Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role in the company?
My name is Jeannette Mora, Metallurgical Execution Engineer from the University of Santiago and I currently work as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer at ME Elecmetal.
I joined the company in August 2017, at the Rancagua plant in Chile, and since then this has been my first and only professional job. I started as a Manufacturing Trainee Engineer in a very challenging context: I was the first woman in the operations area in a historically male environment. Today, with almost eight years in the company, I remain connected to the manufacturing area, actively participating in the design, definition, and fabrication of critical solutions for the plant.
I come from a traditional and very close-knit family: I grew up with my parents, two older sisters, and a younger brother, in an environment where family support has always been fundamental. Outside of work, an important space for me is my love for animals, especially dogs and, in particular, greyhounds, whom I admire for their nobility and sensitivity. At home, I share this affection for animals with three dogs and two cats.
What brought you to ME Elecmetal?
I came to ME Elecmetal after almost a year of job searching, in a context where many opportunities were not directly related to the engineering I had studied. When I saw the opportunity at ME Elecmetal, I felt this was the place where I could practice my profession. Over time, I continue to choose this place for the constant learning, the technical challenge of the manufacturing area, the professional development opportunities, and above all, the human team.
It has been a challenging and hard-earned journey. I left Santiago to come alone to Rancagua. Professionally, it meant validating myself as an engineer in an area where there were no women, earning the trust of the plant team, and proving myself with results.
At ME Elecmetal, I have had the opportunity to have open conversations about my development, even raising the need to explore other experiences, such as an exchange in the United States. And at all times I have felt support and openness from the team and the company, understanding that these opportunities are a win-win.
How would you describe the culture at ME Elecmetal?
I would describe it as a comprehensive and very human culture, despite being a productive operation that never stops. There is a strong sense of team and shared purpose. In my case, I spend a large part of the day with my team, and that creates an almost family-like dynamic.
Additionally, I have seen a very clear evolution in topics such as diversity, inclusion, and safety. Today, conversations open that did not exist before, especially around the role of women in the industry. I also highlight the culture of continuous improvement alongside LEAN, which is deeply internalized and drives us to do things better and better, as a team.
Benefits and Personal Life
I value the support for professional development. The company has supported me with a diploma and now in my studies in Industrial Civil Engineering, which for me is key, both personally and professionally.
I also highlight the flexibility and trust. I live in Santiago and travel to Rancagua, so telework and the understanding of my direct supervisor have been fundamental. There is trust that the work will be done well, regardless of where or what schedule, and that is not something you see in every company.
Can you share a memorable experience or achievement in your work here?
One of the most important milestones has been the implementation and consolidation of CNC modeling. We went from completely depending on external suppliers to developing complex and large models internally. It was a long process, with many initial errors, learnings, and adjustments.
I led a continuous improvement project (5S) in one of the critical stages of the process, working with external operators and facing a lot of resistance to change. It was a demanding job, but today the flow is continuous and efficient. It is a project I feel very proud of.
“I am excited to continue growing professionally, open myself to new opportunities within the company, and strengthen the connection with operations outside Chile.”
How does your team contribute to solving challenges in mining?
From manufacturing, we are a critical area, connecting with all stages of the plant. Our role is to ensure that designs are manufacturable, efficient, and of high quality, solving problems in real time and making quick decisions.
We work very aligned, with constant communication and a strong culture of collaborative work. This allows us to respond to the challenges of a demanding industry like mining, providing robust, innovative, and reliable technical solutions.
What catches your attention about the coming years at ME Elecmetal?
I am excited to continue growing professionally, opening myself to new opportunities within the company, and strengthening the connection with operations outside Chile. I believe the next step is to further enhance collaborative work at a global level.
I am also motivated to see how ME Elecmetal continues advancing in innovation, sustainability, and diversity, demonstrating that even in traditionally tough and male-dominated industries, it is possible to do things differently.
