Master of Technology – Samu Palomäki: “Engineering Connects Theory and Practice”

More than 20 years of experience, broad technical expertise and close cooperation across the organisation ensure that Samu Palomäki and the Engineering Department perform well every day. Engineering expertise brings theory and practice together as a central part of projects.

Samu Palomäki, Head of the Engineering Department, has wide-ranging experience from different functions within Raumaster. Palomäki has worked at the company since December 2003, and before joining Raumaster, he specialised in structural strength calculations.

He joined Raumaster as a Equipment Design Engineer, soon moved into strength calculations and later into project operations as a Chief Engineer. In that role, he guided and coordinated design work in close cooperation with the Project Manager on large-scale projects. He took up his current position in autumn 2024, following Teemu Salonen’s transition to Head of the Design Department.

“The scope of our department’s work is very broad. Each of us needs to understand at least something about every area within our responsibility. We solve technical questions ranging from materials to installation. Over the past 23 years, I have worked in different roles with almost every department, which is a significant advantage in everyday work,” Palomäki says.

“Alongside theoretical expertise, experience and practical understanding of manufacturing, assembly, installation and logistics play an increasingly important role.”

In his role, Palomäki is responsible for defining the technical solutions for projects, tenders and equipment, carrying out strength calculations and preparing foundation data and dimensioning. In addition, he acts as Lead Equipment Engineer for several machines, such as screw conveyors, and maintains the lead equipment engineering system together with the steering group.

As a supervisor, Palomäki allocates resources for tasks related to, for example, conveyor bridges, steel structures and silos, and provides technical guidance as an integral part of the design process.

“I consider open interaction across the entire organisation to be very important. I see myself as an approachable, fair and equal supervisor. We work together without unnecessary hierarchy. We recognise that when the company performs well, employees benefit as well.”

“At the core of mastering technology is our role as a reliable support function for other Raumaster departments through our specialised expertise,” says Samu Palomäki, Head of the Engineering Department.

Strength calculations play a key role

In addition to Palomäki, the Engineering Department employs seven specialists: four strength calculation engineers, a machinery design and product development specialist, an expert in ATEX and Machinery Directive requirements, and a product development engineer focused on field work, who responds quickly to customer needs also on-site.

The department works most closely with the Design and Project Departments, but cooperation with Sales, Procurement, Manufacturing, Documentation and the CS Department is also part of everyday operations. Although strength calculations are only one element of the overall process, their role is essential.

“Depending on the project, we are involved either in the tender or layout phase, guiding structural solutions, loads and dimensioning. At the same time, we assess manufacturability, costs, transport and installation. Our shared objective is a technically sound, long-lasting and cost-effective solution,” Palomäki says.

“Our shared objective is a technically sound, long-lasting and cost-effective solution.”

Strength calculations provide design teams with initial data for steel structures, carry out the actual dimensioning once the layout is complete, guide design work and review plans from a structural perspective.

“Strength calculations require a solid understanding of mechanics of materials, standards and structural design, as well as the ability to visualise entire entities in 3D. This work calls for a solution-oriented mindset and an understanding of what structures require and how they function in practice – also beyond what is defined purely by dimensioning,” Palomäki says.

Samu Palomäki has worked at Raumaster since December 2003 and as the Head of the Engineering Department since autumn 2024.

Master of Technology – how is technology mastered?

Samu Palomäki, Raumaster:“At the core of mastering technology is our role as a reliable support function for other Raumaster departments through our specialised expertise. We address needs and potential challenges related to both steel structures and equipment design efficiently and with high quality, while taking all relevant parties into account.”