Name, current role and project?
Juha Kivimäki, Electrical Section Manager. The project now is in Rotterdam, Netherlands to supervise MV switchgear installation at Neste’s new biofuel refinery project.
Educational background?
Master’s degree in electrical engineering
When and how did you start in Tekniq?
I started working for Wärtsilä in 2017 and worked there as an electrical supervisor at power plant projects until 2020. After that I worked for a short while for a design company in Turku as a project engineer and stayed in office job. However, I wanted to travel again and supervise site installations, so I got in contact with Tekniq and went for the project in Barbados for approximately one year in total as an electrical supervisor. After that it was time to stay home again, and I started working for Meyer Turku shipyard’s electrical design team and was involved in the building of the Icon of the Seas as a system engineer responsible for electricity production and distribution. Once the Icon was handed over, I wanted to travel again as I enjoy the practical work at site, so I joined Tekniq again as an Electrical Section Manager and have been in Tekniq since the end of 2023.
Which projects have you been part of? In which countries? Which language skills have you been able to use/learn/develop during projects?
As Tekniq employee I have been working in:
Wärtsilä power plant projects:
- Barbados
- Electrical supervisor
- Turks & Caicos Islands
- Electrical Section Manager
Other:
- Neste RDCG project in Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Electrical supervisor for switchgear installations
Usually, English is enough as a site language, but while I was working for Wärtsilä sometimes Spanish was needed in Argentina or Dominican Republic, so I learned the basic everyday communication while working abroad.
What is the best thing about your job?
I like to combine practical work with design work by supervising the installations and taking part in the commissioning works.
What do you do in your free time when working abroad?
Usually try to keep myself active by going to the gym or running etc., within the possibilities at the job location.
What qualities are required when working in an international environment?
Projects are usually multinational, meaning that there are people from different countries with different cultural backgrounds and speaking different languages. Sometimes the language creates barriers, but you need to be patient and there is always a way to find proper communication between the different parties. Especially when you work as section manager, leading the work of one discipline, you need to be patient and understand that people have different backgrounds.
Are you and your wellbeing at work taken care of at Tekniq? If yes, how?
The work is mainly at site on different customer projects, so Tekniq does not necessarily have an effect on the wellbeing during that time. However, if there is a question, concern or need for something it is always easy to contact Tekniq office and get things sorted out. Also, during the time at home Finland we can take of different types of courses to increase our knowledge and develop ourselves.
Something else interesting for our potential job seekers for information?
If you are interested in different kinds of projects in the energy section and like travelling, I would recommend Tekniq as a future employer.
Below pictures of Juha working at Neste project, and also from one of his hobbies; pic after the half marathon.
