Dreamers & Makers

How did you become CTE at Sener?
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting it, but my boss at the time, Juan Ruiz de Gopegui, suggested it to me and we prepared the application together. I think it was recognition for my good work in previous years and a vote of confidence in me and what I can contribute to this company. I’ve got you all fooled! 🙂

What has been the most challenging project of your career?

Each project is more challenging than the last, but perhaps where I grew the most was during the MTG scanner project, where I learned from and collaborated with some of Sener’s best engineers, including Carlos Compostizo, also a CTE, Cristina Tato, José Félix… I was very fortunate.

What value do you think the role of CTE brings to Sener?

On one hand, it raises awareness of the importance of technical careers. On the other, it tries to be an inspiration for other engineers. And it’s also worth mentioning that they can count on you when difficult problems arise.

How do you drive innovation and talent development?

First, by identifying what each person can contribute. By creating an environment of trust where we get everyone to contribute, and some to shine. Trying to encourage effort and excellence, first by example and sometimes by word. Overcoming fears together. Putting our shoulders to the wheel in difficult times. Showing humbleness, knowing that we are all mere disciples, and sometimes acknowledging our own mistakes. Aiming for the highest goals without becoming overwhelmed. Always learning from each other, from customers, from suppliers… seeking common interests.

How do you support teams in mentoring?

Recently, I have also taken on the role of department manager. I lead a team of approximately thirty people, so mentoring is almost an inherent part of my job. Throughout the year, we hold monthly meetings to review projects. In addition, I also assess the talent of each member of my team throughout the year.
I must confess that being the line manager of the people I mentor is sometimes challenging, as it is understandable that you might not feel able to speak as freely to a colleague as you would to a line manager.

What skill do you consider key to convey or enhance?

Communication is essential for us all to work together.
Trust in our people and our abilities.
Strive for excellence, with humbleness.
Curiosity: never lose it.
Learn to accept others as they are.
Learn to ask for forgiveness and to forgive.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to grow in the technical field?
First, be patient: the road is long, the important thing is to enjoy the journey. Don’t put your life on hold, live now. Live with the awareness that the best is always yet to come. Never lose your curiosity or your desire to learn. Don’t walk the path alone: we get much further with someone by our side. And always show gratitude: you are where you are not because of your own merit, but because of the sacrifice and effort of many other people who have accompanied you to where you are today.

What trends will shape the future in your field?
Certainly, artificial intelligence will have a cross-cutting effect on many disciplines, and control engineering is one of them. Control theory in engineering is based on mathematics and logic, where AI is particularly powerful. This will give us broad and powerful access to a multitude of control techniques that we can apply to our work. One more specific and relevant example would be motor control. At Sener, we work throughout the entire value chain: we have the capacity to build customised motors, customised electronics, and control algorithms, which are the key to getting the most out of each application.

What motivates you most about your work as a CTE?
Contributing good engineering to society by working at Sener. Promoting the growth of all the engineers I work with. And enjoying my work and who I have become.

How do you imagine your role will evolve in the coming years?
My role is highly specialised in actuator control. I believe that actuators will continue to be a growing area of activity at Sener. On the one hand, the evolution will be towards doing the things we do in an increasingly efficient manner. On the other hand, we will face increasingly difficult problems, one example being the actuators for the LISA project, a project that is almost science fiction. There are many exciting things ahead, and we are going to have a good time.