Interview with Moldir Kaliyeva, Senior Specialist at Kazakhstan ASELSAN Engineering LLP
Working at defense industry plants requires not only high qualifications but also the utmost responsibility. At the enterprises of Kazakhstan Engineering JSC, specialists are engaged in work directly connected with advanced technologies and complex mechanisms. These professions demand not only expertise but also complete dedication. Among such specialists are women who successfully master engineering professions and make a significant contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s defense industry.
Moldir Kaliyeva, an employee of Kazakhstan ASELSAN Engineering LLP, shares her professional journey. Over 12 years, she has advanced from technician to senior specialist in the Production Department.
She joined the enterprise in 2013, right after graduating from college, becoming one of the first female employees of the plant. Her career path clearly demonstrates how a working profession can become the foundation for a solid engineering career.
Why did you choose to work at the plant?
Kazakhstan ASELSAN Engineering entered my life at a very important moment—as both an opportunity and a challenge. The plant was established just as I was completing my studies, and that was a decisive factor for me. I wanted not just to find a job but to start a journey in a place where I could grow and learn from the best. I saw that the enterprise immediately set a high bar: modern technologies, strict quality standards, serious tasks. And it was a special honor for me to be among the first employees who began building the history of the plant together.
Tell us about your first job at the enterprise.
When I joined the plant, I started as a technician. It was my very first job, and everything was new: the equipment, the processes, the team. The first device I worked with was the BOA thermal imaging sight. It was fascinating for me to hold in my hands equipment that allows one to detect targets both day and night, even in fog or smoke. I felt as though I was discovering an entirely new world.
Later, I mastered other devices: the A-100 night vision monocular, the A-230 binocular, and the A-340 and A-360 night vision sights. Each new experience gave me confidence and a deeper understanding that I was growing together with the plant, mastering modern technologies, and strengthening my profession. Every day brought a small discovery, and each task accomplished was a true victory. That was when I realized: I had made the right choice and was in the right place.
What are your responsibilities now?
Today I am a senior specialist in the Production Department. Over the years, I have advanced from technician to senior specialist. In the beginning, I learned from my colleagues, and now I myself am responsible for organizing and overseeing processes, as well as supervising different areas. The core of my work is related to the production of communication systems—radio stations, base stations, and other radio equipment. At the same time, I try to take part in different projects, which helps me broaden my experience and see the bigger picture of the team’s work. Our production areas are indeed diverse, which makes the work both interesting and dynamic.
What interesting projects are you currently involved in?
The most exciting aspect of my work is its diversity. We produce complex and vital products, and each time I see the results, I feel both responsibility and pride. What is especially inspiring is that production is being automated and modernized in line with current requirements.
Personally, I am motivated by the opportunity to enhance my professional skills and work with new technologies, since automation makes production not only more efficient but also enables employees to acquire new competencies.
Equally valuable is the fact that this job gives me constant opportunities for learning and professional growth. We receive training in Turkey, where we are exposed to different approaches and technologies, and we get to know new cities and people during business trips. All of this broadens horizons, allows for experience exchange, and helps us grow not only as specialists but also as individuals.
Have you faced any challenges in your work?
Of course, there are difficult moments: responsible production always requires increased focus and precision. But I try to see this not as a difficulty, but as an opportunity to learn and become better. And when you have a team you can rely on, any challenge can be overcome with greater confidence. This is exactly how, step by step, we all grow together as professionals.
What advice would you give to young specialists?
I would first advise not to be afraid of learning. No one becomes a professional overnight—knowledge and confidence come only with experience. Secondly, patience and perseverance are very important: quick results are rarely lasting, while real mastery takes years to achieve. And of course, respect for colleagues. A plant is all about teamwork, and only by supporting each other can we reach great heights.