Meet Emanuela

Define your job title in one sentence

My role is primarily to provide technical support to the team of mechanics servicing military aircraft.

What’s one thing that makes your job exciting or special?

I feel that my job is unique because I can make a technical contribution to the repair of aircraft used by the military, including in my country. I am incredibly motivated to continue working when I perform maintenance with a team of mechanics and other specialists and then know that the work has been done well and other people can operate the aircraft.

What inspired you to join Airbus? 

I was definitely drawn to working at Airbus Poland by my interest in aviation and technology. The desire to explore this field was born when I started high school. I was convinced that I wanted to go in this direction and that my professional future was definitely connected with it. When the opportunity to work at Airbus arose, I knew that it could be a place where I would find fulfillment.

Is there something that surprised you about working for Airbus?

I was definitely surprised by the company's openness to new ideas and the real desire to implement them. Every initiative that can improve our daily work is met with interest and support. In addition, I was very positively surprised by the development opportunities - both through participation in training and through contact with a wide range of specialists from the aviation industry, which allows me to constantly expand my knowledge and skills.

Explain what you do in simple terms

My duties include analysis of faults, designing repairs of faults identified on aircraft based on SRM, listing maintenance tasks based on operator orders, and preparing task cards.

How does your role contribute to Airbus’ mission or the success of its products?

As an MRO (Maintenance Repair and Overhaul) engineer, I am responsible for solving any defects found on the Airbus C295 and the  PZL-130 TC-II military aircraft. I need to do this in accordance with all aviation standards, approved maintenance documentation, and in consultation with our manufacturer and component manufacturers. The aircraft we deliver to our customers must be efficient and safe, therefore parameters such as quality and safety must be maintained at the highest level.

How has Airbus supported your career growth or personal development?

Within my role, I can develop in many areas, which gives me great satisfaction. I have the opportunity to act in a flexible manner, both in terms of decision-making and communication with the personnel responsible for aircraft maintenance. The company also supports me in initiatives related to the development and implementation of new technical solutions and internal documents - such as operating instructions - that improve the efficiency and quality of service work performed. I receive great support from my superiors and colleagues, which gives me the freedom to report the need for changes and have a real impact on the development of operational processes. I therefore feel that I have developed significantly in the area of independent decision-making, interdepartmental communication and streamlining operational processes. This experience gives me not only satisfaction, but also real skills that translate into the quality of my daily work.

How has your career evolved since you joined Airbus?

I have come a long way since I started working – both technically and interpersonally. The beginnings required me to be very open to learning – both in terms of fluent communication, expressing my opinions, and finding my place in a complex teamwork environment. I gradually learned the specifics of the Airbus C-295M and PZL-130 TC-II aircraft and their engines – which is a demanding and never-ending process in itself. Over time, thanks to my daily work and the support of my surroundings, I gained greater awareness, confidence in my actions, and the ability to notice and analyze technical problems. I became more confident in everyday communication, presenting my ideas, and analyzing technical problems. Currently, I get the greatest satisfaction from developing structural repairs, but I am also increasingly interested in the area of non-destructive testing. I am particularly interested in the subject of engine inspections and I am glad that the company can give me the space to expand my knowledge in this area. Every day at work is an opportunity for me to further develop and deepen my specialist skills that have a real impact on service.

What’s your most memorable experience at Airbus? Why does it stand out?

One of the most unforgettable experiences was my first independent development of a structural repair that was implemented in real operational conditions. It was the moment when I first felt that my knowledge and commitment had a real impact on the safety and operational efficiency of the aircraft. This experience stood out also because it required me not only to perform precise technical analysis, but also to cooperate well with other departments and to be confident in making decisions.

Is there a specific project or moment you’re particularly proud of? Why?

I have encountered many demanding situations and faults that required thorough analysis, commitment and good cooperation. I feel especially proud when we consult on more difficult technical cases with the team and search for the optimal solution together. Sharing knowledge, mutual support and joint decision-making give me the feeling that I can really contribute to the smooth running of the operation. The greatest satisfaction comes when, after the work is finished, we see that our actions were effective - and the problem we faced was solved thanks to our joint effort. This builds trust and confirms my belief that I am developing as an engineer and this is still ongoing.

What advice would you give to someone starting a career in aerospace?

In aviation, accuracy and responsibility are very important - every detail matters, which is why it is worth developing the habit of conscientious action from the beginning. Don't be afraid to show your commitment, which can open many new possibilities for implementation in projects, etc. Also build relationships with colleagues and mentors - support from specialists is invaluable, especially at the start.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Airbus?

At Airbus you will find people who are eager to share their knowledge and support you at every stage - all you need is openness to cooperation and continuous development. It is worth being proactive and not being afraid to ask questions - you can learn a lot if you just want to.

What would you say to someone who doesn’t think they “fit” in aerospace?

If you want to learn, see it as a challenge.  If you don't try, you'll never know whether or not this is a job that would satisfy you. Try and you will succeed.

If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don't be afraid to ask, search, be inquisitive, reach for knowledge and present your observations and ideas that may increase or improve work efficiency. Grab every opportunity to learn something new.

What do you appreciate most about Airbus as a workplace?

What I appreciate most about my job are the people I work with and from whom I can still learn a lot. I also appreciate the development opportunities I can achieve to be better at my job.

Which Airbus value resonates with you, and why?

Among Airbus values, creativity appeals to me the most, because in my work as a maintenance engineer, an unconventional approach to solving technical problems is often needed. Developing repairs, analysing faults or creating operating instructions requires not only knowledge, but also the ability to look at the situation from different perspectives. Creativity also helps me adapt solutions to real working conditions and the needs of the team. Thanks to it, I can not only perform tasks, but also improve and develop them.

How does Airbus support you in maintaining work-life balance?

The company supports me in maintaining work-life balance by offering great flexibility in organizing my workday. I can adjust my professional duties to my individual needs and daily rhythm. In situations when there there is an increased workload, you can take on additional working hours, which also gives a sense of control and influence on the organization of my own time. At the same time, the company shows full understanding of the need for rest - I have never had a problem with planning a vacation, which significantly affects the comfort of work and overall satisfaction. Additionally, the organizational culture, based on trust and mutual respect, makes it easy to maintain a healthy boundary between professional duties and free time. If necessary, you can also do remote work, which provides additional comfort. 

What motivates you to keep growing in your career?

I am motivated to continuously develop and learn by the desire to be a better engineer, to have a broader field of vision of the problems that we may encounter during work, to be able to solve them in the most effective way. I am driven by passion and a sense of contribution to operational safety. I want to achieve new goals, build a base of theoretical and practical knowledge and go with the technological development in aviation. Continuous development comes down to acquiring new opportunities for cooperation with experts in the field of aviation.

What’s one message you’d like to share with the next generation of aerospace professionals?

If you have a passion for aviation, it doesn't matter where you're from, who you are, whether you've been interested in aviation since childhood or not. What matters is whether you enjoy talking about planes, whether you'd like to improve them, whether you want to face the challenges in this field. Working on planes involves a huge responsibility, but also satisfaction. There will be better and worse moments, but passion, willingness to act, responsibility and a good team will help you deal with them. It's important to remember that true professionals are those who never stop being students. Responsibility, passion and the desire to develop are the foundation.

Do you have a favourite quote or mantra that inspires you in your work?

The greater the challenge, the greater the satisfaction.