Ing-Marie is interim manager and responsible for an engineering team working on-site at Esrange Space Center in Kiruna.
What is on your agenda right now?
Right now, we are involved in the preparations for the Themis rocket—Europe’s first reusable rocket demonstrator. Our role is to support the customer, Ariane Group, in all aspects, from safety work and infrastructure to maintenance systems, high-pressure tanks, and FGSE (fluid ground system equipment).
How do you find your role compared with your previous experience?
Many aspects are similar to my previous positions, such as working with research, safety, and responsibility in heavy industry, as well as site manager assignments. Even though the industry is new to me, the construction phase feels familiar from past roles.
I have previously managed large factories with everyone from operators to researchers and PhD students, which is very useful here as well. What I especially appreciate about this assignment is its clarity: the goal is to launch rockets with satellites, and everyone in the organization has a well-defined role connected to that. The difference now is that I’m working in an operation that delivers a service rather than a product—which is both new and stimulating.
What do you see as the strength of your role?
For me personally, the strength lies in getting to work in a completely new industry. While there are parallels to earlier assignments, I’m constantly learning new things about rockets and space operations—I’ve always been a bit of a space nerd, so being able to combine my leadership skills with a personal interest is very rewarding.
What has surprised you the most?
I hadn’t really reflected on the historic significance of the work at Esrange. A rocket has never before been launched into orbit from here, and reaching that goal requires an enormous breadth of expertise and preparation. Being part of that feels truly special.
Another thing that has surprised me is the diversity in the workplace. People from many different countries work here, which is particularly important in today’s geopolitical climate. It feels meaningful to contribute to an operation that, in many ways, is creating something positive.
