Early Career at Antonov
Kristina began her career at Antonov Company, a leading Ukrainian state aviation enterprise that encompasses a design bureau, a complex of laboratories, an experimental and serial plant, and a testing complex. As a radio-electronic equipment design engineer in the Chief Designer’s Department, Kristina played a key role in the development and production of the first series of An-148 aircraft. In 2009, Ukraine initiated negotiations for the production of the first 50 An-148 aircraft. Kristina’s responsibilities included developing technical documentation and drawings, creating detailed diagrams and blueprints for the manufacture and assembly of aircraft radio-electronic equipment components, and preparing technological instructions. Her involvement in the An-148 project contributed to the successful completion of the first order of 50 series aircraft, providing her with deep knowledge and skills in aviation design and production.
In 2009-2010, Kristina participated in the modernization of the An-148 to the An-158 model, which made its first flight on April 28, 2010. The An-158 is designed to carry 86 to 99 passengers over distances up to 3,000 km. Kristina’s responsibilities in this project included developing and implementing modern radio-electronic systems that aimed to enhance passenger comfort and safety.
Innovations in the Automotive Industry
Kristina’s professional portfolio expanded with innovations in the automotive industry. She joined the international team at Kromberg & Schubert as an industrial engineer. Kromberg & Schubert is an international company specializing in the production of electrical onboard cable systems for cars of global brands, including the entire VAG group. The enterprise in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, began its operations in 2015, and Kristina implemented the first projects at this plant. Her initial task was to implement the full production cycle of cable harnesses for the Audi Q2 model. This project was a joint development with colleagues from Slovakia. By 2016, the result of Kristina and her team’s work was successfully launched into production, marking a significant achievement for the new enterprise. In 2017, the Audi Q2 project was recognized as one of the best among the company’s 40 plants worldwide, and the Zhytomyr enterprise received the “Project of the Year” award.
In 2017, Kristina worked on implementing cable systems production for the Volkswagen Tiguan model. This project required close collaboration with engineers from Romania and representatives of the VAG Group in Germany. Thanks to teamwork, innovative approaches, effective coordination, and the implementation of modern technologies, the project was successfully completed within the established deadlines. This project required the integration of new technological solutions to meet high standards of quality and safety.
Support Production in Mexico
In 2018, Kristina was appointed as a support engineer at the Kromberg & Schubert plant in León, Mexico. This plant specializes in the production of cable systems for Mercedes and Maybach vehicles for USA production. During her business trips to Mexico, Kristina provided technical support and contributed to optimizing production processes, time balancing, and making positive impacts on product quality and plant efficiency.
Developing Electric Vehicle Technology
In 2021, Kristina led a project to develop and implement wiring for the Škoda Enyaq iV electric vehicle, in collaboration with colleagues from Romania and the Czech Republic. Kristina always looks to the future with electronics, ensuring the integration of innovative solutions.
Advancing in the U.S. Aviation Industry
The next stage of Kristina Ivanchenko’s professional development began in the United States. She joined Teledyne Controls, a leading manufacturer and innovator in aviation data collection, management, and transmission solutions. Kristina faced challenges due to language barriers and differences in work approaches but quickly adapted with the support of her colleagues. She focused on building relationships, actively participating in team meetings, and proposing process improvements. This helped her integrate seamlessly and demonstrate her value to the organization. At present, Kristina is involved in creating and applying automated systems, managing data, examining production workflows, and enhancing their effectiveness. She also handles documentation and facilitates collaboration among teams in various locations. Moreover, Kristina assesses new machinery and methods, ensuring they meet safety regulations, identifying ways to reduce costs, and maintaining quality control.
Embracing Life in America
Life in America is a constant forward movement, filled with new opportunities and experiences. Kristina has come to appreciate the contrasts and unique places in the country, from majestic mountains and ocean coasts to cozy small towns. Traveling, though expensive, is made possible through proper time management, allowing her to turn dreams into reality. American travels have become a source of inspiration for understanding the cultural diversity of this vast continent. Kristina and her son have visited several national parks, such as Yosemite and the Grand Canyon.
The American Dream
Moving to America has been more of a new stage than the beginning of a new life. Kristina continues to work in her specialty but in a completely different environment. This stage is one of new challenges, opportunities, and adaptation, where she can unlock her professional potential at a new level. Her dream has always been to create innovative products that could change people’s lives. Now, she sees that this dream has taken on a broader scope.
“I strive not only to work on individual technologies but also to contribute to the development of global engineering standards and create solutions that can have an impact on an international level,” says engineer Kristina Ivanchenko.
Among the high-tech developments and technologies, Kristina has formulated her vision of the “American Dream.” For her, the “American Dream” is the opportunity to realize her ideas without limitations, work on a global level.
Published by Stephanie M.
