Fond of travel. Open-minded. Tech buff. A great description of our software commissioning engineers. They are out and about, travelling the world, installing our smart software at some of our largest logistics installations. It’s a job that will transform you in no time – both professionally and personally. Are you ready to take on the adventure?
In this blog, you’ll discover more about the job of software commissioning engineer, and we’ll also introduce you to two of our colleagues. Sounds interesting? Could this be your next professional challenge? Apply now for the position?
What are the responsibilities of a software commissioning engineer?
Who gets it all up and running? That’s obvious! Our installation technicians, who are also known as commissioning engineers. KNAPP commissioning engineers are working worldwide in areas such as software, PLC and automation technology, control systems as well as customer service projects and retrofits , and are starting up our installations on-site at our customers. Software commissioning engineers configure and install our logistics software according to the individual needs of our customers. During the installation phase at customer sites, they work with various technology specialists and ensure that the systems mesh harmoniously with each other. During the startup phase, they support our customers with further testing and training. More than 300 software commissioning engineers are working for KNAPP worldwide, ensuring the successful go-live of our systems.
“Thanks to our onboarding processes with intense training, you enter the world of logistics step by step. When it is time to go out to a customer site, experienced colleagues accompany new employees. Startups always involve a lot of teamwork and we’ve got a strong team spirit and a relaxed, lighthearted working atmosphere.”
What experiences come with the job?
Our colleagues Sebastian Legat and Karlo Saric talk about what it’s like to be on the go as a software commissioning engineer and the experiences they have made.
Education, jobs, routine – what do our experts say?
How did you get to where you are now at KNAPP?
Sebastian: I am 24 and this is my first serious job. During my secondary technical school education, I had a few marginal jobs (e.g. lifeguard, garage door installer, lawn-mowing) and was self-employed for a while providing various IT services. After completing secondary technical school, I started at KNAPP. I had booked a vacation in New York before I was hired, but this was not a problem as I was allowed to start two days later than my other colleagues.
Karlo: I also completed my education in informatics and telecommunication and started working at 18. Before I started at KNAPP Croatia, I worked for other IT companies in Croatia. I started as a software commissioning engineer, and after two years, I was promoted to Software Team Manager.
How did you find out about KNAPP?
Sebastian: My very good friend’s brother had started at KNAPP a few years before us. He also worked as a software commissioning engineer for a while and then switched over to Customer Service. My friend told me about commissioning at KNAPP, and I knew that was where I wanted to be. I had the travel bug back then, and I still do.
How was your job interview?
Sebastian: I remember how my department manager suddenly began to speak English in the middle of the interview, to see how I would respond. I never really noticed it. Otherwise, there was a little quiz on paper with questions about Java and SQL. After I filled everything out, the team leader and I went through all my questions, and I found out that I would be able to start in three weeks.
How would you best describe your job?
Sebastian: Sometimes challenging, but always interesting. For someone who is willing to travel, the job is ideal to start with right after completing school. You learn a lot, not only about technology, but also about people, and later on, there are opportunities to develop further in the company. I graduated from the HTBLA Kaindorf and der Sulm, with an emphasis on informatics. My education prepared me well for the job at KNAPP, especially the subjects programming, databases, network technology and of course, English.
Karlo: The job is very interesting and challenging, and you meet many different people while travelling. In my opinion, it is one of the few jobs where you can develop personally in so many different aspects, be it technical, personal or professional. As a team leader, I coordinate with my colleagues, check emails and Teams messages and solve the current problems of the day.
Which software skills are essential for the job?
Sebastian: Java basics, SQL, Linux basics and sometimes a little mathematics.
Karlo: It’s always good to have a solid foundation or experience in programming, which helps you to finish the training at KNAPP quickly and easily. Some of the most common languages used are SQL, PL/SQL and C++. I would also say that it is pretty important to understand how to work with databases and read functions and procedures – the rest you can learn.
In what countries have you worked as a commissioning engineer so far?
Sebastian So far, I have been to Germany (3 projects), Italy (2 projects), Switzerland, the USA (in the KNAPP office there as well as 2 projects), Bulgaria and Poland.
Karlo: The Netherlands, France, Poland, Slovakia, the USA and the UK.
How long are the trips?
Sebastian: There is no one answer to that. On average, I would say 5 to 6 weeks. I am currently working in Italy, and since it isn’t that far away, I can get home more often.
Karlo: During my time as a software commissioning engineer, I was abroad for 6 to 7 months. Now, as a team leader, I am mainly working in Croatia.
What are the things you absolutely must pack when travelling?
Sebastian: When I travel by car, my Bluetooth Box is always with me. Otherwise, depending on the country, I pack a powerbank and my drone, so I can film landscapes on the weekend.
Karlo: For work, the laptop is the most important tool. My safety work clothes that I need for working on-site are also must-haves. During my free time, I relax with a good book or movie.
How has the work changed you?
Sebastian: I am a better judge of people than I used to be, and I am much more resilient. I have developed in the technical sense as well as gained experience in logistics. I have met a ton of people and made a lot of friends, which I would hate to have to do without.
Karlo: I know I have developed a lot technically, organizationally as well as personally, having travelled to so many different countries and met so many people from all over the world.
How important is humor at work?
Sebastian: One of the most important things at a site is that the project team is in an overall good mood. That’s why I’m always keen to provide entertainment and to distract my colleagues when they’re stressed. I should probably skip the details here, but we’ve more than once had a lot of fun over the last few years, and I like to remember these moments. For example, we once organized culinary challenges, which included everything from mustard gummi-bears to chili-yogurt.
Karlo: Very important! We have had a lot of fun times, and you share these times with your colleagues for a lifetime.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Sebastian: In the beginning, I never would have thought that I would be willing to travel abroad for so long. After five years in this job, I will be changing careers towards project management. I really look forward to learning new things and the new perspective you get in a large company like KNAPP.
Karlo: I can see myself as a software commissioning team leader and would like to share what I know, but there are many other career paths.
Klingt interessant? Werde Teil unseres Teams!
Further reading recommendations
