– It feels a bit like building advanced LEGO

– The best thing about the job is that there’s a short path from idea to solution. When we spot a problem out in the plants, we can make changes quickly. It’s an incredibly satisfying feeling, he says.

Erik started as a project engineer at Trafsys on June 1, 2023, and works with critical infrastructure in some of the country’s most complex technical environments – the tunnels.

– I didn’t know there were so many systems in a tunnel before I started here. What you see as a driver are emergency phones, fire cabinets, and some fans. But behind that, there are networks, sensors, lighting control logic, telephones, cameras, and fire ventilation systems working together to make the tunnel safe

Right now, Erik is working on HMI design for the Sjona tunnel, where he is designing and updating the user interface on the touchscreens, among other things. On his desk, he’s also building a new PLC – programmable logic controller – which determines how the tunnel’s systems should respond. It feels a bit like building advanced LEGO, he says.

– But it’s so much more than that. We’re building solutions that can help save lives. Fire ventilation has to work precisely so that people can evacuate in time. The tunnel lighting must be adjusted so the driver isn’t blinded. And the cameras need to detect everything from stopped vehicles to pedestrians. That means we have to be 100 percent sure that everything works exactly as it should.

He always conducts thorough testing and works closely with those on site. When something comes up, he starts by troubleshooting and then takes responsibility for making sure it actually works.

Being honest with customers is important to Erik.

— Honesty builds trust. When we’re delivering high-quality solutions, we also have to be willing to speak up if something can be done better. One example is when I suggested a different placement for some cameras in a project, because what we deliver should be something we at Trafsys can be proud of and stand behind.

He feels that his job allows him to use all of his skills. When a completely new problem arises and he finds a solution, it gives him a unique sense of accomplishment.

— I’m constantly learning new things. I’ve learned more here in two years than I did during all my years in school. It’s not just about technology—it’s about thinking holistically, understanding connections, and making your own judgments.

— Being a bit of a nerd helps, he says with a smile, — but really, curiosity is enough.

— You need to be able to think in terms of software logic and also understand physical equipment. I work with cameras, phones, relays, networks, and addressing. It’s incredibly exciting—and the best part is that what I do actually matters.

Erik has gone from frequently asking colleagues for help to making independent decisions. It’s a development that has made him more confident, and results in even better deliveries for the customers. He enjoys being the expert on his tunnels and knows exactly how they’re configured.

—It’s cool to know a lot about something most people don’t think about, but that everyone relies on.

And he’s never alone when something needs to be solved.

— I always get help when I need it. There’s a strong drive in the team to do a good job. We care, and it shows. That’s also why I enjoy working here so much.

At Trafsys, we build solutions based on knowledge and real needs, not just because we can, but because they’re essential. Erik is a clear example of that: skilled, dedicated, and part of a professional environment where everyone goes the extra mile to deliver at a high level.