From Junior Engineer to Team Lead Engineering: Building the Future of KARA Energy Systems Together

A conscious choice for development

After completing his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Industrial and Product Design at the University of Twente, Twan held interviews with various companies through an intermediary. However, KARA Energy Systems immediately felt like the right choice.

 

"I saw not only technically challenging products, but above all plenty of opportunities to develop myself. Both personally and professionally, I saw great opportunities for growth within the organization."

 

That combination was the deciding factor for him in 2024.

Learning the Technology from the Ground Up

Twan started as a Process Engineer, focusing entirely on research into the products and processes within KARA Energy Systems.

 

By thoroughly analyzing existing installations, he gained insight into the technology behind them and discovered where processes could be organized smarter, more efficiently, or better.

 

Through this research, Twan learned not only how an installation works, but also why certain engineering decisions had been made. It is precisely this knowledge that helps to continuously further develop products

 

This technical foundation later proved to be of great value.

Stepping into the Role of Team Lead Engineering

Begin 2026 kwam de functie van Teamlead Engineering For Twan, this is a great, but also challenging next step.

 

Before I took on the role, we had many conversations about expectations, responsibilities, and the direction we wanted to take together. That is why we held many discussions beforehand regarding expectations, the specifics of the role, and the steps towards the future

 

According to Twan, the strength lay primarily in the collaboration.

 

I never saw myself as being above the team—I wanted to be part of it. That made the transition feel very natural.

Working smarter together

Since taking on the role, the engineering team has made significant strides in further professionalizing the department.

 

Knowledge is documented in manuals and requirements lists, processes are standardized, and more and more components are parametrically designed.

 

Everyone now works based on the same principles. This ensures more structure, better collaboration, and ultimately more job satisfaction

 

Moreover, designing smarter creates more room for continuous improvement, and our clients benefit from this as well.

Standardize where possible, customize where necessary

Although more and more components are being developed modularly, every installation remains unique.

 

We can parametrically model and standardize a lot, but ultimately, every project remains custom work. Every client, every location, and every process requires a unique solution

 

It is precisely that combination that makes the work interesting, according to Twan.

Our engineers enjoy continuously improving those modular building blocks. That way, we get better as a team every time

The power of KARA Energy Systems

According to Twan, KARA Energy Systems distinguishes itself through the complete solution the company can offer.

 

In addition to the energy installation, KARA also provides the complete water-side system. Thanks to the intensive collaboration with BES Bollmann, complete drying systems can also be integrated.

 

This allows us to offer wood processing companies around the world a complete solution for both heating and drying processes.

Innovation never stops

Digitalization is also playing an increasingly important role within engineering. New software and AI functionalities support the team in designing installations and optimizing processes.

 

AI helps us work smarter. As a result, we have more time to focus on what truly matters: continuing to innovate

For Twan, the future of the department lies there as well.

 

In five years, we will have a larger engineering team, work together even smarter, and have standardized our processes even further. As a result, we will be able to spend even more time developing our products and components in the future, instead of redesigning them

Building the next generation of energy systems together

Twan's development demonstrates how KARA Energy Systems invests in young talent and the future of engineering.

 

By sharing knowledge, continuously improving processes, and providing room for innovation, the engineering team ccontinues to develop sustainable energy solutions for customers around the world every day.

 

Innovation never stands still. By working smarter together, we continue to improve both our products and ourselves.