Mika Savolainen joined Norsepower back in April 2014 as employee number four. In those early days, he was Norsepower’s first mechanical designer, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s foundational technologies and refining initial designs to better suit the company’s evolving needs. As projects grew, so did Mika's role. Over the years, his responsibilities expanded into material sciences and calculations and he found himself wearing many hats in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Today, Mika is the Head of Product , where his role is focused on overseeing product variants, documentation, and certifications. He also acts as a bridge between teams, aligning perspectives from sales, engineering, production, and fleet operations, so that their needs align with a cohesive product vision.

A career driven by purpose

One of the things that drew Mika to Norsepower was the chance to make a tangible environmental impact. With a background in wind power and green technology, he saw Norsepower’s mission as a perfect match for his values.

"The chance to contribute to a sustainable future has been a key driver for me. Knowing that our work reduces emissions in the maritime industry gives it a deeper meaning," he shares.

He sees his work as a way to leave a positive mark on the world, a mission that has motivated him to stay with the company for overa decade. Mika takes pride in being part of a company that turns innovative ideas into practical, impactful solutions. In Norsepower’s early days, this meant wearing many hats—from assembling and testing rotor sails to troubleshooting and refining designs. These varied experiences enriched his understanding of the technology and its real-world applications.

Achievements that stand out

For Mika, the most rewarding moments in his career have been seeing Norsepower’s products in action. “One highlight was being part of successful installations and maintenance projects. Standing on-site and seeing everything come together is incredibly fulfilling,” he recalls.

Early installations, in particular, stand out as career highlights. In design, achievements often come from collaborative problem-solving—working as a team to tackle challenges and finding that perfect solution together. Being Norsepower's first mechanical designer has allowed Mika to see his influence on the company's systems and processes, a legacy he’s proud to leave behind.

A decade of growth and challenges along the way

Having been with Norsepower for over a decade, Mika has seen the company grow from a small startup to an organisation with over 120 employees. This rapid expansion has transformed the work environment, which Mika finds both impressive and challenging. The shift from the startup pace to the fast-growing company Norsepower is today has been rewarding, especially as the marine market has increasingly recognized the value of green technology, validating the company’s vision.

"The shift from a close-knit team of four to a larger, more structured company has been fascinating to witness. While it’s more complex now, the shared commitment to innovation and sustainability remains the same,” Mika explains."It's exciting to see how our efforts align with the global push for sustainable solutions," he adds.

Continuous learning and professional development

Mika emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in his career. Although his background isn’t in calculations or material science, he has learned a lot through practical experience, adapting to technical demands and gaining knowledge. Mika has also come to understand the significance of working conditions on-site, noting that firsthand experience on ships is essential.

“Understanding the realities of working conditions on ships has been invaluable. It’s one thing to design a product and another to see how it functions in real-world environments,” Mika notes.

A collaborative work culture

While the company has grown beyond the tight-knit group of its early days, team spirit remains a core part of its culture. Mika values the diversity in backgrounds, nationalities, and expertise that define the team today, which he believes fosters creativity and effective problem-solving.

“Our culture is very solutions-oriented. People are eager to help each other, and when challenges arise, we work together to resolve them,” he says.

Advice for newcomers

For those considering a career at Norsepower, Mika offers this advice: "Build strong relationships and embrace challenges. This is a fast-paced environment, but the work is rewarding, and the company provides great support and flexibility."

Reflecting on his over 10-year journey, Mika feels proud to be part of Norsepower’s mission. "This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a difference. The work we do has a real-world impact, and that’s something worth being proud of every day."