Meet the Team: Solutions Engineer – Gabrian “Ryan” Balelang

In this employee spotlight, Gabrian “Ryan” Balelang shares his career journey at Conflux Technology—one marked by technical depth, curiosity, and a growing interest in business. Ryan joined the company as one of its earliest team members, just after graduating at the top of his mechanical engineering class from Deakin University. Today, he works as a Solutions Engineer, blending technical insight with commercial strategy.

What do you do at Conflux currently?

At Conflux, I’m currently a Solutions Engineer. It’s my second role here, and it’s been a rewarding step forward in my career. Outside of work, I’m a new dad to a four-month-old—that’s a huge part of my life right now! 

How did you get into this role?

My journey at Conflux started about six years ago. I was the eighth person to join the team, and at the time, I didn’t have an impressive CV full of industry experience. I wasn’t a motorsport veteran or a seasoned engineer—I came from what I’d call a humble beginning.

I’d studied mechanical engineering at Deakin, graduated with top marks and a stack of awards from a real variety of projects. But once I entered the job market, I quickly realised that academic achievements don’t always translate to real-world opportunities. Before joining Conflux, I was honestly struggling to make ends meet.

My first role here was as a Calculations Engineer. The focus was on building out our inhouse simulation capabilities—running CFD, thermal, and structural simulations. It was a great technical foundation.

What led you to transition into a Solutions Engineer role?

Around three to four years in, I realised I didn’t want my career to follow just one linear path. I loved the technical side of engineering, but I found myself increasingly interested in the business side of things—understanding customer needs, contributing to commercial decisions, and helping shape the solutions we offer.

So I approached Michael and asked if there was space for me to explore that. He was supportive, and that led to the creation of the Solutions Department. I was the first member. That’s really where this new direction began—driven more by curiosity and interest than by formal training at first.

Do you feel like your skillset evolved naturally into this role?

I’d say yes—mainly through indirect exposure. I often worked with the Business Development team or was pulled into conversations with Marketing when a technical expert was needed. I was frequently asked to speak with customers. Over time, that experience helped me build confidence and interest in working at the intersection of tech and business.

In 2022, I travelled to Japan to provide technical advice to customers in person. That trip marked the start of the Solutions Department and really solidified this new direction for me.

How would you describe your role as a Solutions Engineer?

At its core, the role is about delivering value—both technical and commercial—to our customers.

It starts with understanding their problem space. Then we develop a solution that meets their requirements and ideally exceeds expectations. That could involve simulations to test feasibility, or translating performance needs into design parameters that match what Conflux can offer.

On the commercial side, it means evaluating production volume, budget, and effort, then creating detailed estimates to inform whether a project makes sense for both sides. It’s a blend of engineering rigour and strategic thinking.

What have been some of your most significant moments of growth at Conflux?

For me, growth often starts with discomfort. Conflux is fast-paced and dynamic—it’s not easy to stay comfortable here for long, which I think is a good thing.

Over time, I’ve noticed that tasks I once found daunting now come more naturally. But that doesn’t mean the work gets easier—it just means we keep pushing toward the next challenge. That mindset has shaped my professional growth the most.

How would you describe the culture at Conflux?

Conflux is deeply values-driven. Creativity, excellence, trust, integrity, respect, and teamwork aren’t just words on a wall—we really live them.

Even during difficult periods, we’ve stayed committed to those values. I remember one particularly tough situation where we all rallied around the principle of excellence. That moment stuck with me. It showed me how embedded those values are in how we work together.

Trust and teamwork are especially strong. The leadership is transparent, and the whole environment is goal-oriented. Once you settle in, you really feel that alignment.

How do you balance work and life, especially as a new father? 

It helps that Conflux is flexible and focused on outcomes. As long as the work gets done and deadlines are met, there’s room to adjust your schedule. If I need to work late one day, I can take a shorter day the next. That flexibility has been key to balancing work with family life. 

What advice would you give to someone new in this kind of role?

Attitude matters most. Technical skills are important, but those are expected—most people coming into the role will have an engineering background. What really makes a difference is a willingness to learn, to be open to feedback, and to keep pushing yourself. 

What do you find most engaging and motivating about working at Conflux?

What keeps me going is the alignment between my personal goals and the work I do here. I think when someone has a strong personal vision—something they’re striving for beyond just a career—it creates a kind of resilience. 

For me, it’s about leaving a trace. We’ve only got so much time on this planet, and I want to make something meaningful with mine. I like the idea that, one day, I might be driving a car and know there’s a part in it that I helped create. Or that when I fly, there’s something under my feet that I contributed to. Or when I watch Formula One, a part I had a hand in is out there on the track. 

Because Conflux works across so many industries—automotive, aerospace, motorsport—it gives me that opportunity to leave a mark in the real world. That’s what motivates me.