Chief Engineer

Nancy Deng

"Ultimately, the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing our machines reach customers successfully, knowing the team effort and innovation behind each solution."

Engineering a Career Defined by Talent, Courage, and Resilience

Nancy, a talented engineer with a warm and welcoming personality, will deeply impress you with her resilience and the inspiring spirit she brings to her role as a woman engineer.

It was a crisp spring morning when Nancy Deng packed her bags and left her hometown in Sichuan, China, embarking on a journey that would stretch far beyond mere kilometers. For Nancy, the decision to move to Changzhou, a bustling industrial city, was the first bold step toward a dream she'd nurtured since childhood. 

"As a little girl, engineers always seemed impressive to me," Nancy recalls, smiling warmly as she reflects on her early inspirations. Encouraged by her parents to master a technical skill—something that could always provide stability—Nancy enrolled in university, majoring in Mechanical Design and Automation, a field traditionally dominated by men. 

She soon discovered that she was one of only two female students in her class. But rather than being daunted, Nancy thrived, laying the groundwork for a career marked by adaptability, meticulousness, and resilience. 

Her professional journey began at a private Chinese enterprise, where she spent eight years honing her skills in agricultural engine design. Hungry for broader horizons, she moved on to a renowned Swiss multinational company specializing in textile machinery. There, she was deeply influenced by the rigorous standards and innovative thinking of her international colleagues. "The meticulous nature of Swiss and German engineers taught me how even the smallest design changes require thorough consideration," Nancy explains, emphasizing the global perspective she gained. 

 

Three years ago, Nancy took on yet another challenge, joining Raute Corporation—a global leader in machinery for the wood processing industry. The transition was substantial, moving from standardized products to highly specialized, customer-centric designs. But it was precisely this challenge that excited her. 

"When I joined Raute, I quickly became involved in significant projects," Nancy recalls, reflecting on how her expertise helped navigate complex challenges smoothly and efficiently. Her proactive approach ensured critical production lines continued to run effectively, demonstrating her capability and dedication from the very start. 

 

Today, Nancy is not just known for her technical expertise, particularly with Raute’s sophisticated veneer patching solutions, but also for her collaborative spirit and exceptional communication skills—traits highly valued in Raute’s international working environment, where we embrace our value of Achieve Together. "At Raute, problems are tackled openly and collectively," she emphasizes, appreciating the company's Finnish roots, characterized by direct communication and mutual respect. 

Outside the workspace, Nancy finds balance in running, a pursuit encouraged by Raute’s supportive culture. She also enjoys badminton but admits finding regular badminton partners has been challenging due to colleagues' busy schedules and personal commitments. If you're a badminton enthusiast, join Nancy—let's build a team together! 

Her enthusiasm extends beyond personal achievements; she actively encourages young women to confidently step into engineering roles, advocating for courage and continuous learning. 

Looking forward, Nancy sees herself continuing to grow with Raute, deepening her technical expertise, exploring new product areas, and perhaps even stepping into project management. Her commitment and loyalty underscore Raute’s attractiveness as a long-term professional home. 

"Ultimately," Nancy concludes thoughtfully, "the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing our machines reach customers successfully, knowing the team effort and innovation behind each solution." 

Nancy’s journey is a testament to what happens when talent, perseverance, and supportive corporate culture converge—a powerful reminder that bold steps lead to remarkable careers. Her story highlights the essential role diverse perspectives play in driving innovation and success in the engineering field. 

Thank you, Nancy—it's wonderful to have you with us! 

Nancy Deng

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Mechanical Design and Automation

Started at Raute 2022