What Does a KNAPP Controls Commissioning Engineer Do?

How did you get to where you are now at KNAPP?

Ivona: I studied at the University of Zagreb and earned a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. I always knew that I wanted to work in industrial automation and so I selected my student jobs so that I could learn more about PLC, industry and automation. I would say that an interest in automation is a good start. The other things needed for the job come easily when you love what you do. I first noticed KNAPP in 2022 through LinkedIn. Some of my fellow university students had good things to say about the company, so I applied.

Lorenz: I had an apprenticeship in electrical installations engineering. I wanted new challenges for myself and found KNAPP in 2012 in an online search.

What were the job interview and onboarding like?

Ivona: I was not nervous at all, as it was a very pleasant interview. We talked about my past responsibilities and knowledge, and about what I was able to offer KNAPP. I remember talking a lot about traveling, which was really great. Traveling and doing what you love was a great combination for me.

Lorenz: It was spontaneous and relaxed. One question was whether I could explain the job that I had back then in English and what knowledge I had about control technology. When I started work, I had a mentor who trained me at a customer project in conveyor technology and control systems. By the way, all the commissioning engineers who worked on that particular project are still at KNAPP, and it’s been 12 years.

How would you best describe your job?

Ivona: Commissioning engineer is a job that combines work and fun. We travel to new locations and work for famous companies. My job is to get the KNAPP products up and running, to monitor things, to support the customer and to optimize the system. Preparations for startup begin at the office. While on site, we make sure that the PLC program and the project equipment run according to the customer’s requirements and function according to KNAPP standards. Experience is the key to understanding industrial automation.

Lorenz: As the team leader for Controls Commissioning, I have a wide variety of responsibilities. On the technical side of things, the project controlling involves a lot of coordination with Project Management as well as with the customer. For example, making status calls with the team that is working directly with the program and testing in the digital twin, as well as with the onsite team who are in the middle of the startup phase. I am responsible for keeping deadlines, costs and quality, as well as for planning new projects with my team and supervising personnel.

What are your 3 most important tools in your work?

Ivona: PLC software, ethernet cable, a set of ratchets and, of course, good coffee.

Lorenz: Laptop, Microsoft Teams, ASTA schedule and the coffee machine.

Which skills are essential for the job?

Ivona: You have to know how to work with the PLC programming software (e.g. TIA Portal), how to read circuit diagrams (EPLAN) and at least one foreign language (e.g. English). Good communication skills and being a team player are also very important. Training courses and working with colleagues can help fill in the gaps and get you more experience in a specific area.

Lorenz: Lorenz: Technical qualifications with a focus on control systems are important. Experience in the project business and the challenges that come with it is also advantageous. In general, you have to know the basics in electrics, how a PLC works and what you can do with it. Team spirit and open communication also contribute to success.

In what countries have you worked, and for how long?

Ivona: My first project was in England. After that, I was in the US, Germany, Poland and Belgium. For most of the projects, I was there for a couple of months, for some just a few weeks. Your stay depends on the local situation. I like to stay with a project over a longer period of time, to keep up with the progress made.

Lorenz: Switzerland, Italy, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Finland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, the UK, Moldova, Russia, China, South Africa, Brazil, Venezuela, the US and Canada. I had jobs that lasted just a few days, and some a few months. We basically plan for employees to be at least six weeks on site before they have their first turnaround.

What are the things you absolutely must pack when traveling?

Ivona: My work clothes, tools and a headset are a must. I always pack the flag of my place of origin and like to take photos with it. There is also a letter I wrote to myself when I left home that reminds me of my goals in life. Naturally, medicine for an emergency, and the appropriate clothes for the place I am traveling to. I pack less so I have room to bring home souvenirs.

Lorenz: I always take my running shoes because I need exercise after work.

How has the work changed you? 

Ivona: Above all, I have gained knowledge. I believe in myself and what I can accomplish more than ever. Many of the colleagues that I have gotten to know on my trips have become my good friends. Each project has taught me to value life and its opportunities more and more.

Lorenz: I know I have developed a lot technically, organizationally as well as personally, having traveled to so many different countries and met so many people from all over the world.

Those who travel always have stories to tell. Would you mind sharing one of your stories?

Ivona: I remember a situation in a large chain store in the US, where I turned up in my work clothes and safety vest. A nice old lady mistook me for a sales person and began to ask me questions about the contents of a product. I politely told here that I didn’t work there but would help her as best I could. She did not believe me, thought it was a good joke, and then asked me where to find the canned goods.

Lorenz: My personal highlight were projects where the atmosphere was really family-like. For example, at a project in Nuremberg, the wife of the owner invited us all for coffee and cake every day at 3 p.m.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Ivona: I would like to deepen my knowledge in my specialty. My goal is to continue working on challenging projects and to take over some of the supervisory work, to contribute to the success of the company and to advance my own career.

Lorenz: I see myself working in implementation, but I don’t know yet what that role will be. There are many ways I can develop as a controls commissioning engineer. I also think it’s great to keep the know-how within our division.