Hans-Jürgen is Chief Innovation Officer at HSE. In his interview, he talks how his role turns ideas into products with real-world impact – and about his celebrity lunch date.
What do you do at HSE?
Hans-Jürgen: I joined HSE in 2017 as Head of Engineering Technologies and recently took on a new role as Chief Innovation Officer. My position combines two key responsibilities. I serve as the development lead on some of our larger more complex projects, heading the interdisciplinary team responsible for developing new products. I focus on the system as a whole and coordinate mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software and firmware development. I also oversee project implementation to ensure the highest possible standards and lasting value for our customers.
In other projects I’m involved from the earliest stages of development – sometimes during the proposal phase. This includes analyzing workflows and customer requirements, then developing an initial concept that forms the foundation for the final design.
In my role as Chief Innovation Officer, I work closely with our Chief Technology Officer to drive innovation at HSE and define a clear roadmap for our products.
What’s your professional background?
Hans-Jürgen: I studied electrical engineering at RWTH Aachen (Germany), where I earned a Master of Engineering. My thesis focused on developing a test setup for artificial heart valves.
My first position was at HP Medica, where I worked for about ten years. I established an R&D subsidiary and developed a hydrodynamic thrombectomy catheter to remove thrombotic material from arteries. As development lead, I was responsible for setting up the measurement devices for the hydrodynamic drive system.
I also led an R&D team that developed a heart-lung machine and an ultrasonic bubble detector and dynamic bubble trap for use in extracorporeal circulation.
Then I joined the startup Intelligent Medical Implants (now Pixum Vision), where I led an interdisciplinary team developing an active eye-implant system. The implant system directly stimulates the cells at the back of the retina.
In 2011, I joined QIAGEN in Switzerland and transitioned from developing medical devices to working on laboratory diagnostic systems, where the development process and regulatory landscape were similar. I contributed to the development of a next-generation sequencing platform.
Are specific skills important for your work here?
Hans-Jürgen: Analytical thinking is essential. You need to be able to examine a system, break it down into its key components, and understand the interdependencies among electronics, mechanics, optics, and physics.
Effective communication is also vital, especially when working in an interdisciplinary team. Everyone speaks a different technical language. That’s why I focus on making concepts visible and accessible. Visualizing the system through diagrams helps everyone see how their work connects, creating a shared understanding that leads to faster solutions.
What do you value most in a team?
Hans-Jürgen: I think it’s important to build mutual trust. When the atmosphere is open and transparent, teamwork thrives. People need to know they can come to you and be heard. Even if you’re under time pressure, you need to take the time to listen to your team.
Can you tell us about a project or achievement at HSE you’re especially proud of?
Hans-Jürgen: I worked with a colleague on the concept phase of a new type of pipettor. The project required a deep understanding of physics and sensor technology, and we worked on it during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We were already halfway through the project before we were able to meet the customer in person. I think it was a great achievement to build trust across the Atlantic via Microsoft Teams, especially given the technical complexity of the project. Together, we developed an innovative device, and our customer now holds a major patent.
What opportunities for learning and developing are you currently pursuing to enhance your skills?
Hans-Jürgen: I learn a lot from customer projects and often read scientific publications relating to these. My work also allows me to attend several trade fairs and conferences each year. A lot of my learning is by active self-education. We also have a large network of suppliers, and they regularly present their latest developments to us. We sometimes set up a quick experiment in the lab to test new devices to see if they offer advantages.
What do you like about HSE?
Hans-Jürgen: I really enjoy the work here and it’s a great feeling to go to work and feel good about it. This shows that you are in the right place. I also like the fact that I’m working on something useful. I’m proud that I’m doing something that’s valuable for patients and healthcare and that hopefully makes a difference.
What do most people not know about you?
Hans-Jürgen: A friend once invited me to lunch at the La Jolla Country Club while I was in California. Partway through our meal, I realized the person sitting a table away was none other than Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood. It was quite a surreal experience – we were just chatting over lunch and had this completely unexpected encounter.