How female engineer Li Da shapes the mobility of tomorrow
In order to shape the mobility of tomorrow, we need today's expertise. That is what Li Da has to offer. As an engineer, she is a solution provider, troubleshooter, and liaison officer all in one. That's exactly what she likes about her job as Technical Project Leader at thyssenkrupp Presta Shanghai. She is creating something meaningful that fills her with pride.
Li Da proved perfect timing: She joined thyssenkrupp in 2016, when the automotive industry has been booming in China. As a passionate engineer, there could hardly be a more exciting employer for Li Da than thyssenkrupp Presta – one of the world's leading manufacturers of steering systems: The components and systems of the Automotive supplier are used by all leading car manufacturers. “As a leader in the steering column industry, thyssenkrupp is a very good choice”, Li is convinced. “And as a growing company, thyssenkrupp is also constantly improving itself.”
At thyssenkrupp in Shanghai Li Da got the chance to help shape the mobility of tomorrow. From 2016 to 2018, Li Da was in charge of the R&D work of electric power steering systems. Since 2018, with the rise of the electrically adjustable columns market Li is responsible for the R&D of the new generation of electrically adjustable columns.
“During my seven years at thyssenkrupp, my role has been constantly changing”, reveals the 35-year-old. “I am not limited to the professionalism of engineering, but must also consider multi-dimensional and higher perspectives, such as the profitability of the project.” Today the engineer combines three jobs in one: She takes pride in being a solution provider, troubleshooter, and liaison officer, constantly finding ways to improve the product and satisfy customers.
Li Da does not limit herself to engineering topics in her daily work, but also has to consider multidimensional and higher-level perspectives. This is something she particularly appreciates as a project manager at thyssenkrupp Presta Shanghai.
Consistent focus on the customers' requirements
“R&D work is actually a repetitive process, but there are surprises every day”, says Li. As solution providers Li and her team focus first on developing the product concept. Or as she puts it: “The prototype of the product design concept is brewed and prepared based on experience, discussed with the team, and in the end the final design solution comes out. Based on our experience and resources, we finally present a holistic product package to satisfy customers.”
As trouble shooters she and her team take care of design optimization. ”In addition to solving engineering problems effective communication across factories and departments is also a top priority for us.” A project in which she had to put all that on the line and which she remembers particularly well, was the development of the first Extended Steering Column power module together with a controller. “From the establishment and commissioning of the factory production line to the cooperation in production, technology and quality, to the smooth commissioning, the project lasted four years”, recalls Li. “This project helped us accumulate extensive experience in the development of ESC columns in China. With the extension of this platform, we have successively obtained orders from many other customers and established a good relationship of trust with customers”.
A job to be proud of
No question: At thyssenkrupp Presta in Shanghai, Li has found her dream job, where she can fully live out her passion for engineering: “When a new product finally is created, it’s like having a new baby. The real touch and solid feeling is the moment that gives me the most sense of accomplishment and pride.”
Shaping the future – like the mobility of tomorrow. Are you interested in a job where you can create something you are proud of? Then take a look at our careers page.