From intern to Head of Production: a journey built on curiosity, growth, and stepping outside the comfort zone.

On June 27, 2016, a university student Juhani, walked through the doors of Milrem for a two-week summer internship. Nearly ten years later, he leads the production team responsible for delivering world-class unmanned ground systems.

As this year's interns begin their own journey at Milrem, his story is a reminder that an internship can become much more than a summer experience; it can be the beginning of an extraordinary career.

Early inspiration and career beginnings

His journey started long before Milrem. In high school, he made an unusual decision: he chose to do the physics exam because he didn´t understand it, and he felt it was his weakness. "Throughout my life, I have been seeking experiences which are outside my comfort zone." That mindset has shaped every step of his career.

Alongside his curiosity for science, he always enjoyed working with his hands. Mechatronics became the perfect combination of theory and practice, giving him the opportunity to turn curiosity into engineering.

Joining Milrem

His path to Milrem came together through a combination of timing, interest, and opportunity. The university required him to complete a summer internship. He saw the THeMIS UGV on display while volunteering at Robotex, sparking an immediate interest. His military service had also inspired a growing fascination with military vehicles and the defence sector.

He still remembers his very first day. Instead of easing into the role, he was asked to conduct internal audits, even though he didn't know what an audit actually was. "So naturally I started Googling." That experience perfectly reflects the environment that has always defined Milrem: people are trusted with real responsibility from day one, encouraged to learn quickly, and supported as they grow.

Growing with the company

Over the years, both he and the company have evolved. “The team and our ways of working have become from hobbyists to professionals. What has not changed is the “let’s do it” attitude. I still look back to the team who was part of the development as a source of inspiration!”

He began his career as a technician before moving into quality engineering, where he had the opportunity to shape the fundamentals of Milrem's production quality processes. Along the way, he also contributed to safety engineering and implemented various software tools that supported the company's growth.

As Milrem expanded, so did his responsibilities. In 2024, he accepted one of the biggest challenges of his career, becoming Head of Production. "Those were very big shoes to fill, but I decided to accept this challenge to push my comfort zone even more."

Today, he says his biggest challenge is no longer solving technical problems himself. Instead, it's learning to step back from the specialist mindset and focus on developing people and enabling the entire team to succeed.

Today, as a Head of Production

Today, as Head of Production, leading production is about much more than manufacturing advanced technology. It is about leading the team responsible for building what he jokingly calls "the world's best production team of THeMIS UGVs." Behind the humor lies genuine pride and an understanding of the responsibility that comes with delivering systems trusted by customers around the world.

What makes Milrem's production different, in his view, is the involvement of the people closest to the product. Technicians play a vital role in improving processes, and many of the team's improvements are driven directly by their feedback and daily experience. After all, the team is building unmanned ground vehicles that have proven effective in battle in Ukraine. These vehicles help save lives on the front lines by carrying out dangerous logistics and resupply missions, allowing soldiers to maintain a safer distance from harm.

And when asked what a typical day looks like, his answer is simple: "Let's face it, there are no average days at Milrem." Every challenge creates another opportunity to improve, and continuous improvement is exactly what motivates him.

What makes a great intern?

This summer, his team welcomed two interns: one joining the Quality team and another supporting the Sub-Assembly team.

Just like he once did, they are working on meaningful tasks that contribute to real business needs. He thinks that a good intern is someone who matches our company values. Technical knowledge isn't also the first thing he looks for. "I expect our interns to challenge our ways of working and question everything. If we don't have a good answer for them, then it's time to change." The best ideas don't stop discussion. Interns are encouraged to propose solutions, implement them, and make a real impact.

Sometimes, those first projects become the foundation of a long-term career. His own journey is proof of that.

Nearly ten years later

Looking back, two things have kept him motivated throughout the years. The first is the opportunity to work alongside a highly skilled and very motivated team who are always willing to tackle new challenges together.

The second is a constant development opportunity. Milrem has never stopped evolving, and neither has he.

If he had to describe the company in just three words, they would be: Evolving. Mission-minded. Professional.

As another group of interns begins their first days at Milrem, his story demonstrates what is possible when curiosity meets opportunity. Sometimes, an internship lasts only a few weeks. Sometimes, it becomes the first chapter of a career.