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3 december, 2025
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10 min read
From Engineer to Design Lead: A Journey Through Technology and Creativity
Helle began her technology journey in high school, choosing a path that later led her to become an engineer. This decision was not just a step in the right direction towards her future career but also a leap into a world full of opportunities. "I did my internship at Backer, and that led to a job after I completed my education. I then started with tool design for our products," Helle recounts. This early work laid the groundwork for her understanding of the production process – invaluable experience as she later took on more advanced design projects in the development department.
Her career drive is a combination of an interest in design and a passion for problem-solving. "The reason I chose the path I did was because of its scope and the many doors it could open," she explains. Pure luck may have brought her to Backer, but it was her competence and commitment that secured her place here. Now, seven years later, Helle is a key player in the company's successes.
Engineering Creativity: A Peek into the Designer's Daily Work
As the lead designer for engine heaters, Helle spends her days deeply immersed in design and construction. Using the CAD program Creo to create 3D drawings is just one part of her workflow. A lot of time is also spent in Epicor, which is our business system. "It's a varied existence. It's not just about developing new products but also about improving and refining existing ones," she says.
One of the projects where pride shines a bit extra is the development of a new variant of engine heaters, a project that now produces between 5,000 and 7,500 units a week. "It feels fantastic to see our products make a real difference," Helle shares.
Helle Toxi's work extends beyond traditional design. As an expert on the company's enterprise system, Epicor, Helle plays a pivotal role in supporting not only the design team but also other departments. She is responsible for training staff on specific subsystems, developing and programming new dashboards for the Development Department, and creating manuals that simplify the understanding of Epicor's functions and the company's processes. Her ability to fine-tune and update the system significantly streamlines workflows across the entire company.
The Process of Developing New Products
Helle is deeply involved in every step of the product development process, from the initial technical proposal based on customer specifications to the final approval of the first series-produced product. She performs test calculations for the heating elements, ensures the product is manufacturable, and then leads the work through the critical phases of prototype manufacturing, serving as the main point of contact for any questions or decisions.
Helle also plays a crucial role in updates to product design and component structure in CAD, Epicor, and Elber, and works closely with the purchasing department to approve components for series production.
Collaborations and Improvement Work
Beyond her technical expertise and leadership in the product development process, Helle is a key driver of improvements to existing products and processes. She collects reports on improvement suggestions, wishes, or faults, often with feedback from the production, sales, and quality departments. Her work in identifying and implementing quick solutions to optimize the trial process underscores her ability to work efficiently under time pressure.
Promotion of Technology and Collaborations
Helle Toxis engagemang sträcker sig även till att främja teknik bland unga tjejer och uppmuntra till mångfald och inkludering inom teknikområdet. Genom att dela med sig av sin erfarenhet och kunskap, inte bara internt utan även externt genom samarbeten med kunder och leverantörer, bidrar Helle till att skapa ett öppet och innovativt klimat där tekniska lösningar kontinuerligt kan utvecklas och förbättras.
Teamwork at the Core: Driving Success Through Collective Effort
Collaboration within the team and with other departments is critical to Backer's success. Helle describes a culture of collaboration and a constant desire to improve. "Our collaboration within the team is fantastic, and there is always room to grow and explore new opportunities," she says.
As a designer, one works together with most functions in the company, from sales, purchasing, testing, and quality, to close cooperation with the customer.
Challenges and Creativity: Navigating the Path of Continuous Improvement
At Backer, we support our employees in their pursuit of continuous development and learning, something that Helle values highly. "In the design department, it's possible to choose a direction based on our interests. I have had the privilege to work with a wide range of products," she says.
Challenges such as time pressure are handled with creativity and innovation. Helle emphasizes the importance of working efficiently and educating customers about what is possible within a given timeframe.
Looking Ahead: Vision for Improving and Streamlining Production Processes
As Helle looks forward, it is with a vision to continue improving and streamlining production processes. "I hope to get more involved in process improvements and have the opportunity to delve deeper into aluminum products even more. There's always room to optimize," she reflects. For potential new colleagues, Helle has simple but powerful advice: "Expect a learning journey. Technology is constantly changing, and there's always something new to learn."
Helle concludes with an essential piece of advice for everyone in technology and design: "Dare to think outside the box. Without creativity and innovation, development stalls." Her journey is proof of the power of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation – a journey that inspires exploring the boundless possibilities of technology.
Are you interested in learning more about work at Backer? Visit our career site to see our available positions.