Meet Flavia Einbeck, a Manufacturing Engineer based at our Newton Aycliffe factory in Northeast England. Flavia plays a crucial role in the assembly processes that result in fully serviceable trains for the UK network.
During Women’s History Month, we asked Flavia some questions to gain an understanding of her outlook as a woman in the business. With multiple life changes, including emigration from Brazil and the arrival of children, her work runs alongside a busy lifestyle.
Flavia, tell us about the pathway that led you to your current role at Hitachi Rail.
Before I started working at Hitachi, I had worked for several years as a Quality Engineer in the automotive and oil and gas sectors in Brazil, Germany, and the UK. When Hitachi was built in Newton Aycliffe, I thought that it would be an exciting opportunity to be part of a new company and develop and grow within the company. I started working as a Quality Engineer at Hitachi and after a year I moved on to become a Manufacturing Engineer – which is a role that I really love. I work as part of a team that develops the building process to assemble trains. My team supports assembly, design, and continuously improves Hitachi processes. For three years now, I have also been responsible for all lifting operations on site, and my next qualification could be the black belt in Six Sigma.
What is your biggest career achievement so far?
I am proud of my achievements. It was a challenge having a full-time career while moving country, learning a new language, getting married, and having three children! Alongside all that, I committed to my fitness and volunteering activities with the Scouts and Durham Cathedral. All this could be achieved because I had and continue to have the support from my family, friends, and the company. Also, because of my own self-motivation.
Can you describe the importance of male allies in the journey to gender equity?
I work in a male-oriented field. Having males as allies is very important because the way in which they act sets the tone for others. When male allies can amplify women’s voices, in my opinion, this leads to women being taken more seriously and treated more equally. The main contributors to my career development were males who believed in my potential and naturally treated me as equal.
Why do you think it’s important to celebrate Women’s History Month?
Celebrating Women's History Month is very important. It is a time to celebrate and reflect on women's position in society, our achievements, the gender equality gap, and the support that could be offered.
Can you tell us about a female professional who has inspired you?
Niki de Saint Phalle was an artist ahead of her time who has always inspired me. She was a French sculptor, painter, filmmaker, and author of colourful hand-illustrated books. Widely noted as one of the few female monumental sculptors, Saint Phalle was also known for her social commitment and work. As an activist, she advocated for the social causes of her time, among them civil rights, feminism, and AIDS awareness.
Inspired by my story?
To find out more about careers at Hitachi Rail, please visit our careers pages.
