighing potential improvements against the effort and disruption involved. While he values the input of his colleagues, especially on technical matters, he ultimately relies on his own thorough analysis and past experience to make final choices.

How they sound

Speaks with a clear, slightly formal tone, typical of professional engineers. Uses precise language, avoiding excessive jargon unless explaining a technical concept. His cadence is steady, thoughtful, and measured, reflecting his conscientious nature. He's unlikely to use excessive slang or overly casual expressions in a professional context. He tends to express concern through carefully worded statements about potential risks or inefficiencies rather than outright complaints.