Career story: Emil Puhakka

A workplace where you can truly learn and grow – Junior Hardware Engineer Emil Puhakka thrives from the autonomy and support he gets at Simucube

During the summer of 2025, Simucube’s Junior Hardware Engineer Emil Puhakka graduated from the University of Oulu with a Master of Science Programme in Mechanical Engineering. At that point, he had been working at Simucube for a little over a year, first joining the company as a Summer Trainee. Now, he has been working at Simucube for 1,5 years and during this time he has progressed into his current role.

“Overall, I feel that what you learn in school grows a lot during your first six months at Simucube — you learn new things fast here.” Emil laughs. “I have been at Simucube for 1,5 years now, and I can say the people are incredibly skilled, and this is a place where you truly develop.”

Simucube exceeded expectations

 Before joining Simucube, Emil had been studying and working alongside his studies as a mechanical engineer focusing on refrigeration equipment and cooling systems. Emil was also part of his university’s Formula Student team, where he gained many valuable skills that support his role today.

“A friend told me about an open position at Simucube — I actually hadn’t heard of the company before. He knew how passionate I am about all kinds of motorsports and thought the role would be a perfect fit for me. At first, I wasn’t sure how much work there would be for a designer, but as I started looking into it while preparing my application, I realized just how high-level the company’s work really is. That’s when I became genuinely interested.”

From the people, office to culture and benefits, Emil feels his expectations have been exceeded.

“I really enjoy working here. It has been a blast,” Emil emphasizes.

Growing through ownership and autonomy as Junior Hardware Engineer

When Emil joined Simucube in 2024 as a Summer Trainee, he was given a motivating but challenging project.

“On my first week at Simucube, I was told that Simucube 3 wheelbase would need to have accessories on the side. I was given the chance to take ownership of the entire process, from the first sketches to the final design, which was both exciting and rewarding.”

Now, Emil works as a Junior Hardware Engineer focusing on various hardware projects.

“During my time here, I have been mostly working on solo projects, which have usually been some smaller, standalone products.”

He enjoys having a strong influence on his work and the autonomy that comes with it.

“When I started working on my Master’s thesis for Simucube, I was given the topic and a budget. We only set a rough goal for the next six months, and otherwise I was given full autonomy,” Emil explains. “It was a much more comfortable and motivating way to work.”

Even with this freedom, he never felt like he was on his own.

“Whenever something is unclear and you ask about it, you always receive a thorough explanation. Even though the team is highly professional, the opinions of a trainee are taken seriously, and changes are actually made based on the input of a new employee.”

“I’ve never had the feeling that I was left alone,” Emil adds.

This open and respectful environment has shaped his entire experience at Simucube.

Simucube has also supported his curiosity beyond his core responsibilities.

“I’ve received a lot of help with things outside my main responsibilities—areas I personally find interesting.” Emil adds: “It’s a great environment for growth.”

Responsibility comes with trust

Emil notes that at Simucube, employees are trusted to make decisions and take ownership.

“It’s the responsibility I’ve been given and the trust shown from the very beginning that make this so motivating.”

Seeing his work turn into real products is especially rewarding for Emil.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see something I’ve created from start to finish being used in the real world, and even more so when it even ends up on a store shelf or in someone’s YouTube video,” Emil says with a smile.

 As a Junior Hardware Engineer, Emil knows that when he gets freedom to perform, it also means responsibility. He feels that when he makes decisions in his work, people at Simucube trust that this is the best way to do the task.

“Even though this job carries a lot of responsibility, you can trust that it’s okay to make mistakes here. No one here judges you for them.”

Creating the best sim racing products without compromises

When working as a Junior Hardware Engineer, Emil appreciates that the engineering team can focus on creating the best products on the market, without being forced to make compromises.

“It’s wonderful for a designer to work in a place where the goal isn’t to push the product’s price as low as possible, but to make it the very best it can be. That’s when you can truly be proud of what you’ve created.”

He finds motivation in the passion and knowledge shared by the people around him.

“Everyone gives their best every day. A big part of that comes from being surrounded by incredibly smart people who are constantly creating something new. It inspires you too,” Emil says.

At Simucube culture is built around people

For Emil, the culture and atmosphere at Simucube are what truly set the company apart.

“One thing that stands out to me is how genuinely employee-driven the culture is,” Emil says. “As long as people are taken care of, the business will follow and you can really see that in the decisions we make.”

This sense of community extends far beyond daily work. Emil appreciates how Simucube invests in creating shared experiences, from company events to celebrations that bring people together.

 Another aspect Emil highlights is how well-being is built into the workday, and it’s not something left for employees to figure out on their own.

“One of the biggest bonuses for me is the paid mid-day workout,” Emil says. “Getting to work out during the workday boosts my energy levels and lights up my mood. It also gives me back my evenings, which makes a huge difference.”

 For Emil, the team at Simucube is what makes this a place where you can truly grow.

“Everyone here is so enthusiastic about their work and always ready to help. Especially at the start of your career, this is a great place to be, because you receive a lot of detailed guidance and training in exactly the areas you’re interested in.”