Erika Cruz’s Journey in Engineering: From Colombia to Designing Complex Appliances for Whirlpool in the U.S. and Overcoming Challenges as a Female Engineer

Erika Cruz’s Journey in Engineering: From Colombia to Designing Complex Appliances for Whirlpool in the U.S. and Overcoming Challenges as a Female Engineer | Erika Cruz
Image credit: IEEE Spectrum 

From Industrial Design to Electrical Engineering: A Shift in Focus

Erika Cruz’s passion for engineering was ignited during her childhood in Bucaramanga, Colombia, where her father, an electrical engineer, designed control systems for poultry processing plants. 

Growing up surrounded by electronics, Cruz developed an early interest in technology. Her father, who involved her in organizing resistors and creating work presentations, further nurtured this interest by taking her to observe large, complex machines in action.

Cruz initially pursued a degree in industrial design at Colombia’s Industrial University of Santander in 2010, but quickly grew disillusioned with its focus on designing everyday objects like tables and chairs. Inspired by her father’s work with large machinery, she yearned to design something more substantial. Although her father expressed concerns about the discrimination she might face as a mechanical engineer, he supported her decision to switch to electrical engineering, which he believed would be more receptive to women. In 2019, Cruz graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering.

The Road to the United States: Balancing Love and Career

During her time at university, Cruz participated in a summer work program in the United States, taking on various jobs in Galveston, Texas, from 2017 to 2019. It was during this time that she met her future husband, an American working at the same amusement park. 

After getting married in 2018, Cruz faced a tough decision: stay in the U.S. or return to Colombia to gain engineering experience. Recognizing the challenges of breaking into the engineering field in a new country with a language barrier, she chose to return home.

Cruz’s search for engineering opportunities led her to Brazil, where she joined Whirlpool as an electrical engineer at its R&D site in Joinville in 2021. There, she played a key role in introducing sensors and actuators from new suppliers into mass production. 

Meanwhile, Cruz applied for a U.S. Green Card, which she received six months after starting her job. Seizing the opportunity, she requested a transfer to one of Whirlpool’s U.S. facilities, which led to an unexpected job interview and a position as an electrical engineer at Whirlpool’s Benton Harbor site in Michigan.

Designing Complex Appliances: Cruz’s Role at Whirlpool

At Whirlpool, Cruz works on the electromechanical components team at the research and engineering center in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Her role involves overseeing the development of critical components like timers, lid locks, and humidity sensors for washing machines and dryers. 

Cruz explains that designing these appliances is a complex process that starts with customer feedback and involves teams of engineers focusing on various subsystems, including hardware, software, and materials.

Cruz’s responsibilities include testing components from different suppliers to ensure they meet safety, reliability, and performance standards. She also documents the design and function of these components for other engineers. 

Her expertise is crucial in selecting and combining components, such as temperature and humidity sensors, to create optimized systems that improve the efficiency and reliability of the appliances.

Overcoming Challenges as a Female Engineer: Building a Supportive Environment

Cruz’s journey as a female engineer has not been without challenges, especially in a male-dominated field. She recalls facing discrimination in Colombia, where inappropriate comments and behavior from classmates and teachers were common. Even in the United States, Cruz notes that female engineers often need to prove their competence at the beginning of projects to gain the trust of their male colleagues.

Despite these challenges, Cruz has found support in teams with a majority of women, both in Brazil and Michigan. This supportive environment has been particularly important as she navigates the challenges of balancing work and home life, especially after becoming a mother.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning: Staying Ahead in Electronics Engineering

Cruz emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in the rapidly evolving field of electronics engineering. She holds a certification in project management, which has enhanced her problem-solving skills and helped her stand out in interviews. 

Cruz advises aspiring engineers to keep updating their knowledge and skills, as the field of electronics is constantly growing and changing.

Working in the consumer electronics industry, Cruz finds fulfillment in seeing the appliances she has helped design being used in people’s homes. Her journey from Colombia to the United States, overcoming challenges and making significant contributions to the design of household appliances, reflects her dedication and passion for engineering.

Featured Story from: IEEE Spectrum