Meet a Nilar Employee – Mattias Pettersson
How would you describe yourself?
I am always eager to fulfill my tasks with results. I believe I am a humble person with a big interest in all technical matters. I suppose this started in my childhood. I was always assembling things and putting them back together. It drove my mom crazy. I would take apart the alarm clocks, my bicycle, the television; sometimes without being able to reassemble them. This has evolved over time, of course, to be a more useful interest.
What led you to work in the energy storage industry?
I think it was a general curiosity about the market. Also, I wanted the possibility to gain more experience within product design more aimed towards end customers. I like the idea of being close to a product that can end up making a difference for people, a product that I can be proud of.
How did your journey with Nilar begin?
By coincidence, I guess. There was a headhunter that contacted me the first day after my parental leave. I think from the timing I wasn’t initially interested but I went to the interview out of curiosity about the company. Once there, I found a lot of the puzzle pieces I was looking for. I have now been here for more than 2 years.
How would you describe what you do?
In a team of four, we are divided by function. My primary focus has been battery components. I work on the casings for the battery modules, exploring different materials. A common misconception about the role of my team is that we can answer every question regarding the design of the battery. There are many aspects beyond the mechanics that are the reason behind the design.
What is the coolest thing you’re working on right now?
Right now, I am part of a team is working on the creepage phenomenon. It might look simple on the surface, but there are so many factors involved. Also, we are looking into developing the next generation of modules.
What motivates you?
The belief that effort always makes a change to a better solution. Also, my family provides good motivation as well.
Early mistakes that you learnt from in your career?
I’ve learned to always take feedback from colleagues to double-check a drawing before it goes to manufacturing. It is never a bad idea to have an extra pair of eyes. I hate to find out I missed a tiny hole months later. This is the best way to avoid as many issues as possible.
Your favorite hobby?
I enjoy motorcycle riding and hiking, taking time to regain energy. I have owned a motorcycle for the last couple years but have had a license for 20 years. I enjoy riding during my free time, but I do plan to do a longer journey. My dream trip is to go to South Africa and drive through Kruger National Park. They have packaged trips that include a rental bike and a group tour, with arrangements in all accommodations. Riding alongside the elephants and giraffes would be awesome. Perhaps when my children are older.
What’s the best thing about working at Nilar?
I think it is my inspiring colleagues and the possibility to make an impact for the company’s future. We have a young, diverse team and everyone is open and ambitious to try. It is fun and amusing to have the possibilities to make changes and to strive towards finding the answers.