This week we talk to Roshara Nilaweera, Electrical Control Systems Engineer, based at our Auckland Oasis site. Roshara joined the CCEP family as a Graduate Engineer in 2021. While completing her degree at Auckland University of Technology, Roshara completed a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming course, which set her up well for our heavily automated plants! Put more simply, Roshara helps with electrical related maintenance projects/upgrades and manages our Claroty (cyber security) sites for remote access and threat detection across our four plants in New Zealand. Roshara loves developing her knowledge of the technical world here at CCEP!

Describe your role in five words or less...

Fun, diverse and rewarding.

How long have you worked at CCEP NZ?

2 years and 4 months.

What do you love most about the role?

I’m so lucky to be surrounded by extremely knowledgeable and sharp individuals in the engineering department.

What are the challenges?

This is my first job straight out of Uni, being a junior member of Engineering there’s still more technical skills and plant processes for me to learn.

Do you have a favourite #onlyatCCEP moment?

Getting to see some of the manufacturing and DC sites in Australia, I was most excited to see the preform plant in Eastern Creek. Seeing new automation in person is always fascinating to me.

What's your favourite thing about your career?

Having a dual role where I get to be involved in electrical & automation but also OT cybersecurity & networks.

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

Leave the tweezers and your eyebrows alone.

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

Seems reserved, but friendly when in conversation.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Knowing the Oasis is only 3 minutes away from my house, so I don’t experience any of Auckland’s morning/afternoon rush hour traffic!

What's your beverage of choice?

I used to be obsessed with Fanta, I would buy a 420ml bottle few times a week during my time at Uni. But after starting at CCEP, I now love Coke Zero Sugar the most.

What is something that others might find surprising about you?

Everyone is always surprised when I mention my full name has 6 names, 63 characters in total. The long name has caused issues when applying for my driver licenses, issues and delays when checking in at airports, and airlines charging me extra for my ticket. Despite all that, I’d never legally shorten my names, it’s special to me because it’s been passed down for generations from my dad’s side.