Jack Ord, Technical Support Engineer – Star Renewable Energy
Jack joined Star Renewable Energy as a graduate, inspired by the company’s reputation for innovation and employee support. As a Technical Support Engineer, he plays a vital role in responding to heat pump inquiries, selecting key components like compressors and heat exchangers, and assembling detailed quotes for clients. With a background in engineering, Jack has applied his academic knowledge to tackle real-world challenges, including calculations and equipment specifications. Supported by a collaborative and positive environment at Star, he continues to develop professionally while contributing to impactful projects that promote decarbonisation and sustainability in heating.
Can you describe your role as a Technical Support Engineer at Star Renewable Energy and your main responsibilities?
In my role I support the SRE team with heat pump enquiries we receive from different potential customers. I carry out major equipment selections for components such as compressors and heat exchangers before going out to suppliers to request quotes on these various components. Once this is done I can piece together a quote document to send out to the client which will at first contain some indicative information for them such as costs, dimensions and COPs of their heat pump enquiry.
What attracted you to join Star Renewable Energy as a graduate?
I had heard from family friends in the engineering sector that Star was a great company to work for. Then after further research into the company through the website I saw the different awards won not just through completed projects but internal work within the company ‘Investors in People’ awards etc. I also took note of the various quotes from employees and benefits scheme Star has and realised how good the company would be to be a part of.
How has your academic background prepared you for your current role?
Although it’s been a steep learning curve my course at university (Mechanical Systems Engineering) has helped me with this as there has been a lot of information I have been able to transfer across from my modules as well as some of the mathematics that is involved within my role when calculations are required.
What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on at Star Renewable Energy?
I didn’t directly work on the Liverpool Heat Pump project but when I joined SRE it was only a base frame in the factory so to see that built from scratch was really good. Aside from that maybe some work I did on a potential project for one of Scotland’s leading breweries, I enjoyed being involved in the work and the meetings for this as they are local to Glasgow.
What’s been the biggest challenge in developing or supporting large-scale heat pumps?
The biggest challenge is the price of electricity. Due to the outdated policies and levies on electricity prices the electrification and decarbonisation of heating is proving difficult as many people/companies simply can’t afford or don’t have room in their budget to make the switch.
How has Star supported your professional growth since joining?
Star has been a massive support in my growth not just from management in my department helping me directly and exposing me to different activities, conferences etc., but from everyone across the company. In my experience I have found there is a really good positive environment across all sectors where everyone looks out for one another helping in any way they can to get the best out each other to help the business grow.
What advice would you give to recent graduates aspiring to enter the renewable energy sector?
There are so many aspects to look into if you’re not quite sure of the specifics and what you can apply to, but I would say to get involved, it’s the future.