Precision, Perseverance and Mastering the Big Picture – Pekka Pihlanko as a Nuclear Industry Expert
When Pekka Pihlanko talks about his work in the nuclear industry, one point emerges quickly: nothing is done in a hurry. In a safety‑critical environment, every detail matters, and projects always require long-term planning as well as deep technical understanding. At Platom, Pekka’s work brings together broad expertise in nuclear engineering, mastery of regulatory requirements, and a desire to understand how systems function in practice.
– I’ve spent my whole career in the nuclear sector, so I don’t really know anything about other fields, Pekka laughs.
The comment is made with a twinkle in his eye, but it also says a lot about his career. Pekka has spent virtually his entire professional life around the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant—first as a summer trainee, later in expert roles, and since 2018 at Platom.
His career path is a good example of how people often end up working in the nuclear energy field: a combination of coincidence, opportunities, and an interest in diving into technically demanding work.
Summer jobs opened the door to the field
Pekka graduated from Aalto University in 2013, majoring in automation and electrical power engineering. His studies also included courses related to nuclear energy, but the actual direction of his career was shaped through summer jobs.
A summer position at Teollisuuden Voima in Olkiluoto opened his first door into the industry.
– In a way, this is the sum of coincidences and a few lucky summer job applications. Once I got involved, I quickly realized that this field suits my personality very well.
Working in the nuclear industry requires patience and precision—qualities Pekka feels come naturally to him.
– This is not a field where things are done quickly or carelessly. Projects can take years, sometimes even decades. Perseverance is an essential part of the work.
When the Devil Is in the Details
At Platom, Pekka works as a project manager responsible for the technical side of projects. His work focuses on technical entities, a broad understanding of nuclear engineering, and managing regulatory requirements.
Typically, a project begins at the pre‑planning stage, where the overall concept is outlined before moving into detailed design.
– The detailed design is often carried out by the automation or modification design teams, but my task is to ensure that the overall solution works technically and meets all requirements.
Precision-oriented fields guided by strict rules and regulatory instructions often use the saying “the devil is in the details.” At the same time, maintaining the overall picture is just as important.
– A plan may look good as a whole, but when you examine it more closely, the details may reveal problems. That’s why they need to be identified early,” Pekka points out. “I always try to understand how an individual solution affects the entire system.
Book Knowledge Alone Isn’t Enough
According to Pekka, technical design cannot rely solely on documents or theoretical knowledge. He always aims to visit project sites and talk with the experts working there.
– It’s important to see the systems in practice and to hear, for example, the installers’ perspectives. They often have valuable experience about what actually works in real-life situations.
There is also a humorous saying in the nuclear industry that highlights the importance of documentation in a safety‑critical environment.
– If reality and the paperwork don’t match, reality is wrong, Pekka says with a laugh.
The saying neatly captures how precisely documentation, design and implementation must align in this field.
A Community That Understands the Specifics of the Industry
Pekka joined Platom in 2018 through headhunting. What he has particularly appreciated in the company is that the entire organization works within the same industry and understands the unique characteristics of the work.
– In a way, everyone here does the same kind of work. Everyone understands the safety requirements of the nuclear field and the long time span of the projects.
Although Platom operates in a demanding expert environment, the company’s relatively small size also creates a sense of closeness.
– We’re still small enough that, for example, during our summer event we can all gather together. It makes the work community very warm and friendly.
Looking Toward the Future of Nuclear Energy
When asked about the future of the field, Pekka highlights especially small modular reactors, or SMRs. He points out that new technologies and projects also mean continuous learning.
– I hope the SMR plants planned for Finland will be realized. They could provide stable electricity production and become an important part of the energy system. Every project is different. That’s what makes the work interesting and keeps your skills constantly evolving, Pekka notes.
Technical Expertise in the Service of National Defense
Outside of work, Pekka spends much of his time on his national defense hobby, where his technical expertise is put to good use.
He volunteers as an instructor for the National Defence Training Association of Finland (MPK) and serves as a reservist instructor in Finnish Defence Forces exercises. Pekka holds the rank of Warrant Officer.
Technical solutions also play a key role in his interest in national defense.
– I don’t fight with weapons as such — my contribution is more on the technical side, for example in communications technology.
For Those Who Have Patience
Pekka encourages young people interested in the nuclear energy field to gain hands-on experience. The industry, he says, is especially well suited to those who enjoy focus and long-term, persistent work.
– It’s worth applying for summer jobs and for so‑called ‘overall jobs’ on site. That way you can see how systems actually work in practice. If you want to do precision‑demanding work and understand broad technical entities, this field offers excellent opportunities.