Meet Jesper, a valued colleague in our team in Kristiansand. Read about his assignment, background and his life at Advantek!
How did you get in touch with Advantek?
I was looking for a job in Kristiansand and searched on Google Maps for engineering companies. That’s how I found Advantek. I checked out the website and got in touch. I wanted to work at a smaller company where you have more direct contact with people. I also hoped that Advantek could find challenging assignments for me, and they delivered on that promise.
Tell us briefly about your professional background
Before joining Advantek, I worked with air defense systems and electrical installations. I was also an environmental ambassador, which involved a lot of communication, presentations, and discussions about what we do and what we can improve.
I studied at UiA in Grimstad, focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency. That’s where I got a taste of life in southern Norway. I finished my studies and started working in Kongsberg, before I later moved to Kristiansand and enjoyed the improved weather.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
A bit of everything. I’ve been playing a lot of padel with my girlfriend, and we will be joining a course starting next week. I’ve also recently tried swordfighting. It was a lot of fun, so I will have to continue doing that, even though it gets incredibly warm inside all the protective equipment. I enjoyed climbing, but I have put that on hold since it was hard to do anything else at the same time, because of how much of a toll it took on my arms. I also play video games, usually with my best friend who lives in Kongsberg. It’s a nice way to stay in touch, and we can have fun by overcoming challenges together.
How has your time at Advantek been so far?
The culture here is great. I know that sounds a bit cliche, but I think it best describes Advantek. I’m usually stationed at our client’s workplace, but when I visit Advantek – Fredrik, our CEO, makes it a point to say hi and catch up, even if he has a lot to do. It is obvious that he values people, and small things like that reinforce that feeling. I also know that Maiken (Advisor) backs me up in my contract work and wants what’s best for me. It’s reassuring and motivating to know I have somebody in my corner, and that if there is anything I need help with, she will provide it.
What kind of assignment are you working on?
I’m working on the control system for a fire extinguishing system located on a transformer station in an offshore wind park.
There are multiple different firefighting systems, and I design the control panels for them. One of those systems is CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System). In stand-by mode the panel monitors that the compressed air has the correct pressure, and that the water and foam tanks are sufficiently filled. When a fire is detected, the system will release the tanks, and the affected room will be filled with foam to put out any fire.
It’s mostly electrical design work in E3, with some mechanical aspects as well, mainly the layout of the panel. I also handle purchasing, follow-up, and discussions with the customer. I’m responsible for making sure we have everything we need to complete the work, and that we are complying with the customers’ specifications
What’s the best part and the most challenging?
The best part is that the company builds everything in-house. That means we get to see the whole process. There’s quick feedback on the design, and improvements can be made without long communication chains. As an engineer, it is always fun to see the product physically and be able to interact with it.
The most challenging part is handling customers who want changes, especially when it impacts panels that are already built. You need to keep detailed lists and make sure all the information is in place, as well as finding ways to design it so the least number of physical changes needs to be made.
What’s it like being a consultant?
It fits me perfectly, so I really enjoy it. I feel that my hard work and efficiency is valued by the client, since they make an active choice to keep me. There’s also more freedom. If you don’t enjoy a project, you can move on to a new one. Or if you find a place you like, you can stay there and even get permanent employment. I have been with the same client all the time I’ve been employed at Advantek, but I enjoy having twice as many coworkers and get-togethers as I usually would have, so I will stick with my situation.