Interviews

Koji Mizutani

• Design & Manufacturing Engineering Section, Engineering Department
  Manager
• Years with the company:1993
• Major:Aeronautical Engineering

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Height=70", Weight=150 lbs, Libran. When I started my job, I introduced myself that I have certain experience with firearms & martial arts in the in-house newsletter, but that was a lie due to my youthful exuberance. However, during my career, I actually obtained license for dangerous object and explosives. I have also started practicing Karate with my kids. I hope that my dream will come true !

Job description

Administration of operation as Section Manager, Project Manager for certain production programs, Research and Development for manufacturing engineering and coordination with domestic and international partner companies.

The reason why I choose this job

I always feel aspired with those things which fly. Especially I prefer "the source of power generation = engine" rather than the aircraft itself.

What makes it worth challenging

I'm happy to work in the aero industry which I loved long and I feel it rewarding to compete with development organizations and companies from all over the world from engineering stand point.

Difficulties and challenges

Needless to say, we need to design the aircraft engine considering not only flight safety and economics, but also so it can stand with very severe conditions. Moreover, these kind of big projects sometimes force us to collaborate across borders, which is challenging to overcome a cultural difference.

My passion

In this company, we can do anything if we have adequate physical energy, mental toughness and intellectuality. I will keep running with them as far as I can.

Memorable experience

It's hard for me to pick up a specific single event as I have been involved in many projects. However I do have many good memories in every "troublesome" project even though I wanted to run away in troubleshooting at that time.

My goal

To make MHIAEL a highly profitable company and to create working environment which allows us to enjoy long vacation every year.

Hiroshi Kurihara

• Engineering & Management team, Assembly & Maintenance Section, Production Department
  Senior Deputy Manger
• Years with the company:April 1, 2004
• Major:Master of Mechanical Engineering

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Since joining Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. in 2004, I was involved in the project for manufacture and maintenance of commercial aircraft engines. Currently, I am responsible for manufacturing engineering and production control as a team chief. On holidays, I enjoy nature to forget time in Japan Northern Alps. However, even when I spend time in the Alps, I always stop and stare into the sky whenever I find aircraft in the sky.

Job description

I have been working to establish assembly techniques, test methods to evaluate engine performance, engine configuration management, scheduling and the creation of most efficient production methodology. In the engine maintenance project, I am responsible as a project leader to coordinate the entire project from arranging engine induction with our customers, to establishing maintenance techniques, schedule control for in-house parts inspection and repairs, contract to parts repair companies outside Japan, and finally engine deliveries to our customers.

The reason why I choose this job

Longing to the sky from my childhood is my starting point. Especially I wanted to be involved in the engine because it is the heart of the aircraft and space rocket.

What makes it worth challenging

Feeling of accomplishment comes up with me every time engine production is completed in the day-to-day operations. However, it makes me feel exceptional when I find someone who is paying attention to the engine we manufactured or performed maintenance, or a person pointing to an aircraft equipped with an engine we manufactured or performed maintenance.

Difficulties and challenges

I always feel a great deal of pressure when it gets to flight safety. I always consider the best way to ensure flight safety, and I believe this is a crucial thing to think about as a person who is involved in the aviation industry.

My passion

As an engineer, every day is a continuation of study and comprehension. However, my interest never gets exhausted, for example, when I eye witness engine test utilizing great power to validate the preliminary technical study.

Memorable experience

Upon launching the commercial large engine maintenance project for the first time in about 25 years at MHI, I was assigned as a leader of such project. It was my 12th year with MHI. Successful completing the preparation as planned made me feel a great deal of accomplishment. It was an opportunity to remind me that MHI consists of enthusiastic colleagues, long standing history and reliability of the company established by our great seniors.

My goal

Our facility is planned to become the first final assembly plant for production commercial aircraft engines in Japan, and in addition, engine maintenance projects are also growing rapidly. It is my hope to contribute to the development of aviation industry in Japan as a member of civil aviation manufacturer by working collaboratively with aviation authorities.

Shiro Miyahara

• Parts Production, Production Department
  Deputy Manager
• Years with the company:April 2003
• Major:Mechanical System Engineering

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It has been 13 full years since I joined the company. I was born in Kagoshima, lived in Hiroshima for university, and now live in Nagoya. Because of the several different dialects I have caught from where I have lived, some people say I have strange dialect. Living in many different regions in Japan made me to like traveling around the country and eating delicious foods. As a result, I have completed visiting all prefectures in Japan with my wife. I am now thinking of a second round, this time with our two children. I wonder when I would be able to complete.

Job description

I am the deputy manager of the parts manufacturing site. Everyday, we are trying to improve the safety, environment and work efficiency with our staffs and operators. In addition, as a deputy manager, I am considering organization improvement and personnel planning of my branch. And, as an engineer, I am considering the facility plan and the new production method by taking advantage of experience of the manufacturing engineer. I am crazy to concretize the bright image of the future.

The reason why I choose this job

I always had strong dream for aerospace. When I started my recruiting activities, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was hiring by manufacturing sites, and I thought I would be able to work in the aerospace industry if I took the opportunity at this facility.

What makes it worth challenging

My most rewarding moment is when our newly developed engine took to the skies. Also, I get motivated when we achieve certain things during our day-to-day work and share joy with my team, such as Kaizen and problem solvings.

Difficulties and challenges

The difficulty I currently face is to properly prioritize what needs to be done from a lot of work that has to be done without spending so much time. My challenge is to properly balance what needs to be done immediately and important task which is not in a hurry.

My passion

First of all, flight safety is always our number one priority. Final quality of the product always comes from the shop floor. I always think of how to achieve flight safety, by stopping whenever I dither over certain things, not to make decision on my own, and always not to compromise nor surrender.

Memorable experience

My most recent memorable event is the band performance I gave with my colleagues during the party celebrating the company's establishment. We created a filksong packed with our hopes into the new company. Everyone at the party sang the song with us. I really like the warm atmosphere of this company which allowed us to give such performance.

My goal

My goal is to make this company famous throughout the world. I hope it will one day become a great company which my family can be proud of.

Machiko Sudo

• Assembly & Maintenance Quality Team, Quality Assurance Section, Quality Assurance Department
  Deputy Manager
• Years with the company:October 1, 2010
• Major:Aeronautics & Astronautics Engineering

profile

Studied and worked in the United States and joined MHIAEL after returning to Japan in 2010. Hobby is to watch movies and foreign dramas. I watch many dramas on holidays for a change.

Job description

• Product Quality and Program Quality of Commercial Aero Engines.
• Regulatory Compliance Office

The reason why I choose this job

Aerospace has always been my primary field of interest since I was in elementary school; in fact my dream was to become an astronaut! My major in university was propulsion system, and therefore chose this job to become involved in propulsion systems, such as rocket engines and air breathing engines.

What makes it worth challenging

We have launched a new engine overhaul service in 2016, and I was responsible for quality assurance element of preparation process. Receiving approvals from aviation authorities requires not only full understanding of many regulations and procedures but also close coordination with different sections of your company. You may sometimes need to intentionally make strict comments for best solution, but you should find it worth challenging especially when approval is granted.

Difficulties and challenges

Working with many foreign airworthiness authorities requires many additional efforts to cope with cross-cultural differences. It sometimes reminds me that the way you usually do things may not always be the best way. As a member of quality assurance team, we always try to introduce a new way to assure better quality and service to our customers, which I sometimes find it challenging.

My passion

High quality is the basis of customer preference and I trust this is common amongst all kinds of products and services. Quality assurance is often seen as a backseat role job; however I take high pride in this work as a custodian of high quality.

Memorable experience

About 6 months after I joined MHI, we received many demanding findings from one of foreign civil aviation authorities. Although my knowledge for law requirements and quality assurance system was insufficient, I rigorously worked with my team for improvement. A year later, during the next inspection, the inspector confirmed the many improvements we have made and gave us a word which I can never forget; "Congratulations. We are proud of you!"

My goal

Obtaining approval from foreign Civil Aviation Authority for assembly and Delivery of the very first PW1200G engine assembled at our shop. MHIAEL is slated to become the first in Japan, sixth in the world to receive such an approval from civil aviation authority. Responsibility is so huge but I am so much excited!