Louise Murray, Junior Product Designer
Meet Louise, a Junior Product Designer at Star Refrigeration, currently pursuing a M.Eng in Product Design Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, set to graduate in 2026. Louise joined Star in February 2024 as a part-time intern alongside her studies, motivated by the desire to gain real-world experience in her field. In her role, she focuses on creating 3D models and CAD animations for heat pump visualizations, as well as updating and revising orthographic drawings and CAD models for various projects. Transitioning into the refrigeration industry presented Louise with new challenges, particularly in mastering the specifics of heat pumps and large-scale CAD modelling. She values the supportive environment at Star, where the friendly team encourages her learning and responds helpfully to her questions, enhancing her confidence and passion for engineering.
What is your education background?
I’ve just finished my Third Year of a M.Eng in Product Design Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, set to graduate in 2026.
How did you start working at Star?
I was looking for a summer internship as I wanted an opportunity to gain real world experience alongside my studies.
What benefits have you found from your intern placement?
Working at Star has been a brilliant opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge that I have developed at Uni. It has given me invaluable insight into the world of work, boosting my confidence and solidifying my passion for engineering.
What does your current role involve?
In my role as Junior Product Designer, my time is split between Star Renewable Energy and the Design department.
In Star Renewables, I have been working on producing 3D models to help with visualisation of heat pumps. This summer I will be looking to produce CAD models and animations which communicate how these systems work.
Recently, I have also started working in the Design department, doing updates and revisions on orthographic drawings and CAD models for a variety of different projects.
What do you enjoy most about what you have been working on, and what are the biggest challenges you face?
Before starting at star, I had very little experience of heat pumps or the refrigeration industry as a whole and although I had experience with CAD modelling, I had never worked on projects at this scale.
The unfamiliarity has meant everyday has brought new challenges: from understanding the general refrigeration process, to the specifics of pipes and valves, to the practical CAD skills, I love that there is always something new to learn!
How long have you been working for Star? What do you like about working for the company?
I first started with Star in February of this year, working one day a week alongside my studies and I am currently undertaking a full-time summer internship.
I’ve loved working for Star because everyone is super friendly, receptive to questions and keen to help me learn.