Can you introduce yourself?

Hello, I am Aaron and I’m from Mexico. I’m currently a Systems & Process Engineer working for the automotive industry at ALTEN in Gothenburg. 

I started my professional career in the aerospace industry, as a Project Engineer for 2 years. Then, with the arrival of COVID-19, I gained one year of teaching experience as a full-time professor in the engineering department of AUNAR University in Colombia. 

What is your expertise and how did you acquire it? 

I began my career in the Automotive Industry as a System Engineer at Continental. I was inspired to transition from aerospace companies and join my first R&D team due to the significant investments Mexico has made in automotive development. 

In 2021, I focused on developing brake systems for an automotive company, specifically working on the handle feature integrated with the Electronic Parking Brake for the latest Mustang model, enabling the car’s performance mode. These technologies have been both challenging and captivating!  

Leading software teams to correctly implement system designs has required considerable effort but has also fuelled my passion for continuing to advance in this field. 

What does a typical day look like in your position? 

I usually begin my day focused on planning my critical activities and backlogs. I then attend scheduled meetings, if any, and reach out to individuals from different service areas to solve issues about the different processes within the company.  

If I gather any new information, I’ll analyse international standards requirements to ensure that the newly implemented process is fulfilling them. If not, I’ll spend the rest of my day coming up with suggestions and work products to be implemented and schedule the necessary meetings to proceed with the changes. 

Can you tell us about one specific project in which you were able to highlight this expertise? 

One project where I applied my expertise was implementing ASPICE (Automotive SPICE) standards to ensure compliance in a testing process for a major client in the autonomous vehicle sector.  

I played a key role in leading the integration of ASPICE practices within the project, which involved coordinating various teams to align software development and quality management efforts with the ASPICE framework. 

My focus was on ensuring process consistency and quality throughout the development lifecycle. This involved setting up systematic reviews, addressing gaps in process maturity, and implementing corrective actions to meet compliance requirements. 

What is the most challenging aspect of your job/area, and how do you approach overcoming it? 

The biggest challenge encountered would be aligning my proposals with the client’s internal needs, to ensure that adopting new processes is smoother and simpler for individuals. For example, regarding a new checklist for test report review I had to put into effect, I had to contact around 10 different service areas before proceeding with the implementation. 

In what ways do you continuously seek to improve your skills and stay updated with industry trends? 

I continuously prepare myself for areas where I have identified processes that need improvement. If I feel confident in my technical expertise, I focus my attention on improving my management skills. There are always available resources to complement my work, whether it be international certifications or online soft skills courses. 

What aspects of our company culture do you find most motivating or inspiring?  

The trust ALTEN places in its employees and the workplace autonomy are the most important aspects for me. As I came from a different environment of work, I feel free to complete my missions all while respecting my work-life balance. 

If you could describe your work philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?

My work philosophy is to face every challenge with a solution-focused mindset, to continuously learn and adapt, and to always strive to deliver excellence with integrity and collaboration.