Unto subjects explosives to environmental testing

Planning Engineer Unto Pennanen works at the Explosives Centre in Niinisalo. He acts as a testing lead and plans, manages, and develops environmental tests.

Leading these tests is project-like work that focuses primarily on leading the environmental conditions for testing explosives.

– I guide the implementation of our tests and supervise our compliance with all instructions and regulations, while paying particular attention to safety. The work itself may include a variety of steps, such as vibration, drop and weather cycle tests, or other tests derived from a product’s life cycle.

Engineering requires interaction

In addition to knowing the right testing technologies and other key points, the job requires good interpersonal skills. Pennanen’s work involves continuous interaction with the people running and commissioning the tests – sometimes even with international collaboration partners.

The Centre’s testing activities are constantly being improved as a whole, with a focus on working more efficiently and achieving higher-quality results. Clearly documented methods and procedures are key for orienting and training new employees.

– Continuously changing products and tests bring new and interesting challenges. For example, we may be asked to develop new testing equipment or adopt a new testing method.

For Pennanen, the most meaningful part of his job is that he gets to challenge himself and see the significance of his efforts.

– My colleagues are excellent, and I get to work with really talented people. This is a small unit, so we’ve got a really good work atmosphere – it’s great to work with people who are skilled experts in their own fields.