From building simple objects as a child to designing electromagnetic systems, the journey of Lorenzo Cifalino, is driven by curiosity and the desire to create. As a R&D Electrical Engineer at ETEL, he transforms invisible forces into real-world performance—while growing through teamwork, innovation, and continuous learning.
When did you first realize: “This could actually be my path”?
Since I was a child, I have always been passionate about creating new objects starting from simple components and assembling them. The idea of building things from scratch made me feel that I could shape not only simple objects but also more complex ones, having an impact on the people around me. Engineering showed me how to do this in the real world, while ETEL made me realize that it is truly possible.
Was there a moment during your studies or training that really changed your perspective?
I played football for many years. At the beginning of my university journey, I still believed that sports and university/company environments were drastically different. But when I started working on university team projects and later began working as an engineer, I faced the truth: wherever there is a team, the dynamics are always the same. Being able to work together and support each other is far more important than playing a good solo game, and in a company especially, the team environment is the key factor for success and for achieving common goals.
What originally attracted you to your field – and what still excites you about it today?
Creating a real force out of something invisible sounds like magic. In the end, electromagnetism is not so different from that. Everything started with my physics lectures, and it became a real interest when I realized that those laws could be used to design a motor. Electricity has changed and shaped the modern world: from electrical systems to motors and actuators, everything today is electric or magnetic. Being an electrical engineer makes me feel like I am part of this ongoing innovation.
Lorenzo Cifalino, Engineer at ETEL
“If you don’t like challenges, you’re probably not meant to be an engineer.”
How would you explain your job at ETEL to someone with no technical background at all?
With our team, we transform our clients’ needs into electric motors and electromagnetic actuators by designing the electromagnetic part of these components. Finally, through simulation, analysis, and testing, we ensure that ETEL products achieve their target performance, delivering torque and force wherever they are needed.
What surprised you most during your first weeks at ETEL?
Precision and attention to detail and quality impressed me from the very beginning. The remarkable technical expertise of my colleagues makes me feel like I am in a continuous learning process. The high level of knowledge among the people working at ETEL is certainly something that still impresses me today.
When do you feel in your daily work that you’re truly learning and making an impact?
Our activities are often related to new designs, application cases, and problem‑solving. In R&D, new concepts and ideas emerge every day, allowing you to learn from mistakes and new challenges. I find this extremely stimulating for a young and curious engineer like me, because it gives me the feeling that I can express my potential and have a real impact on new products. Shaping new designs, developing new concepts, and thinking about how to solve a problem are activities that challenge you and make you feel the impact of your decisions.
What does “career” mean to you right now – not in ten years’ time?
Being proud of my job and being a valuable resource for the company I work for is already a form of success in my opinion. At the moment, I do not associate the term “career” with hierarchical level; instead, I strongly believe it should be related to my personal goals and satisfaction. Learning is part of the journey, and I am satisfied with mine only if I continue doing it, being a reliable resource in my work environment and understanding the processes around me more and more deeply.
What keeps you motivated on challenging days?
If you don’t like challenges, then maybe you’re not meant to be an engineer. They are part of the journey, and they allow you to improve and push beyond your limits.
Lorenzo Cifalino, Engineer at ETEL
“Creating real force from something invisible still feels like magic.”
What do you do to completely switch off and recharge?
Sport, especially football, really helps me disconnect. I also enjoy cooking and listening to music, which are some of my favorite hobbies when I have free time. And of course, a good beer with friends is always a great way to switch off and recharge. Finally, travelling is something I always consider essential for experiencing new cultures, discovering new points of view, and growing on a personal level.
What’s a hobby or interest people wouldn’t expect from you?
I would say drawing and playing the piano. The first one allows me to express my creativity, because through colors and shadows you can illustrate anything, and the act of painting itself is very relaxing. As for the second, I played the piano for a while when I was a child, but I recently bought an electric one and it has already become part of my daily routine.
What do you appreciate most about the culture or the way people work together at ETEL?
Not being a multinational allows the company to have more of a “family” environment, where you know almost all your colleagues and can get in touch with them quite easily. Another important factor is that, as an engineer, you can have a direct and complete view of the product. You don’t feel like a small part of a huge and complex system where the impact of your work is hard to see; instead, you can clearly understand how your activities contribute to the final result.
What would you say to young talents considering starting their career at ETEL?
There are many people who have already done it, so my answer should be clear. It is a great opportunity to get in touch with cutting‑edge technologies, in a safe environment with a high degree of freedom and an excellent work‑life balance.
3 Quick Questions to Finish
Coffee or tea?
As Italian, I have to say coffee.
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl. Inspiration for new ideas has always come to me at night—whether I’m out with friends or simply sitting on the balcony enjoying the calm and quiet.
Precision or creativity?
For my role, both are extremely important, but the second one is probably what allows you to take the next step as an engineer and help shape the future.