"A lot of people worry about what’s next after university, but it’s a privilege to know what you want to do! I ended up where I am through a series of coincidences. Basically, I liked math more than most and leaned into that. My advice? It’s okay to change your mind along the way. You’ll figure it out!"
From biathlon to machine engineering
Even though biathlon captured her heart early in life and led her to move north to pursue an elite career, Moa knew it probably wouldn’t last forever. It was all or nothing, and in the back of her mind she realized she also wanted to invest in her other interests, providing a stable foundation for her future.
Drawing on her aptitude for math and physics, combined with a wish to explore the field with a creative twist, she chose to study machine engineering with a focus on product development at Mid Sweden University in Östersund. Turns out this was just the right choice for her. From brainstorming to finalizing prototypes, the creative and strategic process felt both fun and rewarding.
Moa’s drive, combined with the broad opportunities her education provided, led to many doors opening after graduation. Biathlon took a backseat, and so her professional journey began!
When work follows life – not the other way around
After graduation, Moa and her partner stayed in the Östersund area, and this was also where she landed a role as Technical writer at Combitech. Not long into her new career, the couple decided to move even further north, to Boden, so Moa’s partner could pursue a career in football. Being new at her job posed no problem.
Moa simply continued her work at the Luleå office, following the career path she’d chosen. That was until she became pregnant and the desire to be closer to family arose. The move home to Värmland was now scheduled, landing them closer to family in Karlstad. Once again, her work moved with her seamlessly. The same clients and tasks, just new premises and office neighbors.
“We feel very fortunate, it has been a smooth process! We wouldn’t have been able to move so much if I hadn’t had this job. We knew from the start that the move to Boden wouldn’t last longer than one, maximum two years, and it would’ve been difficult to look for a job for only that specific time period. The flexibility of Combitech has really enabled us to pursue the life we want to live.”
Reflecting and exploring new opportunities
Like many women before her, Moa reflected on her work situation during maternity leave. Was technical writing what she truly wanted to do, or was it time to explore something new? Since joining Combitech, Moa had developed a strong interest in project management and was eager to take her career in that direction. When a position for an ILS manager opened up, it turned out to be the perfect opportunity. Not only to step into a new technical role, but also to work with project management.
“I thrive when I get to learn new things. I’ve always been interested in project management, and I knew that’s where I wanted to take the next step in my career. Combitech had a job opening for an ILS manager, which I applied for and got! I was able to keep my desk, my computer and colleagues, but with new, exciting tasks, and the chance to work with something I’ve been passionate about for a long time. I’m incredibly grateful that Combitech gave me that opportunity.”
Moa describes life as an ILS manager as very varied. ILS stands for Integrated Logistics Support. In short, it involves overseeing all the logistics concerning a specific system or product over its entire lifecycle, from acquisition to disposal. Tasks include creating maintenance plans and performing spare part analyses to ensure systems and products last for many years and serve their purpose to the fullest, and manage a team of skilled ILS engineers.
“You can’t just buy a car, skip maintenance, and still expect it to work flawlessly. It’s the same principle with the products and systems we take care of.”
Purpose, growth and making an impact
Moa describes Combitech as a workplace defined by knowledgeable colleagues, supportive leaders and a strong curiosity about the future. Surrounded by experts from a wide range of technical fields, she feels the organization is constantly looking ahead, whether it’s embracing new technologies or developing solutions that make systems last longer and work better.
At the same time, the work carries a broader purpose. Through projects within areas such as defence and advanced technology, Moa and her colleagues contribute to solutions that strengthen important societal functions. For Moa, that sense of purpose, combined with the flexibility to balance career and family life, is a big part of what makes her work both meaningful and rewarding.
With ILS continuing to grow, Moa hopes more colleagues will become curious about the field. Her advice is simple: attend a course, listen to a presentation, or learn more about what ILS involves.
Chances are you’ve already come across parts of ILS engineering without realizing it. And if it sounds interesting – don’t hesitate to give it a try. It’s incredibly rewarding work!
