Interview: Christian, head of hardware development
Hello Christian, please introduce yourself briefly.
I was born in Cologne in 1969. After graduating from high school, I completed my training as a communications electronics technician specializing in telecommunications technology.
After graduating in 1989 with a degree in electrical engineering, I entered the field of hardware development. Since I always found this development area extremely versatile, I still work there today and am constantly discovering new things.
After one year in fire alarm technology and five years in PLC automation, I started working with SysTec in 2004 in the field of weighing technology – a good choice!
On the private side: Together with my wonderful wife I love to hike and travel.
Our two children are grown up now and study electrical engineering in Aachen and psychology in Heidelberg.
How was your start at SysTec?
The informal and honest approach of the hardware team in general and my boss in particular made it easy for me to participate quite quickly at eye level and to master all challenges, with flexibility and in a mutually supportive way.
I also noticed the constructive way of dealing with mistakes – they are analyzed together and then we jointly develop solutions how to do it better next time.
What does your day-to-day work as head of hardware development look like and what motivates you in your job at SysTec?
I am the contact person for all aspects concerning my team and support everyone in making decisions and setting priorities. I am always available with advice and support, because it is important to me to pass on my many years of experience.
As head of hardware development and ATEX* coordinator, I have a very broad range of tasks. I also appreciate the cross-departmental cooperation with other units, which is very inspiring.
My tasks include the development and support of modules and assemblies – from the product idea to series production. In addition, the implementation and support of national and international tests, approvals and their standards are part of my job.
Here, I deal with the topics ATEX, EMC, FCC, WLAN, CE, ETL, Profibus, Profinet and Ethernet/IP.
My motivation is based on the diversity of situations in my day-to-day work. I have the good feeling that I am making a constructive contribution to SysTec's corporate success.
How do you live your leadership role at SysTec?
Cooperative leadership is very important to me.
I see myself more as a captain of the team playing on the field and not as a 'coach' who is only watching from the outside.
I was received with this philosophy and would like to continue living it.
What does working at SysTec mean to you?
The work is part of my everyday life and I really like it. An interesting, wide range of tasks in a pleasant working atmosphere, in a family-friendly and fair company fully meets all the expectations I have for a first-class employer.
*ATEX: Abbreviation for ATmosphères EXplosibles. The ATEX Directive governs the use of equipment and components in potentially explosive industrial environments within the EC.