Philipp: Senior System Engineer with an innovative way of making music

Philipp is a Senior System Engineer at HSE. In his interview, he describes how he coordinates the entire product development work – and his innovative use of pedal power.

What do you do at HSE?

Philipp: I work as a Senior System Engineer and Technical Lead. In my role, I coordinate the development work across disciplines such as mechanical engineering, electronics, software development, and biotechnological applications.

My goal is to ensure that these teams work together effectively so that the final product meets, or exceeds, customer requirements. Drawing on my extensive expertise in project organization and customer communication, I ensure that all aspects of the project run seamlessly.

What’s your background?

Philipp: I studied mechanical engineering, specializing in computational mechanics. I completed my master’s degree in the USA and then earned my doctorate in microfluidics at ETH Zurich. From a young age, I was passionate about technology and always had hobby projects on the go.

What's your motivation?

Philipp: I am motivated by the intellectual challenge of developing innovative solutions to technical problems. What particularly motivates me is that our products can make a significant difference not only for our customers, but also for society as a whole.

Is the role all that you imagined it would be?

Philipp: In my last job, I focused more on the technical details, whereas now I get a holistic view on the product development process. This has both advantages and disadvantages. The responsibility is greater but, if everything goes well, you can have a significant impact on the project's outcome and overall direction. In addition, the role provides an excellent platform for continuous growth and allows me to develop my skills and expertise.

What do you like about HSE?

Philipp: I particularly like the interdisciplinary team, and the teamwork is a lot of fun. You gain insights beyond your own area of expertise and work on a variety of projects, which brings a wide range of challenges. I also appreciate the flexible working hours and family-friendly atmosphere.

What do most people not know about you?

Philipp: A less well-known hobby project of mine was developing bicycles that generate electricity to power common household appliances. For example, at parties, guests could generate electricity to power the stereo system. We even presented the project at Scientifica at ETH, where our visitors were able to operate a variety of electrical devices. It was a complete success, and we introduced a lot of adults and children to the topics of energy consumption and energy efficiency in an impressive and fun way.

What trends should we keep an eye on?

Philipp: A four-day workweek is a positive trend for our society. Additionally, sustainability is playing an increasingly important role, and this is also reflected in my current project.