Ksenija Linda Esko works as a Reliability and Maintainability Engineer at Comau UK, where she ensures the efficiency and operational continuity of automated production systems. Data analysis, development of preventive maintenance strategies, performance monitoring, and support to production teams are integral parts of her daily activities. It’s a technical and strategic role that combines desk work with frequent visits to plants to observe the machines in operation firsthand. She is currently working on a project involving the installation of a section of the underbody for a major UK manufacturer of premium vehicles.
She joined the company less than a year ago but brings with her nearly a decade of experience in the automotive sector, gained in production environments and roles focused on quality and continuous improvement.
Her career path has been anything but conventional. After earning a degree in Computer Science and Computer Control from Riga Technical University, she left Latvia for the UK. Her first job was in a food factory, where she discovered her interest in quality and production processes. From there, she began a journey of continuous growth: from the black cab assembly line to increasingly complex technical roles, leading to her current position as a reliability engineer.
“What I like about my job is the human environment. Having colleagues you can rely on, who support each other, makes a real difference—especially when you’re far from family or working in demanding contexts.” Her words highlight how much relationships and trust matter, even in highly technological fields.
Ksenija is well aware of the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. “At the beginning, it was very difficult. I was often the only woman on the production floor and felt I had to prove my worth more than others. But over time, I learned to be strong and not hold myself back.” Her story is a concrete example of determination and self-empowerment—one that can inspire many young women.
Convinced that diversity brings value, she emphasizes the importance of including different perspectives in technical teams. “Men and women think differently, and that can only enrich the work. Diversity is an opportunity to reach better solutions.”
Today, in addition to her job, she is completing an advanced training program in AI and Data Science—proof of her strong belief in continuous skill development, especially in a field like STEM, where curiosity and staying up-to-date make all the difference.
Throughout her journey, she didn’t have specific role models but found strength in her mother and grandmother, who taught her to believe in herself. “The only person who can stop you from succeeding is you. There will always be someone who tries to discourage you, but it’s not about them. It’s about you, your passions, and where you want to go.”
