My journey
Dispendix
Global Product Owner
Fulltime, 2021 - Today
Dispendix GmbH, is a spin-off of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) in Stuttgart - and part of the CELLINK Group. A novel liquid handling technology called I-DOT ("Immediate-Drop-On-Demand-Technology") was developed at the IPA to establish an efficient, flexible and non-contact alternative solution for liquid handling tasks for nano to microliter volumes.
When I joined Dispendix after a very intense and educational year at the aforementioned company, I had no experience or exposure to the laboratory world. Nevertheless, the combination of very complex mechatronic systems and the possibility to get to know a new industry really appealed to me. So I decided to become part of the then 30-member team.
From the beginning I was given the overall responsibility to establish agile project management based on Scrum. Starting with setting up the agile project management structure in the entire R&D area (hardware, software, firmware, electronics), forming dedicated product teams, and defining cross-departmental processes.
Within 12 months, Dispendix as an organization grew rapidly from 30 to 120 employees. During this time, I was constantly challenged to dynamically grow our project management structures and ensure that all involved departments could work together smoothly.
At times, I was in charge of four product teams, which comprised a total of 40 employees. I was the main interface between R&D and C-Level, the key stakeholders, the operations department and the key customers.
Dispendix
3rd party logistics manager
Vollzeit, 07.2022 - Today
In addition to my role mentioned above, I also support Dispendix in the area of logistics. Here, I am also the project manager for setting up global distribution logistics with an external partner.
This role gives me a great insight into the world of my colleagues in Operations and helps me to better understand and further optimize processes in my two roles.
In a nutshell
-
Establishing agile projecmanagement
-
Technical product responsibility
-
Main interface across the organization
In a nutshell
-
Establishing of worldwide logistics
-
Interface to external contractors
FabLab Bayreuth
Co-Founder and Technical Lead
Voluntary, 2012 - Today
A FabLab (Fabrication Laboratory) is a workshop open to the public, which is under the management of a non-profit association. This is where state-of-the-art machines such as CNC milling machines, laser cutters, 3D printers, embroidery machines, etc. are made available to the public. The interesting thing, of course, is the pricing, which only considers the cost of production. From young to old, no matter if you are a beginner or an engineer, you have the opportunity to gain a vast amount of knowledge.
Well, how did I manage to get involved in the establishment of such an institution? My early interest in technology led me to build my first 3D printer when I was 14 years old. After my father heard about FabLabs, we decided to found an open high-tech workshop based on this model in our home town Bayreuth. While my father took over the administration, I took care of the setup and structuring of the premises and the entire equipment.
So in 2012, we started our own FabLab, with a 3D printer and an area of 200 m². But our relentless efforts were quickly rewarded, and the machine park grew rapidly until the rooms became too small. With a relocation in 2019, we were able to reach an extension of the premises to approximately 400 m² and an expansion of the machinery to 100.000 €. In the year 2022, we moved again to 700m² and our machinery doubled again.
In a nutshell
-
Building of a non-profit organization
-
Responsible for technical processes and the machines
Shaper Tools
Projectmangement
Fulltime, 2019 - 2020
Shaper Tools is an impressive start-up with it's Headquater in San Francisco (CA). This is where the power tools of tomorrow are made. The main product "Shaper Origin" is a hand-guided CNC milling machine that allows anyone to work hands-free with an accuracy of up to 0.01 mm. They are the only power tool manufacturer to rely exclusively on e-commerce. This underlines the pioneering work that is done by the area of sales
Throughout my network from the FabLab-Bayreuth, I was able to participate in the first trade show appearances in Germany. After a couple of shows, I was offered to become part of the newly established German team, which is responsible for sales on the whole European market.
Soon, it became clear that this was exactly the professional reorientation I needed to develop my skills further. Right from the beginning, I was in charge of many projects, quickly became an essential team member, and played a major role in the structural development of this young company.
My responsibilities included helping to develop the brand launch as well as the strategic marketing concept. For example, I implemented an online platform that focused on the sale of training for the "Shaper Origin". Furthermore, I set up a complete video studio within a very short time. In addition, I was responsible for the IT infrastructure, the coordination of the office, the renovations and improvements as well as the initial structure of the European service and repair center.
Particularly, it was exciting and educating for me to work with a highly qualified international team and to be able to carry a lot of responsibility.
In a nutshell
-
Setup of European sales structures
-
Creation and realization of marketing concepts
Stäubli
Mechatronics Technican
Apprenticeship 2015 - 2018|Fulltime 2018-2019
Stäubli is one of the world's leading industrial partners in the field of advanced mechatronic technologies. 5,500 employees in 29 locations represented in over 50 countries ensure top performance in the competence and innovation areas of industrial robots, coupling systems and textile machines.
Due to my enthusiasm for technology and my very early involvement in the FabLab-Bayreuth, the choice to start a career as a mechatronics technician was quite easy for me.
I was able to complete my apprenticeship at Stäubli, in a shortened training period, as my performance was constantly above average. During this time, I was able to acquire a wide range of skills. Especially the organization and process design of operational procedures caught my attention. With the support of Stäubli, I was able to participate in as many areas as possible in order to get a broad view into all activities and structures.
After my apprenticeship I worked as a mechatronics technician in the quality assurance department for one year. I was regularly entrusted with special projects, such as reconstruction work. Hence, I was the technical support person for an automation project, using a "HELMO" robot, which allowed me to work closely with specialists in software and hardware development. The goal of this project was to automatize certain processes and production steps in a flexible way.
I am glad that I was able to gain experience in the industry, but I soon realized that I was missing the chances for further personal development. So, I decided to take the next steps toward new challenges, also across regional borders.
About me
I am an ambitious all-rounder who is passionate about project management. My interdisciplinary experience and expertise enable me to always keep my vision. I am motivated by ambitious goals and the teamwork with talented people. Because great things can only be achieved in a team.
Whether project management, events, founding, industrial manufacturing, strategy development, electrical engineering, mechanics, IT, programming, prototyping or CAD modeling. In all these areas I was able to gain experience and l am looking forward to more awesome experiences.
Besides work, there is of course a private life, which should not be forgotten. Hence, I am passionately devoted to various hobbies, I am always up for a cocktail evening or a BBQ party.
My fav. quotes
One Life. No Regrets.
Never forget that this is your life and make your own decisions, there is nothing to lose, but I never want to look back and think "I wish I had...".
Hard Work and Patience.
You won't achieve your goals in the desired way, if you're not patient enough and put in the work.
Always over communicate.
Something which is actually so simple and yet so underestimated. Whether in a professional environment or in private life. The key is to communicate.
Kindness always wins.