Cristina Rubio

We are the engineers of possible: Preparing a new Manufacturing Site

As the Site Validation Leader (Engineer) for the new BD manufacturing site in Zaragoza Spain, Cristina Rubio is overseeing and evaluating all the equipment, systems, utilities, processes, and procedures that will be used in the production of medical devices for the BD Pharmaceutical Systems business. It’s a busy role with a lot of responsibility.

“There is a lot to validate before we formally open the site for production. I love being able to collaborate with every area of the site and it’s exciting to be part of building something from the ground up,” said Cristina.

Joined BD for the Career Possibilities

Cristina joined BD in late July 2022 after having spent nearly seven years at a small pharmaceutical company in Spain. She appreciated the experience and insights that she gained from her time there but wanted more professional growth. “I wanted to get a different perspective at a larger company that was multinational, while also sharing my experience. Working at BD has given me that opportunity,” she said.

The University of Zaragoza graduate with a degree in Chemical Engineering had a handful of different experiences earlier in her career – including a summer internship in Poland as an Assistant at the Center for Molecular and Macromolecular Studies where she worked in an organic chemistry lab – something she looks back on fondly.

“Working in Poland and being immersed in the culture and everyday life was so wonderful. The people are so hospitable and welcoming. I enjoyed the Polish food too,” Cristina said.

BD Described in One Word? Multicultural

Perhaps Cristina’s time in Poland is what lit a fire in her to travel more and perhaps work abroad at some point during her BD career. When she reflects on one word that describes BD, she said “Multicultural” without hesitation.

“It’s important to work for an organization that values diversity from many different aspects such as social, gender, religious and so many other backgrounds because our differences are what makes us better overall as an organization,” she explains. “I’d love to work for BD in another country in the future.”

Another aspect of the BD culture that Cristina calls out is the speak-up culture that exists in the working environment. “It’s inevitable that you are going to have some difficult decisions or discussions at some point during your work, however, what I appreciate about BD is that we are transparent and honest with each other and can have constructive conversations about working through things, which I value.”

When not supporting the launch of the new site, Cristina can be found engrossed in mystery novels. She has a fondness for author Mary Higgins Clark, in particular. She also has a newfound passion for gardening.

“I bought an apartment, and, on my balcony, I grow lettuce, strawberries, onions, and many other vegetables. I find that gardening is quite relaxing for me and I’m learning a lot about it,” concluded Cristina.