At Schneider Electric, we believe our greatest strength comes from our people. We’re constantly working to build a place where everyone truly belongs and can thrive, because that’s how we keep growing, innovating, and making a real impact. To show you what we mean, we’re sharing the story of Ramiro, one of our experienced Test Engineers. His journey shows how being true to who you are, feeling like you belong, and growing in your career can all go hand-in-hand.
My journey started somewhere else
My path into engineering wasn’t always clear. Even though my mom loved literature and art, I think my dad, along with my older brother and sister (who became an aeronautical engineer and a doctor), guided me towards science. I always felt drawn to science, believing it could make society better. Engineering, with its huge impact over the last few decades, just felt like the natural fit for my logical mind.
My career really began by crossing borders. I grew up in Spain, then went to France for university through a program called Erasmus. Getting two degrees from two different cultures, even in science, taught me early on to appreciate different ways of thinking. From France, my engineering work took me to Canada. I’ve spent most of my time as a Test Engineer, which means I find ways to break things (in a good way!) to make sure they work perfectly. I’ve worked in many different areas, from stock market software to phone companies, and even prison management systems. Now, at Schneider, I get to use my skills to help build a more sustainable planet, which feels incredibly rewarding.
Why Schneider Electric felt different to me
Coming to Schneider wasn’t something I planned. I had just left a company where what they said about their values didn’t match how things actually were inside. So, I was a bit cautious when Schneider came along. But as I learned more about the company’s mission and the good they were doing for the planet, I started to feel a real connection. Their values, especially their strong commitment to Inclusion, really hit home for me.
I’d seen other companies talk a big game about their values without actually living up to them. But as soon as I joined Schneider, I quickly realized this place was different. Their commitment was real. I felt seen, appreciated, and truly safe to be myself. For most of my career, even into my fifties, I had kept my sexual orientation private, worried it might hold me back. At Schneider, I didn’t have to hide. I didn’t need to “come out” over and over again; I could just be Ramiro.
My job as a test engineer: More than just testing
Being a Test Engineer at Schneider means my job is pretty varied and involves a lot of teamwork. My daily tasks cover everything from being in early design meetings for new products, looking at what customers need, and turning those needs into detailed test plans. Then, I run those tests, find any problems, and work closely with our development teams to fix them. My main goal is always to make sure the products we deliver to our customers work exactly as they should and are safe to use.
I also get to work with lots of different people, like the product owners and the software developers. I also work with our support team to understand issues customers are having, which helps us figure out why we didn’t find those problems earlier. We’re always looking for ways to improve, like exploring additional product areas to test, and automating tests to be more efficient and get products out faster.
A good Test Engineer doesn’t just follow instructions; we also get to influence how the product is designed. By understanding the whole picture, we can often spot ways to make things better even before the product is built.
Being myself: A defining moment
My identity and experiences have really shaped my path. Living in three different countries taught me that what’s normal in one place can be quite special in another. This way of looking at things helps me tackle problems from different angles, and I see the same rich variety of experiences in my colleagues. When we all bring our unique ideas to the table, our solutions become much stronger.
Turning who I truly am into a strength has been possible because of the support I’ve received. Not just from my managers, but also from my friends and the strong group of allies we have at work. When you know someone has your back, you start to trust others more too. It’s a positive cycle: the more you trust yourself, the more you trust others, and good things just start to happen.
If you’re unsure about bringing your whole self to work, I’d really encourage you to rethink it. It’s truly exhausting to wear a mask every day. Growing up in the 70s and 80s in a Catholic school, it was almost impossible for me to be myself. But as you get older, you get to choose your friends and colleagues – they’re not forced on you anymore. It really does get better, as that campaign used to say. What you don’t want is to keep creating an environment at work where you feel like you have to hide to avoid judgment. Schneider lets us be ourselves. And when you feel comfortable with your colleagues just by being you, your relationships become deeper and more real. That helps you do your best work.
A story of support
One moment of support at Schneider that truly stands out to me is the response to a harassment incident in an internal LGBTQ+ forum, where someone posted some derogatory comments about transgender people and same-sex parents. When I spoke up, the author of those comments complained to my manager and HR Business Partner. Seeing how it was turning, I feared backlash. But instead, I was met with understanding, empathy, and support. My managers investigated it right away and made it clear that Schneider has zero tolerance for harassment.
My HR Business Partner was there for me every step of the way, showing me that their support was genuine, not just for show. That experience made me even prouder of who I am and where I work. Schneider doesn’t just talk about Inclusion; it lives it.
Looking ahead: Advice for future Impact Makers
If you’re thinking about a job like mine as a Test Engineer, there are a few important skills. Being careful and paying close attention to details are key. Also, really understanding what the customer needs is highly valued in our field. And my biggest piece of advice for anyone thinking about working at Schneider is this: Be yourself. What you might see as your flaws could actually be your greatest strengths here. This is a place where you can grow and succeed while staying true to who you are.
At Schneider Electric, we believe that inclusion fuels innovation – and stories like Ramiro’s show just how powerful that can be. Whether you’re just starting out or deciding on your next career step, we invite you to be part of a workplace where your uniqueness is celebrated and your impact is real.
Join our Talent Community to stay connected and learn more about life at Schneider. Or explore opportunities on our Careers Page and take the next step in your journey.
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