MY WAY TO THALES AND MY CURRENT POSITION
I studied Physics at the Technical University (TU) of Vienna. Already during my studies, I was interested in programming and attended some lectures on that subject. Since the application of elementary particle physics in Austria did not open up any non-university career opportunities, I focused my career choice on software development, which I saw as future-oriented at the time. Straight after my studies, this focus led me to Alcatel - now Thales.
From all the companies I applied to, I chose Alcatel because the electronic interlocking project was appealing to me. On the one hand, this was due to the task itself and, on the other hand, the fact that the project was just getting started and I was therefore able to enter the extended start-up phase. In addition, some fellow students worked at that time at Alcatel so they could give me a first insight into the company.
My first task was the programming of the shunting line functions in the central layer of our interlocking system ELEKTRA. During this time, I got an introduction to the programming language CHILL, the architecture of the system and the terminology of our customer OeBB. After the successful commissioning of the first interlocking in Neumarkt-Kallham, I was entrusted with further tasks that expanded my knowledge of the development processes and technical details of the product. The period from 1991 to 1993, when the ÖBB specified the functional conditions for electronic interlockings in so-called customer specifications, was particularly formative for me. By working on it, I was able to learn how rail operation works in Austria. In many joint work meetings between the railway industry and OeBB, I established contacts that accompanied me throughout my professional life.
From 1993 I was responsible for the functional development of ELEKTRA for OeBB. Later I was also responsible for the Hungarian and Swiss markets.
At the beginning of 2006 it was time for a change and I decided to switch to the product management department. Since then I have not only dealt with the technical, but also the economic and strategic aspects of the product. The transition from Alcatel to Thales went very smoothly for me during this time. Both in the company and on the customer side, the contacts remained the same, but I got the feeling that railway safety technology in the context of Thales is not a marginal phenomenon, but a welcome addition to the existing product portfolio.
MY WORK AS A PRODUCT MANAGER
As a product manager, I am responsible for the marketability, profitability and further development of ELEKTRA, our electronic interlocking. In order to ensure the attractiveness and competitiveness of the product as a strategic objective, market observation and knowledge of our competitors play an important role.
That means that I am dealing with internal and external stakeholders. Above all, this includes the customers of our markets. I specifically look after the Austrian and Swiss markets. In addition, I am in contact with approval authorities and experts as well as all organizations that are relevant to the interlocking market.
Internally, as a product manager, you have a very central role and therefore get a very comprehensive picture of the company. For example, I work closely with sales, the development team, marketing and RAMS management (RAMS = Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety). My network also extends into the Thales Group: the group-wide product strategy and development are important partners to use synergies in the best possible way.
WHY I ENJOY WORKING AT THALES
What I appreciate most about my job is the diversity of tasks and requirements. On the one hand, I can contribute with my experience and expertise in interlocking, technology and customer requirements. On the other hand, there are always new challenges, be it technical, organizational or sales-related.
I can say that as a product manager at Thales, I am never bored.
WORKING IN THE HOME OFFICE – A SUMMARY OF A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT TIME
Working at home brings advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, you are at home immediately after work and can fully enjoy the evening with the family. On the other hand, I miss the direct contact and personal conversations, which cannot be replaced by phone calls, especially for strategic considerations. In any case, albeit under strict conditions, I am glad that there is again daily corporate life with my colleagues in the office!