Thierry, Electrical Engineer
"I find the various processes involved highly stimulating."
"You are an "Electrical Engineer". What does your job involve?
I lead a team of 3 technicians who maintain and monitor new electrical and electro-mechanical installations who also follow various projects in a more independent way. We cover the whole of Orly Sud airport. My job is to plan out the work for each of them and to handle the numerous daily requests from the various departments (works, design, architecture, operations etc.).
What attracted you to this job and what qualities does it require?
I find the various processes involved highly stimulating, for example the UGCIS (Centralised Unit for the Control of Emergency Exits), GTC (Centralised Technical Control), API (Programmable Industrial Automata) and my job allows me to continually follow developments in new equipment, try it out and initiate the purchase of whichever new products will help me to optimise our installations.I would say that the main qualities needed are the capacity to work independently, communication skills, a good team spirit and the ability to share knowledge.
What made you choose Aéroports de Paris?
After working for 12 years in the private sector, in a purely industrial setting, I was keen to experience a different environment and field of activity in which to practise my profession. At Aéroports de Paris, I was drawn by the particular constraints and technical requirements of an airport.
What was your integration into the company like?
To start with, it was difficult because I found it hard to know what was really expected of me. However, I discussed this very early on with my manager and, as a result, the "old hands" greatly eased my integration by sharing their experiences with me. It's no different to private life, communication is achieved through dialogue and a desire to be open with the other person to discuss and resolve differences.
You have been at Aéroports de Paris for 12 years. How do your see your future within the company?
Professional development in the technical domain takes a relatively long time and places are expensive. However, thanks to training opportunities offered by Aéroports de Paris, it is possible to change to another sector of activity. Ideally, I would like to be at the forefront of projects that enable Aéroports de Paris to remain at the cutting edge of technology, leaving passengers, for whom the airport is the first point of entry, with an excellent impression.
Tell us what your working environment is like (atmosphere, relations with line managers, information etc.).
There is a good atmosphere both among colleagues and with superiors, and also with the various airport staff whom I must meet in the course of my work. Information channels are good. Of course there are always those with whom it is easier to strike a spark!