Engineer Antu found his dream job at Valmet Automotive – he shares why you should consider a career at battery plant: “It’s fantastic!”

We asked Valmet Automotive’s project engineer Antu Datta 8 questions about his work at a battery factory in Salo. Datta reveals what went through his mind when he came to the battery plant for the first time and why he recommends working there.

This article has been written based on Duunitori’s interview in commercial cooperation with Valmet Automotive.

See all the open positions for Valmet Automotive’s battery plant >>

Antu Datta moved to Finland from Bangladesh in 2017 to do his masters in mechanical engineering at LUT University in Lappeenranta. After his graduation in Autumn 2019, he worked as a mechanical design engineer but felt compelled to do something else. So when he saw Valmet Automotive was looking for a project engineer, he didn’t hesitate for a second to apply for the job.

Now Datta tells us everything about his journey with Valmet Automotive and why everyone should come to work with him.

1. Why did you want to work at the battery factory?

First of all, the world is moving towards a carbon-neutral future, and I wanted to be part of that change. Battery technology is the future, and there are so many things to learn.

Another reason why I wanted to join Valmet Automotive was the exciting position. I believed working as a project engineer would fulfil my wishes.

2. What went through your mind when you came here for the first time?

I was nervous because I didn’t know much about batteries and if this workplace would be for me. Now I am confident this is my place, and batteries are my thing.

If I look back at my journey, it has been a fast one. When I came here, I was like a kid who had just learned how to walk. Since I had to learn many things and take responsibility, I now know how to run very fast with my own feet.

3. Tell us more about your job; what kind of things do you do as a project engineer?

I am working as a welding engineer in a manufacturing engineering team. Our team is responsible for setting up the production lines.

I collaborate with the whole team, but my role is to design how we will weld things according to the requirements. When the project is in its final phase, I work with the technical part on most practical things like setting up dimensions.

4. Is your job boring?

No! Working with battery systems is fascinating. My workload always depends on the demand, so every day is different. I get to go to different places, do different things and communicate with people.

This job actually differs a lot from my previous one, where I used to do the same thing again and again. This is not an 8-to-4 job, and sometimes work gets a bit hectic with tight project deadlines, but I like my work.

I can do so many things and have the possibility to learn new stuff. Even though I am working as a welding engineer, I also get to learn about other things. It’s fantastic!

5. Do you have a good work atmosphere?

I am blessed with my colleagues. Sometimes I even feel that I am not coming to work but to hang out with my friends even though at the same time I am working and things are getting done.

If I am stuck, I can ask my colleagues. Every once in a while, we also hang out after work or on weekends. I know this doesn’t happen everywhere,  so it’s special.

6. What have you learned from your colleagues?

I have learnt a lot! It’s great we have people from different countries. For example, in our team, there are ten nationalities or even more. Many people have different backgrounds and expertise than I have, so I can always learn how to cope with different, even difficult, situations and how to lead people.

As I am at the beginning of my career, it’s an excellent opportunity to learn. I want to go further with my career at Valmet Automotive, take more responsibility and be a leading project engineer one day.

7. What kind of skills and attitude should one have to be able to work there?

We have many available jobs here, for example, for project engineers, battery and quality operators and product developers. You don’t always need to have a specific education or experience. But if you want to work in the engineering sector like me, you should have an engineering background.

One of the most important things is to keep your mind open because not everyone thinks the same way, and people have their own working styles and methods. Since the technology is new, everyone is learning, which is why an open mind is crucial to learn new things.

8. Lastly, why do you recommend joining Valmet Automotive’s battery team?

The mindset of working here is very inspiring, and everyone is heard. Battery technology will replace the old technology, so it’s the best time to get into the business.

If someone wants to develop new skills and grow in their career as I have done, Valmet Automotive is an excellent option. This industry is going to expand at a fast rate. Come to work with us; we are going to do something fantastic!

Would you like to join Valmet Automotive’s team? Apply now >>