Manitowoc technician Dmitry Chamaev reveals what it takes to be a successful field engineer for cranes in the Middle East, CIS and Africa. Read on to learn about his vast experience and expertise in IT and how that informs his work with cranes.
Meet the guy behind the machines and computers at Manitowoc, Dmitry Chamaev. Having been familiar with cranes and their associated parts for many years, he has also built up a strong knowledge of IT systems. That makes Dmitry uniquely equipped with the skills to repair, rebuild, and replace varied cranes across the region.
Currently, Dmitry is a field engineer for tower and mobile cranes at Manitowoc in the Middle East, CIS and Africa and Looking Up sat down with him to learn more about his unique skill set.
Looking Up: Where do you currently live? What regions do you typically cover?
DCh: Currently, I’m based in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, I am not confined to just one area. I help provide support for all of Africa, the Middle East and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States).
Looking Up: How long have you been working at Manitowoc, and where did you work prior?
DCh: I’ve been with Manitowoc since 2008, marking 15 years as of this year! However, before my current position, I worked with electromechanics at a different organization.
Looking Up: What is the most memorable or challenging service support job you have been involved with at Manitowoc?
DCh: Without a doubt it was helping with the Potain and Manitowoc cranes building the New Safe Confinement at Chernobyl in Ukraine. It was a massive construction job that left me with unforgettable memories.
The construction of the containment shelter at the Chernobyl plant in Ukraine, where Chamaev worked in the mid-2010s.
Looking Up: How does Manitowoc’s commitment to innovative design make your job easier?
DCh: Innovation doesn’t make my job necessarily easier, but it certainly makes it more interesting! In order to properly repair a crane, it’s not enough to be a good electrician, mechanic, or hydraulics engineer. I have to thoroughly understand IT to get the job done and remain on top of the evolving changes in the industry as well.
Looking Up: What’s the best part about being a Manitowoc service support technician?
DCh: I primarily operate and work on cranes at construction sites. On the rare occasion that a crane is out of order, the entire construction site is idle, and hundreds of people are left without work. When I’m able to help operate and get a crane running again, people are put back to work and everything is back in order. It's an amazing feeling!
Looking Up: When you aren’t busy repairing customers’ cranes, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
DCh: I really enjoy snorkeling and free diving.