Dreamers & Makers

How did you become CTE at Sener?
I joined Sener in 2017, after more than 22 years working on the design of transport installations. I became part of the electromechanical installations team to develop aspects related to tunnel equipment and safety. Shortly afterwards, I was asked to prepare the documentation to be appointed as a CTE. I was surprised, as one of the requirements was to have been at Sener for more than three years, and I had barely been there for one. On that occasion, the process did not go any further, but in 2023 I was asked again to complete the corresponding documentation, and my appointment as CTE was formalised that same year.

What has been the most challenging project of your career?

It is difficult to choose just one from among all the projects I have taken part in over my 30-year career. Each project has its own challenges and always allows me to improve in some specific area. I have very fond memories of many of them, such as the Port Said tunnel beneath the Suez Canal, the Pajares tunnel and the Ontario Line South. I would also highlight more specific developments, such as the definition of the ventilation algorithms for the M-30 tunnels.

From an innovation perspective, I would highlight the Respira^© product, which emerged from the audit and improvement proposals for the ventilation system on line 1 of Barcelona Metro. It currently controls the ventilation system for the lines operated by TMB and other complex infrastructure. I also greatly enjoyed the development and construction of a prototype for safe driving in situations of very dense fog.

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

First and foremost, it represents recognition of a job well done. But beyond that, I believe its real value lies in visibility and in the ability to help other people. The role enables the company’s professionals to identify who they can turn to for specific matters, such as, in my case, tunnel ventilation and safety.

The most rewarding aspect is seeing how many projects you can contribute to by providing a perspective that helps improve the final outcome, both for colleagues and for the client.

How do you drive innovation and talent development?

I believe my contribution in this regard consists of sharing my experience and knowledge with those who ask for it, and ensuring that the projects we develop are optimally aligned with our clients’ needs. I also try to share with others those aspects that I believe may be of interest to them, which sometimes leads me to give presentations at international conferences or write technical articles, and which continues internally through various courses and presentations.

How do you support teams through mentoring?

Fundamentally, by being approachable and making other people’s work easier. I try to ensure that anyone can come to me to resolve questions within my area of expertise.

In addition, these interactions are a learning opportunity for me, as they allow me to analyse other points of view and explore aspects I had not previously considered. Jointly seeking the solution to a problem and the best way to explain it to third parties is an enriching process for both sides.

What skill do you consider key to convey or enhance?

Common sense. I do not know whether it is due to the years I have been working or to my constant tendency to ask myself why things are the way they are, but in many cases I can quickly tell whether something is right or not. I think it is very important and distinctive for engineers to ask themselves whether what they have done is correct and to spend some time carrying out quick checks on the most relevant aspects. In many cases, a quick analysis prevents future problems.

I would also highlight communication. Traditionally, those of us working in engineering have not given enough importance to explaining the work carried out, assuming that whoever reads it will have extensive technical knowledge. It is increasingly important to know how to communicate technical solutions, both orally and in writing, as well as how to manage meetings and negotiate agreements. Doing a good job can be just as important as knowing how to communicate it properly.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to grow in the technical field?
I would tell them not to avoid problems, but to face them directly. It is essential to analyse the documentation in depth, compare different sources and approach the problem from different points of view. Sometimes, finding the optimal solution requires time and work; at other times, it requires a change of approach.

I would also recommend nurturing curiosity and frequently questioning the reasons behind things. We should bear in mind that there may be better solutions than the one previously considered or those usually applied. It is important never to stop learning, to consult standards from time to time —every time I look at a standard, I discover new aspects or interpretations that I had not previously drawn from it—, to attend conferences and specialised courses, or to consult technical documentation. All this brings new perspectives and enriches technical knowledge.

I believe excellence means seeking the right solution for each case and not settling for the standard solution. I consistently perceive this vision in Sener’s projects, and I believe it is one of the differentiating values that our clients seek when they entrust us with a project.

What trends will shape the future in your field?
In tunnel ventilation and installations, artificial intelligence, digital twins and connected vehicles will drive significant improvements in design and operation.

From a safety perspective, the evolution of society will determine the criteria applied in each case. The more developed a society is, the higher the level of safety it requires in all aspects related to everyday life. This implies continuous evolution and improvement in safety analyses, equipment and tunnel operating procedures.

In the international forums in which I participate, we are already addressing challenges such as new propulsion technologies —electric, gas-powered or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles—, infrastructure digitalisation, resilience, sustainability and autonomous vehicles.

What motivates you most about your work as a CTE?
What motivates me most as a CTE is the opportunity to share my knowledge with my colleagues and contribute to the development of better projects and solutions for our clients, as well as knowing that we contribute to improving the infrastructure in which Sener is involved, from the perspectives of operation, safety and maintenance, as well as cost and sustainability.

How do you imagine your role will evolve in the coming years?
I envisage a model in which there is a CTE for each relevant technical field within the company, so that each of them can be called upon to find the best solution in each case.