He was the lead designer who changed Boeing's original design of the door surround structure of its B757-200 passenger aircraft.

Mr Teng worked with engineers in Mobile Aerospace Engineering, a subsidiary of ST Aerospace in Alabama in the United States, to convert the B757-200 to a freighter aircraft.

Using licensed data from Boeing, he redesigned the reinforced fuselage surrounding the plane's new cargo door opening and changed it from a bonded to a riveted structure.

The new design helped to simplify manufacturing activities and made production operations easier.

After the design phase, Mr Teng joined a team of specialists and engineers in China to manufacture and assemble the first prototype of the reinforced fuselage.

The new design for the conversion of the B757-200 aircraft was approved by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Earlier this year, it issued a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) giving ST Aerospace its first full engineering authority to carry out the conversion.

The certificate, which is the first for ST Aerospace, highlights the company's engineering capability to carry out major projects.

The STC will provide more possibilities for the company to attract more customers. It is already converting two Royal New Zealand Air Force and 87 FedEx B757 -200 planes.

"With Boeing backing us, customers are assured that their aircraft conversion is in good hands," Mr Teng says.

His current tasks include ensuring the timely delivery of the redesigned structures to Mobile Aerospace Engineering.

Like him, his younger colleague, Ms Wong Qi Wen, 25, also has opportunities to work overseas and acquire skills to tackle different jobs and meet tight deadlines.

An NTU honours graduate in mechanical engineering, Ms Wong who is a quality assurance engineer, joined ST Aerospace in 2006.

A posting for six months to Mobile Aerospace Engineering is giving her on-site experience of the FAA certification process. This includes liaising with suppliers and FAA designated engineers and inspectors.

Regular training and skills upgrading courses are a key aspect of her challenging career, she adds.

"Every project differs in its scope. It is important to acquire the necessary and correct skills. You must have a sense of urgency to be able to meet the deadlines for the project."

Performing his duties as ST Aerospace's representative overseas has made Mr Teng an all-rounder in the engineering field.

Besides acquiring technical knowledge, he must understand the cultures of specialists and professionals of different nationalities to work well with them to solve a variety of problems.

"The experience has broadened my horizons and perspective," he says.

Mr Teng says that Singaporean engineers in ST Aerospace gain knowledge and expertise that are not commonly available in other organisations.

They can work with a global network of suppliers and be involved in a wide range of tasks.

This includes design engineering, cross-cultural sub-contractor management and dealing with aviation authorities around the world.

As Ms Wong says: "Working with ST Aerospace is satisfying. The company will help you to grow and it will grow with you. It is a win-win situation."

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