The adventures of a start-up engineer

Tobias’ passion for engineering started early – long before his university days. “Since I was sixteen, I’ve loved working with CNC machines,” Tobias recalls. “With my dad I used to build motorcycle parts, it was a fun, hands-on way to learn how things work.” 

This passion for mechanics eventually led him to study Mechanical Engineering at Karlstad University and not long after, he landed a role as a design engineer. Then one day, a rare chance came up: a site assignment in Mexico. 

“I was excited to travel and see something new. That first project really opened my eyes to site work. After that, I started splitting my time between the design office and the startup team.” In 2017, Tobias made the switch fully to the startup group, and he hasn’t looked back since. 

Working with variety 

Today, Tobias works full-time on customer premises, starting up tissue machines and process systems around the world. In his role as a startup engineer, Tobias is often one of the first people to bring a new tissue machine to life. His days are hands-on, dynamic, and rarely the same. “I love that part – meeting different people, seeing different places, and learning new ways of working. You grow a lot.” 

But it’s not without its challenges. Flexibility, both mental and practical, is key. 

People might not realize how much your personal life must adjust to the project schedule. You have to be adaptable. But the payoff is worth it.” 

One moment that stands out? The Papel San Francisco startup in Mexicali. “On just the second day, the customer wanted to push the speed. In 2 hours and 10 minutes, we were running at 2200 m/min without a single issue. That’s when you see what’s possible when everything aligns.” 

More than machines 

Some projects leave more than technical memories. Tobias fondly remembers the great teamwork between Valmet and the mill crew at the Alas Doradas site. 

It was a great collaboration – and on weekends the mill crew invited us to go mountain biking, hiking volcanos, and even motocross in the mountains. It was such a good time.” 

Tobias mountain biking with Alas Doradas team

For Tobias, good teamwork isn’t just nice to have, it’s what fuels the job. When the team works well, that’s what motivates me. Having fun together, supporting each other, and seeing things come together, that’s what makes it rewarding.” 

Even outside work, Tobias stays true to his roots: at home, you’ll often find him recharging on two wheels. “If I’m not traveling, I like to ride motorcycles. If I’m abroad, I try to explore something local.” 

Tobias like to ride motorcycles regardless of the season

Grounded, open and ready for the next challenge 

What will he take with him from his years on the road?

That life works differently in different places. And that’s not a problem; it’s something to understand and embrace.” 

With his steady mindset, love of learning, and collaborative spirit, Tobias is more than just a startup engineer – he’s a builder of bridges between people, across cultures, and from potential to performance.