Careers

Less than a year ago, and after spending five years at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (four years for completing Philosophy of Doctorate and one year as a Postdoctoral researcher), it was time for me to make the big step and move to industry. I must say that these five years working experience with power electronics in academia have helped me to obtain a solid background and the necessary knowledge required by the industry world. However, I made the decision to move to industry since the more “realistic” job environment that industry offers had always been more attractive to me compared to the more “ideal” world of academia.

When starting the job at The Switch, I was very excited to work with the development of power electronic products for marine applications. In simple words, I was excited to work with high power converters that several ships are currently using for their electrification system. One year later, I must say that I still have the same excitement.

My first year as an employee at the company has been very interesting and productive in every aspect. I have been working mostly with the development of the FSD2020 products, and especially the development of the EBL3.0 family. Simulations and lab testing have been my main responsibilities so far. Besides the work itself, the work environment at The Switch in Trondheim is also very nice and enjoyable. I work closely with a few senior power electronics engineers, and that has helped me to expand my knowledge and skills as well as to gain more experience. I also appreciate the flexibility regarding the working hours that the company offers.

Today, I look forward to being a significant part of the development of new high power converter products, or contributing to the improvement of the FSD2020 products that The Switch currently offers.

Apart from work, I like to spend my spare time with my dog. We take long walks together, exploring all the mountain areas around Trondheim. I also enjoy playing football and basketball. Last but not least, I like to spend time with friends in coffee shops.

To the extent that I can recall, my fascination with automobiles, airplanes and mechanical tools dates back to my childhood. I believe this interest served as the catalyst for my delving into the study of physics and, more specifically, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I ventured into the realm of design and manufacturing. Over time, I decided to enhance my knowledge in the analysis of mechanical structures, recognizing the symbiotic relationship between design and analysis as two wings that can help us stay on the right path.

Therefore, during my master’s studies in the field of mechanical engineering specialized in steel structures and digital engineering, I joined The Switch as a trainee in the performance engineering department as a structural analyst. Later, I completed my master thesis in the field of machine dynamics for the company and was immediately hired as a Structural Designer in the Performance Engineering team.

At The Switch, we design and manufacture electric machines, which require demanding precise and advanced engineering. Our team ensures the performance of these machines throughout their lifespan, covering electromagnetic, thermal and structural aspects.

Effective design, along with these analyses and simulations, is crucial for achieving the desired performance, required efficiency and necessary safety features of our products.

Currently, my role involves structural analysis and simulation of our products, primarily using finite element methods due to complexity related to the structures and loads.

It’s an honor for me to work in the friendly and serene environment at The Switch, where colleagues are supportive and nurturing. As an international employee, I appreciate the kindness and encouragement from The Switch community, working together as a large family toward mutual progress and equality.

My background is in turbomachinery, with a focus on centrifugal compressors.

In 2018, I graduated as a Doctor of Science in Technology from LUT University. After that, I gained expertise in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), flow field measurements and teaching. I also took Professional Teacher Education in 2019 and lectured several courses related to fluid mechanics and machinery at LUT.

I first learned about The Switch in 2020 while working at LUT on a Business Finland-funded project on high-temperature heat pumps. The company was a member of the project’s steering group.

In 2022, I was offered a position at the company as a specialist in thermal design, marking my shift from academia to industry. My initial responsibility was the cooling design for electric machines.

After one year, I was promoted to senior specialist in thermal design. Alongside my earlier focus, I also took on cooling design for power electronics, as well as responsibilities in sales, marketing, cooperation with LUT and R&D project management for the new heat pumps project.

As of September 2025, my role at The Switch shifted to R&D project management. In addition to my previous responsibilities, I now manage R&D projects, such as the EU-funded MagNEO, which develops additively manufactures permanent magnets.

The Switch has given me a great opportunity to develop leadership and negotiation skills, deepen my understanding of collective agreements and gain valuable insights into workplace rights, responsibilities, safety and wellbeing.

As a member of the Rotating Machines Technical Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), I am actively contributing to standardization work. I also belong to the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), which allows me to expand my network in the marine industry and stay informed about state-of-the-art technologies.

In my daily work, I am particularly interested in understanding customer applications and needs, improving energy efficiency and utilizing waste heat.

Read more about Jonna Tiainen in TradeWinds.

One word to describe how I ended up working with human resources management is fate. I have always been interested in HR and languages. I also worked as a teacher for a while after graduating from university. I love working with people, helping them, and making them happy – in that way teaching and HR are very similar!

Most of my free time I spend playing with my two young boys. And I love to watch movies on the weekends. Traveling is a big passion of mine, and I’m looking forward to my children growing up and showing them the world.

I ended up at The Switch after a friend introduced me to the company. I’ve worked here since 2010, and truly enjoy the people and the work culture here. My job covers all HR work of both Beijing and Luan.

If asked why The Switch, and what is the main reason I am working at The Switch? I would say it is the people – and the respectful and tolerant environment. Our company is just like one big family where we can express our opinions freely and cooperate equally and supportively. We are truly looking forward to and willing to try our best to develop together with this big family.