Johan Dahlberg, Application Support Specialist
Johan Dahlberg joins Volupe as Application Support Specialist with a focus on Altair products. With the Siemens acquisition of Altair now complete, Johan steps into a role that bridges two worlds. We sat down with him to learn more about the man behind the mesh.
"Running simulations on a bridge is really important – that usually lands well at dinner parties."
Let's start simple: How do you explain what you do to someone at a dinner party who has never heard of simulation?
It's funny you mention 'bridges between worlds' in the intro. At dinner parties I often explain that running simulations on a bridge is really important – that usually lands well. Depending on people's interest, I then point out that although our field is quite niche, the results of simulation appear everywhere in daily life. I've personally simulated needles and syringes, sewing machines and soil-compaction equipment – a very broad range of applications.
What's the story behind your career in simulation? Was there a moment when you knew this was your thing?
It probably started in high school – we had an excellent teacher. One day he came into the classroom with a broken nose, covered in plaster. In his hand he held the broken hand-brake from his bicycle and explained that we would investigate how hard he had to brake to make it fail.
"They should feel listened to and confident that they have a clear way forward."
Altair has a massive product portfolio – HyperMesh, OptiStruct, SimSolid, and more. Do you have a favourite tool, or is that like asking a parent to pick a favourite child?
It's kind of like that, so all are my favourites! I have mostly been working with HyperMesh and OptiStruct, but with the ease of use I really recommend new users to start with Inspire and SimSolid. It's amazing how fast you can get your first results out. You can start to do design changes and explore on day one.
Speaking of children – you have three, aged 13 to 20. What have they taught you about patience, problem-solving, or life in general?
I would say that's what life is all about. You learn along the way. I have always spent a lot of time with my kids, playing games and have been part of their sporting activities. So that has been pretty easy I would say. Just listen to them and make sure that they are happy!
Siemens acquired Altair. You're joining Volupe right in the middle of this shift. Exciting, terrifying, or both?
That is very exciting! The combined portfolio is very strong and we can now really offer our customers all kinds of solutions.
"You can start to do design changes and explore on day one."
What does great support actually look like to you? When a customer hangs up or closes the chat – what should they be feeling?
They should feel listened to and confident that they have a clear way forward. Ideally, they should also feel comfortable reaching out again – knowing they'll get the help they need.
What's the strangest or most unexpected simulation problem you've ever helped someone solve?
Flushing device for an endoscope – one needs to be able to clean the camera lens during inspection.
If you could add one feature to HyperWorks tomorrow – no budget, no limits – what would it be?
Voice control and touch screen (maybe some pieces are already in place).
What made Volupe the right move for you at this point in your career?
Volupe feels like a dynamic company in an exciting phase. With my long experience from Altair, I believe we have a great journey ahead – and I'm really looking forward to being part of it.
You're now the go-to Altair expert at Volupe. Any pressure?
A little – it's a wide range of products. But I feel confident and look forward to supporting our users and helping them get the most out of the tools.
Outside of work – what does Johan do? Any hobbies, obsessions, or guilty pleasures?
As already mentioned, I spend time with family and have been active as a leader for our kids' activities, all from "Mulle" to track and field and football. When I'm not spending time as a leader, I love to do windsurfing and MTB cycling.
Connect with Johan on LinkedIn.
