From Technician to Industrialization Architect

Ieva, originally from Lithuania, moved to the Netherlands more than a decade ago. "We thought we’d come for a year while I was taking a year break from my studies. But after that year, we decided to stay longer." Balancing work and studies was challenging, but she managed to complete her bachelor's degree in finance and accounting while working in a completely different field. “I had to come back every three months to my country to make exams, and then I would come back here. I did this for three years.” This kind of commitment is what we admire about Ieva.

Finance and accounting are rather different from your work at Prodrive. How did you manage at first?

"Everything was really new for me. I remember my first day being overwhelmed by all the products, components, instructions, trolleys and pallets.” Despite the initial challenges, Ieva quickly adapted and thrived in her new environment. Within two years, Ieva had acquired nearly every competence in System Assembly. "I was assembling, testing, doing final inspections, repairing failures, training people and supporting with nonconforming goods quality notifications. I wanted to learn everything; it was so interesting." Her hard work did not go unnoticed. One day, she received an unexpected call that changed her career trajectory. "I got a call asking if I’d like to be a Product Manufacturing Architect, which is now called Industrialization Architect. I wasn't fully sure, what this role is responsible for, but I immediately said yes.”

That’s quite the leap of faith you took. How did you experience transitioning to the role of Product Manufacturing Architect?

“I was assigned to one of the biggest customers in the medical field. My first task was to conduct a Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) on a complex assembly. It was nerve-wracking to have to meet with such a big client, but also a good learning opportunity." Over time, she mastered the ins and outs of manufacturing process development. “I'm still learning every day, but now I feel much more confident.”

What does a typical workday look like?

“I check my agenda, prepare for the meetings if necessary and work on planned tasks at manufacturing floor or in the office.” Her role involves industrializing new products and improving existing ones. This includes determining strategies, designing and assessing processes, and creating manufacturing flows in Manufacturing Execution System. One of her favorite aspects of the job is the before mentioned PFMEA, which involves brainstorming potential issues in manufacturing and finding solutions to mitigate risks.

Besides work, what are your interests?

"I’m very interested in health and how our body works. I read books and watch movies on these subjects." Ieva also enjoys nature, often taking walks in the woods with her family. Her technical work and her love for nature provide an interesting contrast. “I deal with industrialization, robotics, and automation at work. And then in my private life, I like to connect with nature." Both worlds are equally fascinating and, in some ways, connected. Her work on medical equipment bridges her passion for technology with her interest in health, creating a harmony between her professional and personal interests.

Do you have tips for future Prodrivers?

"Be passionate about your work and be conscious when you do your work. If you don't understand something, just go and ask. There’s always someone willing to help and explain." Ieva believes in continuous learning and self-improvement. "You can come here even without any prior knowledge of technology. "But if you are really conscious, willing to learn, and are able to follow various instructions, you can become successful in any case."