Pieter Commandeur

‘Everything’s possible’

Pieter Commandeur (30) is NH90 program manager.

“I work with a team of thirty colleagues in the NH90 program, developing structural components for a transport helicopter. As program manager I’m responsible for the entire process, from tender to design. As well as that I have to solve highly technical problems, I’m involved in tendering, I have contact with customers and I have to be able to assess risks. That’s a great combination of tasks. And best of all, to be honest, is making impossible things possible, both technically and organizationally.

I started in this position more than three years ago, as soon as I’d finished studying mechanical engineering at Delft University of Technology. Fokker Aerostructures is one of the few companies where you can make an immediate start in program management as a new employee. Of course you start at the bottom of the ladder, but you can progress quickly if you can handle it. Even while I was studying I though that Fokker Aerostructures makes some very good products. That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to work for the company. If you show initiative you can achieve a lot. In your personal development, but also for example by arranging a team event. They won’t do it for you, but if you ask for help then everyone’s ready.”