MeetEnrique

As Engineering Specialist, I contribute to the Business Autonomy and Transformation of A220 Process, Methods, Tools and Data. It is a fascinating technical and cultural change journey!

Can you tell us a bit about your role in relation to the A220 Family aircraft?

As an Engineering Specialist, I map the processes, methods and tools of the existing environment, and benchmark them with the ones in the global Airbus ecosystem. Thanks to my  previous experience in Airframe Process, Methods and Tools at Airbus Spain I can quickly identify potential opportunities and deepen my knowledge on the legacy set of tools of our A220 beautiful aircraft. It is a fascinating technical and cultural change journey!

Indeed, my interest in moving to Airbus Canada was motivated by the A220 Family. This cutting-edge technology aircraft attracted my attention not only because of its top performance but also because of its reduced emissions. I'm personally concerned about transport sustainability and I think the A220 is a real game changer that sets new standards for the industry. So, working in Mirabel close to the A220 Final Assembly Line enables me to be in touch with the technology in the closest way. 

What inspired you to become part of the aerospace sector?

I have always been passionate about technology, and the aerospace sector is the incubator of the ultimate and latest multidisciplinary technology challenges. From propulsion to aerodynamics, material technology, avionics… you name it!  All the state-of-the-art high tech is integrated and developed for the sector.

This comes together with the mobility and expertise opportunities offered by an industry growing internationally at a huge pace.

It sounded promising at the least! And I have not been disappointed.

Concerning the beginning of your career path at Airbus - what was the main driver that led you to apply and be part of this company?

An Airbus aircraft epitomises the successful outcome of international collaboration. It is astonishing how, in the conception and building of a plane, the best knowledge and resources are shared between different nations and cultures to result in a flying machine. It is this complex cooperation that has always amazed me and driven me to become part of it.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love people. I like getting their insights. I watch interactions between them. I’m interested in their development. During my career and personal experiences, I have met the most interesting people and obtained the best from them. My experience in Airbus is no exception and in my current job as a Process, Methods and Tools Engineer I enjoy myself most in the human interaction part of it.

On a normal day, I may start with meeting Subject Matter Experts. Not only will they give me the business requirements, but I will also learn some technical details about a method. Later, after listening to my colleague’s weekend adventures over a coffee, I may go and speak to the end-user to understand their concerns about the tools, or capture their proposals for  improvement. They usually have the best and simplest ideas. 

After a relaxing lunch with the Process Methods & Tools team, I can work on the requirements to transmit to the Information Management team. In exchanges they will always teach me something or give me some advice regarding computer science. I can continue developing my soft skills with a presentation here or a tool demonstration there. The day can end up with a meeting with my manager to get some tips regarding project management, and project and professional development.

What a day of valuable social interactions! 

Tell us about one of the most memorable experiences from your career at Airbus. What made it so special and unforgettable?

The most memorable experience I’ve had at Airbus comes from a parallel activity that we organized through Airbus for an environment project. We got to buy and plant our own trees in a village street. The funds were all given to social causes. What a memorable experience,  enabled thanks to the Airbus network!

What is the most important advice you have been given, and is there any important advice you would like to give?

The most important advice came from my grandmother and was to respect and not harm anyone with my words or actions, particularly if these people relied upon me.

I can extend this advice by asking not only to respect but to encourage respectful behaviours of others at all times, no matter the situation. 

What has been one of the most empowering moments at Airbus?

The most empowering moment at Airbus was during my internship period in A350 Manufacturing at the Airbus Getafe plant in Spain. I had the opportunity to lead a week of shop floor experience with my colleagues. This included collaborative manufacturing training with our production colleagues, covering all the components manufactured at the Getafe plant. 

The experience was a success, was beautifully capitalised and I got great feedback from all participants at the end of the week. It was lots of fun, too! 

Enjoy the ride! A career in aerospace is full of opportunities and fits everyone who is willing to appreciate it. Don’t think twice and dive in.

What, in your opinion, are the benefits of working at Airbus?

It’s a chance to work with the latest technology, next to the best talent and with wonderful people. Mobility options - geographically and discipline-wise - mean you can learn and grow personally and professionally.

There is a thoughtful company culture and meaningful values.

In what way do the values of Airbus relate to your own?

Respect, respect, respect. As I said before, this is part of my DNA with a zero tolerance towards discrimination of any kind. In Airbus this is taken seriously, valuing and including every individual as they are, with a well-thought focus on diversity.

On the other side there is creativity. I’m a flexible thinker, constant wanderer, always trying to apply new ideas to make things - including work - fun. Passion and motivation is a person's fuel and should be at the core of our everyday life. Let’s promote it!

Do you have any hobbies? How do you enjoy spending your free time?

I love outdoor and water sports and music is my passion. Best plan ever: some guitar and singing by the lake.

Any fun facts you’d like to share?

On my first week in Canada I slipped and fell 3 times because of the snow and ice. You need to get used to it.