Julie Lepré is in charge of the Engine Testing and Validation laboratory at MAN ES France at the Saint-Nazaire site. She tells us about her job as a Physical Measurement Technician. A so-called "technical" profession in which Julie shows us that she has found her place:

MAN People: What is your background?

Julie Lepré: After a degree in physical measurements, I followed a professional degree in acoustics and vibrations. In 2011, I joined the mechanical department of a laboratory in the Paris region specializing in environmental testing, where noise and vibration tests were carried out. Five years ago, I wanted to change regions and joined MAN ES France.

Why did you choose this technical field of Testing and Validation?

I liked the environment. Here, the activities change every day and there is real interaction between the departments, with the engine manufacturers, the airframe operators, the design office and the calculation. It is an area that holds a great responsibility, because you have to be sure of the reliability of the engines, while respecting the customer's specifications in terms of power, emissions, etc.

Do you have a typical day?

No, every day is different! It all depends on the projects. For standard series tests, I intervene to a lesser extent, because the motors are already equipped with sensors. On the other hand, when it comes to R&D tests, I work a lot upstream, in the preparation of the measurement chain. I am also in charge of the Metrology Testing laboratory, in charge of material management and quality assurance.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

Work as a team. This is essential, because we cannot move forward alone. And we all have something to bring to each other.

Have you recently faced a particular difficulty on a project?

This was the ANGRA project – 4 18-cylinder engines to test! There were a lot of tests to be provided, including torsional vibration tests on the crankshaft. But it was very interesting, because by amplifying our research in this way, we are gradually expanding our range of measurements.

What do you think are the essential qualities for this type of job?

Be rigorous, because there is a quality assurance to be respected and certified to our customers. Knowing how to work in a team, but also being curious to try to understand. And to be able to adapt to all situations. This job, particularly in the testing department, is very stimulating, because there are constantly new technologies on which you have to be at the cutting edge.

Are there any barriers to being a woman in this type of technical profession?

We are two women out of 11 people in the department. But in my opinion, only physical limits are sometimes an obstacle. In the workforce in general, some may be reluctant to work with women. It is true that in the industrial environment, women still have to find their place: in former companies, I sometimes found myself without changing rooms or women's toilets...

What advice would you give to a woman who is attracted to your job?

Don't let yourself be stepped on! And know how to communicate.

How do you see the future of women in technical professions in industry?

We have to rally them to our cause. I took part in the "Elles de l'industrie" days, to present my work to high school and university students, because it's a job that a woman doesn't naturally think of. I myself got there by chance. I started with a one-month temporary assignment and fifteen years later, I'm still there!