This month, to mark the 10th anniversary of International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11th, we want to shine a light on some of the exceptional women working at Elos Medtech. First out is Kaisa Ridderbacke and her 16-year journey with us!
Navigating Through Engineering
Kaisa began working as a Process Engineer at Elos Medtech in Timmersdala, Sweden, in 2008, when the company was still known as Elos Medical. Since then she has successfully navigated through roles within the Orthopedics Business Unit as Process Controller, at the quality department as Quality Engineer and Lead Auditor, to her current position as Project Engineer.
An ordinary working day for Kaisa involves meeting new people and collaborating with colleagues, as well as continually learning by reading new standards or processes. As Project Manager, she is responsible for the implementation of transfer projects as well as customer projects in production, serving as a link between the production and the customer.
“I love the versatility it brings”, says Kaisa. “Leading the team of area experts and making them work together so that the customer can get the right product to the expected quality at the right time.”
A Passion for Medical Technology
The technical interest has been there since childhood. Kaisa chose early on to pursue the technical branch at school with a dream to become an architect. Somewhere along the way the focus shifted to product development.
“I had worked on powertrains in buses and the design of staple guns, before I landed in the MedTech industry where I instantly felt right at home”, explains Kaisa with a laugh. “Working in this industry makes me feel like I really make a difference. The products we help put on the market can actually be life-changing for someone – and that feels so rewarding.”
Mutual Evolution
16 years may seem like a long time working for the same employer, but for Kaisa, there has never been a reason NOT to stay.
“So much has happened during these years – both for the company in general but also for me personally. To continuously be challenged and evolving is necessary for me to not ‘get stuck’. I perceive Elos to be a responsive employer that has given me the opportunity to tackle a new role whenever I have outgrown my current.”
Kaisa’s focus has never really been about the career per se – but rather the constant urge to improve her skills, learn new things and to continue feeling passionate. And that is also her advice to young girls and women considering a career in technology or science:
“Do what you are passionate about. Follow your heart!”
About International Day of Women and Girls in Science:
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day is celebrated annually on February 11, highlighting that both science and gender equality are vital for the achievement of internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Day recognizes that, although science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are regarded as critical to national economies, most countries have NOT yet achieved gender equality in STEM.
Working at Elos Medtech
Elos Medtech actively works towards attracting students to pursue careers in technology and engineering through close cooperation with other members and engagement initiatives, for example partnering with the University of Skövde. The company is also determined to break down gender barriers in the tech world for young women aspiring to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Want to join the Elos Medtech team? Learn more about our opportunities here: https://elosmedtech.com/careers/
