Máté Kerényi – enjoys the relaxed atmosphere at IRF
Máté Kerényi, 35 years old, has been a research engineer at the head office in Kiruna for eight years, working within the research program Solar System Physics and Space Technology.
Education and degree: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in transport technology from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and Master of Science (MSc) in aerospace technology from the Royal Institute of Technology, KTH.
Tell us about your duties and possible areas of responsibility.
– I am responsible for the thermal design of all particle instruments that are developed and built within the research program Solar System Physics and Space Technology. I am also technical project manager for several different particle instruments. For example, for the Jovian plasma Dynamics and Composition Analyzer (JDC) on board ESA’s Juice spacecraft, which is on its way to Jupiter and the icy moons Europa, Callisto and Ganymede, and for an instrument that will perform measurements on the lunar surface. In addition to that, I am also responsible for IRF SpaceLab, which offers industry and research groups a comprehensive opportunity to test and qualify space-related hardware for satellites, rockets, balloons and ground-based technology.
What does a research engineer do at IRF?
– Everything and more. In addition to focusing on my specialty thermal design, there are always varying tasks. Every space mission is unique because of its different destinations in the solar system. Since IRF has many different partners, this means a variety of contacts.
Why did you choose to contribute your knowledge and expertise to IRF in particular?
– Interesting and varied projects but also because of the location that suits me who is interested in nature and likes what Kiruna and the surrounding area has to offer. Another aspect is that through my work I contribute to the knowledge of humanity.
What opportunities do you have as an engineer at your workplace? – A great deal of freedom regarding working hours and working methods, but also educational opportunities through courses and conferences as well as work trips to interesting places.
Can you describe what it is like to work at IRF?
– The work environment is fantastic, mostly because of the colleagues who are competent, professional, helpful, and nice. The office space is good and the atmosphere is very calm at IRF.
When is your work extra fun and developing or less fun and extra challenging?
– It’s the most fun when we deliver an instrument and I get to work on the instrument directly on the satellite or when I get the opportunity to be on site at a rocket launch. The work is most challenging when a project is approaching the deadline.
How would you describe your work to a person who wants to work as an engineer at IRF?
– Exciting, varied, meaningful and fun.
