Women at Nortek: insights from our team

Åsa Eriksson

Nortek Office: Norway (HQ)

Title: HR Manager

What is your role at Nortek? 

As an HR-manager, I develop and implement HR strategies in close collaboration with the leadership team to ensure alignment with the organization's goals. This includes areas such as recruitment, employee development, competence development and fostering a healthy psychosocial working environment. Additionally, I ensure compliance with labor laws and support leadership through training and as a sparring partner on HR-related matters.

What did you do before this and how did you choose to work at Nortek?

Before Nortek I worked as HR Manager for Employee Relations at a big global tech company. I’ve been working with HR for over 15 years, in different industries both in private and public sector. In large companies, roles often become highly specialized, and sometimes more time is spent on processes than on actual improvements. I missed having a broader scope in my role and the satisfaction of seeing the direct impact of my work on a daily basis. At Nortek, I found exactly that and have truly enjoyed my time here.

 What are your favorite parts about your job?

What I appreciate the most are the formal and informal conversations that I have with both managers and employees. I’m also very impressed by the traditions we share and the drive to keep evolving. I truly feel that most people want the best for Nortek and take pride in what we achieve together.

 What advice would you give to other women considering a career in the ocean tech industry?

The ocean tech industry is an incredibly exciting field with a growing demand for talent - and we need more women in this space! Here, you can merge technology, sustainability, and ocean science while working alongside passionate and knowledgeable colleagues. Diverse perspectives are essential, and your skills can truly shape the future of this industry.

My advice? Attend career days, apply for internships, or collaborate on master’s thesis projects. Connect with us on social media, expand your network, and let your passion shine! There are endless opportunities to innovate and contribute to a field that plays a crucial role in understanding our oceans.

Caroline Valmori

Nortek Office: France

Title: Technical Sales Engineer

What is your role at Nortek?

My role involves promoting Nortek products in France, providing expert advice, and assisting customers in selecting and utilizing our instruments to meet their specific needs.

In addition, I participate in many events and tradeshow to meet our customers. I also enjoy organizing events that bring together customers and Nortek specialists.

 What did you do before this and how did you choose to work at Nortek?

I joined Nortek immediately after graduating with a master’s degree in oceanography. During my studies, I had to choose between two fields: biology or physics. Being very curious, I couldn’t decide, so I alternated between the two each year. Today, I’m glad to have developed knowledge in both disciplines.

 At the end of my final-year internship, I came across the job opening at Nortek Méditerranée. Coming from a scientific background, the word ‘sales’ in the job description initially intimidated me, but I saw it as an exciting new challenge. It also felt like a funny coincidence to find a job in a Norwegian company after spending a semester abroad in Tromsø during my studies—a fantastic experience that I absolutely loved!

 What are your favorite parts about your job?

I really enjoy interacting with customers, advising them, and seeing a project evolve—from choosing the right instrument to integration and finally deployment. I also love problem-solving, answering questions, and recommending the best configuration based on the customer's needs. In the end, I find the combination of scientific and commercial aspects particularly rewarding.

Additionally, this job gives me a broad perspective on environmental projects and the latest technologies in the field of oceanography, which I find truly fascinating.

 What advice would you give to other women considering a career in the ocean tech industry?

Whether you're a woman or a man, this profession presents constant challenges, and it’s important to embrace and value them, as they are key to both personal and professional growth. My advice would be to build your self-confidence and not be afraid to venture into a field where you might not feel completely comfortable. Stepping outside your comfort zone is often where the most rewarding growth happens.

Mirriam Ngoma

Nortek Office: Norway (HQ)

Title: Junior Oceanographic Sales Engineer

What is your role at Nortek?

I am an Oceanographic Sales Engineer. My responsibilities include understanding client needs and ensuring they have the right equipment for their projects.

What did you do before this and how did you choose to work at Nortek?

Before joining Nortek, I had just graduated from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology with a master’s degree in Coastal and Marine Engineering and Management. I was at a crossroads, debating whether to pursue a PhD or enter the workforce. While exploring my options, I came across this position online. Although I had never considered a career in sales during my studies, I decided to give it a try.

After having an interview with the team at Nortek, I felt a strong connection with the team and the company’s mission. Their passion and vision convinced me that Nortek was the right place for me. I realized that this role would allow me to apply my technical knowledge in a practical setting while working with a team that shares my enthusiasm for oceanographic research and innovation.

What are your favorite parts about your job?

One of my favorite parts about my job is the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology that contributes to important marine research and monitoring. I love being able to help clients find the right solutions for their projects and seeing the positive impact our instruments have on their work.

Another aspect I enjoy is the collaborative environment at Nortek. Working with a passionate and knowledgeable team makes every day exciting and fulfilling. The amount of support I receive inspires me to continuously learn and grow in my role.

Lastly, I appreciate the variety in my job. Each client and project are unique, which keeps things interesting and challenging. Whether it’s providing technical support, conducting product demonstrations, or tailoring solutions to meet specific needs, there’s always something new to tackle.

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in the ocean tech industry?

My advice for women considering a career in the ocean tech industry is to believe in yourself and take on challenges with confidence. Seek mentorship and network with professionals in the field to gain valuable guidance and opportunities. Stay curious and keep learning to stay updated with the latest advancements. Advocate for yourself by speaking up about your ideas and contributions. Finally, find supportive work environments that value diversity and inclusion. Your unique perspective is valuable—embrace the journey and make waves!

Emilia Wiktor

Nortek Office: UK

Title: Technical Support Engineer

What is your role at Nortek?

My primary role is to assist customers with their questions, troubleshoot technical issues, and help them analyze their data. I also conduct training sessions to educate customers on how our technology works, share industry knowledge, and ensure they can integrate our solutions efficiently and effectively. Since I’m part of the UK team, I also contribute to the sales process and represent Nortek at exhibitions to connect with customers and showcase our technology.

 What did you do before this and how did you choose to work at Nortek?

Before joining Nortek, I completed my undergraduate degree in Oceanography at the University of Southampton, where I was introduced to the world of ADCPs. This is my first job in the industry as a recent graduate. I discovered the job through an online advert and applied immediately. To increase my chances, I also reached out to a few Nortek employees on LinkedIn—which, as I later found out, was actually the entire Nortek UK team! During university, I worked in hospitality for many years, mainly as a bartender. This experience taught me resilience, customer service skills, and how to handle complaints and difficult situations—all of which have been incredibly valuable in my current role in technical support.

What are your favorite parts about your job? 

My favorite part of my job is that I’m constantly learning something new every day, and no two days are ever the same. As a Technical Support Engineer, customers rely on us as experts in our technology, so we’re expected to understand everything about our instruments and how they are used in the industry. This requires a lot of self-learning, research, and adaptability, as well as the ability to think quickly to find solutions. Another thing I love about my role is that I get to speak with customers from all over the world, learning about fascinating projects and scientific research that I would have never known about otherwise. It’s truly inspiring to see how people use our instruments for important and impactful work!

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in the ocean tech industry? 

My biggest advice to women considering a career in ocean technology is to be confident and go for it! This industry can sometimes feel male-dominated, but that should never discourage you—your skills, perspective, and contributions are invaluable. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek mentorship, and keep learning. Soft skills are just as important as technical expertise—being able to communicate complex ideas, solve problems, and adapt quickly will set you apart. Connecting with other women in the field through professional networks or LinkedIn can provide valuable support and inspiration. Lastly, remember that there’s no single path into ocean tech—whether in engineering, research, technical support, or sales, there’s a place for you if you’re passionate about the industry.

Karoline Haga

Nortek Office: Norway (HQ)

Title: Senior Sensor Technician

What is your role at Nortek?

I have been working in the sensor department at Rud in Norway for 20 years, where I make a variety of transducers for our instruments. As a senior technician, I also advise other technicians when needed, and contribute to the education of new employees.

What did you do before this and how did you choose to work at Nortek?

Before I came to Nortek, I had several office jobs, but never seemed to fit in. It was only after I came here that I really felt that I had found my place. I have always loved working with my hands, and one of my hobbies was (and still is) jewelry making. A friend of mine back then already worked at Nortek, and knowing about my hobby, he thought I would do a good job making transducers and brought me into the "family", for which I am eternally grateful.

What are your favorite parts about your job?

It feels great to be part of a company that can make a difference in this world where our climate is a growing concern.

Also, as mentioned before, I love working with my hands, and I certainly keep them busy here! But the absolute best part of my job is the fantastic group of people that I work with. They are some of the funniest, craziest and weirdest people, and I feel so at home with them. They are also sweet, caring, supportive and very skilled!

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in the ocean tech industry?

Since I have no background in oceanography, my advice is very general, simple and one you always hear from everyone: follow your heart and your beliefs, and never let anyone tell you that you can't do what you have decided to do. 

Lila Johnson

Nortek Office: USA

Title: Marketing Specialist

What is your role at Nortek?

I’m part of Nortek’s marketing team as the go-to “content” person. I write case studies and news stories about our products and our customers’ projects. I also create marketing emails, website content, brochures, social media posts and other materials. We are a small and dynamic marketing team, so I get to wear lots of hats and take on many different tasks each day.

What did you do before this and how did you choose to work at Nortek?

In college, I studied environmental biology and science communication. I came to work at Nortek shortly after graduating. Nortek was a great fit for me, as I was able to use my skill set of taking complicated subjects and breaking them down into understandable materials, and I got to learn about marine science and research projects around the world.

What are your favorite parts about your job?

I love working with our inspiring customers, many of whom are doing crucial research about our oceans and our environment. It’s amazing to see the passion so many people have for their work and be one small part of making it happen. I also love working with the Nortek team. I’ve really enjoyed working with a team of many different backgrounds, living in different countries, and gaining a perspective about how small and connected the world really can be!

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in the ocean tech industry?

I will never forget my first time attending a conference (Ocean Business) and feeling so out of place as a 22-year-old woman in a sea of men in suits. My advice to women just getting into this industry would be to not let the male-dominated culture affect your confidence. Trust that you’re the right person for your job, find other women in the industry who you can look up to and work with, and be part of the change!