When Ibrahima joined Vallourec in 2023 as an R&D Materials Engineer, he was looking for more than just a job—he wanted a place where he could apply his expertise, develop his skills, and contribute to impactful projects. He found exactly that at Vallourec.
As part of Tubes Materials and Application Department, within One R&D in Aunlnoye, Ibrahima works on corrosion testing for both carbon steels and corrosion-resistant alloys (CRA), ensuring they meet the highest industry standards. His work is essential for Oil & Gas applications but also for Geothermal energy and CO₂ Capture and Storage (CCS), two key technologies in the energy transition.
“In our corrosion lab, we conduct various tests to support our mills and help qualify materials for different applications. One of the most exciting aspects of my job is bridging the gap between R&D and industrialization, ensuring that innovative materials are not only effective in the lab but also viable for large-scale production.”
His role requires technical expertise, precision, and strong collaboration with production teams, ensuring materials meet strict requirements under real-world conditions.
Ibrahima’s journey perfectly embodies the values of the “We are Vallourec” diversity, equity, and inclusion program. This program values all differences, focusing on three key aspects: gender, culture, and generations. It also demonstrates how the Group creates an inclusive environment and offers growth opportunities, enabling each employee to achieve their professional and personal ambitions.
Originally from Senegal, Ibrahima moved to France in 2016 to pursue his studies. After earning a technical degree in mechanical engineering, he specialized in materials science at the Conservatoire National des Arts & Métiers (CNAM) in Paris, completing his studies through an apprenticeship.
During his early career, Ibrahima gained valuable experience by managing prototyping laboratories, optimizing production processes, and leading the creation of a FabLab. He also worked at a major electronics company, applying his materials science knowledge to improve manufacturing. These experiences provided a strong foundation for his current role at Vallourec.
For Ibrahima, what made Vallourec stand out was the people. “During my interviews, I was impressed by the expertise and passion of the engineers I met. I knew this was a place where I could learn and grow.”
One of the most valuable experiences since joining the company has been the mentorship program.
“I was lucky to be paired with a mentor who has 30 years of experience at Vallourec. He is an expert in his field and has worked on a wide range of projects over the years. Having access to someone with that level of knowledge is incredibly valuable. He helps me navigate technical challenges, understand industry trends, and make strategic career decisions.”
Beyond mentorship, Vallourec offers numerous development opportunities. One of the most exciting is the Short Stay Program, which allows new engineers to spend three weeks in another Vallourec location.
“This year, I had the chance to visit Brazil, where I met colleagues I had been working with remotely, visited their corrosion lab, and toured the mills in Barreiro and Jeceaba. Seeing Vallourec’s operations on a global scale and exchanging knowledge in person was a fantastic experience.”
These international collaborations reinforce Vallourec’s culture of innovation and teamwork, where engineers from different countries tackle industry challenges together.
To succeed as an R&D Materials Engineer, Ibrahima believes in continuous learning. “You need to be eager to learn every day—whether it’s reading scientific articles, working on R&D projects, or exchanging ideas with colleagues, there’s always something new to discover.”
He also emphasizes the importance of absorbing complex information quickly and challenging the status quo. “Materials science is a vast field, and our work constantly evolves. We must stay curious, ask the right questions, and always seek ways to improve processes.”
At Vallourec, engineers can choose between two career paths: a technical trajectory as an expert or a management trajectory. For now, Ibrahima is focused on deepening his expertise in materials science and corrosion.
“Over the next few years, I want to continue expanding my knowledge and contributing to innovative solutions. Later, I might consider moving into management, depending on opportunities.”
For engineers looking for an exciting and meaningful career, Ibrahima highly recommends Vallourec.
It’s an international company where you get to work on cutting-edge projects, develop solutions for the energy transition, and collaborate with talented colleagues worldwide. The company also invests in its people—whether through mentorship, training programs, or mobility opportunities.
Outside of work, Ibrahima is passionate about football—both playing and watching. A lifelong fan of Real Madrid (with FC Metz as his second team), he enjoys following the sport closely. He also loves traveling, discovering new cultures, and spending time with friends and family.
His recent trip to Brazil was a highlight, and he hopes to explore more countries in the future.
“Every trip is an opportunity to learn something new, just like in my job.”
