My story at LEONI
My name is Markus, and I have been an expert in electronics software at LEONI in Kitzingen since May 2022. Before joining LEONI, I studied IT with a focus on smart systems in Würzburg and worked as a software developer. Even before being recruited by LEONI, I had a passion for hardware-dependent software, thanks to which my career now feels somewhat more like have turned by hobby into a profession. It is exactly this that appeals to me about my job: embedded systems combined with developing software.
This is my job
As an embedded software developer at LEONI, I concentrate on developing electronics software for embedded systems. My duties include analyzing software requirements, designing software architectures, installing, testing, and troubleshooting.
As a software developer in hardware-dependent systems, development work may also mean trawling through data sheets on the specifications of components. Generally speaking, I would describe the attitude to work as follows: not “the main thing is, a lot of code in a short time”, but rather, “exercising gray matter in preparation for the provision of high-quality software modules and products.” You could, of course, simply describe it as quality over quantity.
I work closely together with an international team to ensure that the developed software modules match the project-specific requirements. Participating in meetings to coordinate and open sharing of information and ideas within the team are key elements of my day-to-day work.
My daily routine
Start of the day
The start of a usual workday is accompanied by my young daughter, also known as the human alarm clock: she plays her early-morning supporting role with gusto. Shortly thereafter I either head for the office in Kitzingen or I set up my office at home. So my workday begins at about 8 a.m., ideally with a hot drink, followed by a short daily meeting with my colleagues in other parts of the world to coordinate ongoing work on software modules.
Morning
I then check my meetings for the day and prepare for them. At present, there are often meetings relating to team synchronization or organizational matters, for example. Thereafter I have time on my laptop to take care of the software requirements, the design and, of course, the implementation, through to testing the project-specific software modules. What's great about this is that someone from my team is nearly always available for Q&A on one of our communication channels. I think that’s outstanding.
Lunch break
I spend my lunch break either in my garden if I work from home, or in the Kupferkessel, our canteen in Kitzingen, which offers a varied menu at a fair price. At team events we are served barbecued delicacies. For me, a quick walk during the break is an important part of it to clear my head and as a counterpoise to the lack of movement entailed by desk work.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, meetings make a change from the morning's development work. Especially as a newbie at LEONI you complete a variety of training sessions in accordance with the induction plan, for example on compliance or our sustainability program. Alternatively, you can look through the relevant guidelines on the Intranet whenever time permits.
Evening
My working day normally ends after about eight to eight and a half hours. Especially when I work from home it can happen that the transition away from work is slightly delayed – here I simply don't have colleagues around me who send subtle signals that the workday is drawing to a close by clearing their desks and switching the light off. On the other hand, I am home, and I can begin my leisure time without having to make the journey back home in the evening rush hour traffic.
My highlight
Professionally speaking, my outstanding moment was having successfully completed my first user story in a scrum framework. I thus succeeded in finishing a large number of subordinated development steps. It felt satisfying and I look into the future with optimism.
My first performance assessment after three months was the most exciting moment in my career. Receiving feedback on various aspects of my work behavior and my performance was thrilling and motivating.
My view of LEONI as an employer
At LEONI, I especially appreciate our teamwork and the open communication policy. Our employer encourages all staff members to have their opinion, and to express it in workshops, surveys, and open Q&A sessions regardless of hierarchy levels. The option of working from home enables me to work efficiently without disruptive background noise and distractions, enabling me to better combine career and family, especially as a father to a little daughter. The culinary delights offered in the canteen round off the favorable overall picture. Briefly and succinctly, I would describe LEONI as capable, professional, and ambitious.
My tips for future colleagues
If, like me, you wish to start off in software development, I think you need a few basics that you have acquired either through a hobby, a job, a degree course or an apprenticeship. They include the following: experience of micro-controlling (programming), basic hardware knowledge (electronic basics) and, of course, experience of a programming language such as C/C++. Being a team player is also very important: it is not an empty buzzword in a job description – it's essential. Software development is not a one-man show that happens strictly without people and away from the daylight. Especially given the agile methods that we apply in software development, a variety of meetings are part of daily routine. The ability to work in a structured way might also sound like one of so many standard phrases in a job description, but it is hugely important, so you don't lose focus. This organizational capability matters particularly when spontaneous events, meetings etc. affect your daily to-do list.
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