What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?
I have always been more interested in technical subjects during my school years… I´ve also loved to dismantle and assemble equipment, understand how it worked… but also, everything that had to do with drawing and designing. Between architecture and engineering, which were my two initial choices, industrial engineering seemed to me to be a more versatile option with more opportunities to work in different industries. Industrial engineering has not only allowed me to work on real and constantly evolving projects, but it has also given me the possibility to have a positive impact on the environment and society, especially in the area of energy, where advances can be fundamental for the sustainability of our planet.
How did you join Sener?
I joined Sener my last year of university – as did many of my classmates, who came here in following years – directly to do an internship and to do my final-year project. And that dovetailed into a contract, and here I am!
What is your day-to-day life like?
I’m currently responsible for the Energy Technology Solutions hub, where I lead a team of almost 70 people. My career at Sener has always involved the energy sector, specifically the mechanical aspect, which, at the time, included equipment, piping and processes. I started working on generation plants like co-generation and combined cycle plants, as well as on waste recovery. Over time, at Sener, my focus has expanded to new technologies, such as solar and biomass plants. My daily routine is varied and dynamic, ranging from technical supervision to project management and overseeing our team to meet the technical challenges of every project or bid.
Over time, at Sener, my focus has expanded to new technologies, such as solar and biomass plants.
What are the most important projects you are currently working on?
Like most of my colleagues in the mechanical section, I started out more in the technical area, specifically in processes and teams, and then continued with responsibilities as an engineering manager, project engineer, project manager… transitioning from technical aspects to more of a project management role. I’m always thankful for the technical knowledge I acquired from working on different projects, which gives you a better understanding of the engineering work and the complexity involved, whether in the design and execution, timelines, relationship between different disciplines, relationship with customers and suppliers, and having a complete picture of a project. In recent years, I was the Compliance Manager and subsequently the Head of the Hub, helping more with team management and support for Business and Operations.
How do you think the projects you work on influence the current / future world or society?
At this point, I think Sener has really attractive projects. We all like to see how the work and effort we put in every day transforms into something tangible, that works and that will also run for many years. I remember the first combined cycle plants we worked on at Sener with the Buenos Aires office, and how proud the people felt for being able to help with these vital projects for Argentina. Now, current projects not only fulfil their purpose of contributing to society, they also represent a commitment to new technologies, always focused on the energy transition: we are still involved in combined cycle plants, but paving the way to shift from natural gas to green gases; LNG terminals designed to be able to be transformed into green ammonia terminals; floating wind platforms that will allow for increased renewable generation; or engineering of biogas plants from waste, among many other projects.
How do you keep up to date with general knowledge and trends in your sector?
It’s complicated, to be sure! Everything is evolving very fast and it’s hard to keep up when you’re juggling so many different projects and technologies. We try to stay informed through webinars, papers, and, now, through different social networks and participating in some events. However, technical leadership has to be delegated to the supervisors on your team, who are up-to-date on the details to solve the technical challenges of each project or bid, and whom you have to consult to steer the technical solutions. It is very gratifying to be able to participate in different technologies and processes, and while at Sener, even if you’re not directly involved, it’s easy to share and learn from what your co-workers are doing or how projects are evolving.
Sener encourages a collaborative environment where it’s easy to exchange knowledge and experiences with colleagues.
In your opinion, what distinguishes Sener from its competitors?
Without a doubt, the people who work at Sener. I have worked with different companies over the years, whether partners, customers, engineers, construction companies, developers, etc., and I think that the professionals we have at Sener make the difference. Although we obviously don’t all participate directly in every project, Sener encourages a collaborative environment where it’s easy to exchange knowledge and experiences with colleagues.
What new challenges do you see yourself working on in the medium term?
As our recently unveiled purpose suggests, I hope to be contributing significantly to the growth and development of our entire team to overcome the limits of technology in our future projects. Specifically, I see myself working on the implementation of emerging and sustainable technologies that not only improve energy efficiency, but also reduce our environmental impact. Focusing on projects that integrate innovative renewable energy and energy storage solutions, areas that I consider crucial for the future of the energy sector.
Jose de la Sen is an industrial engineer specialising in energy transition. He currently holds the position of head of the Energy technology solutions hub at Sener, leading a team of almost 70 people. His career at Sener has always been related to the energy sector, participating in projects for generation plants, cogeneration plants, combined cycle plants and waste recovery.
Contact: Jose de la Sen Urraza | LinkedIn
- engineering
- energy