In this interview, Steffen Borcherding talks about the path that brought him to WAGO and how his training piqued his interest in automation technology. He also describes his day-to-day duties in the Automation department and how the agile SCRUM method helps.
How did you get to WAGO and what was your past career path?
During my apprenticeship as an electronics technician for industrial engineering in a medium-sized mechanical engineering company, I became interested in automation technology and, in particular, programmable logic controllers (PLCs). After completing my apprenticeship, I worked as an assistant in the development department for a while, before I broadened my technical knowledge by studying electrical engineering in the field of automation technology.
After graduation, it was clear to me that I would not only use and design automation components in the future, but would also like to actively contribute to their development – and this is precisely why I am now at WAGO.
You've been working in the Firmware Development department for 6.5 years now. What is this department responsible for and what exactly are your responsibilities?
In our department, we develop the software for PLCs and operating elements, which are used in automation in various industries, such as in system engineering, power engineering or in buildings. The basis for this is always Linux®, with CODESYS as the runtime system.
I myself work with my team on a flexible and easy solution for the user for configuring network interfaces and protocols. Furthermore, we use PROFINET® on our devices as one of many fieldbuses. Besides developing the firmware, our daily tasks also include establishing a suitable test infrastructure and developing automated tests. We are therefore responsible for ensuring fault-free functioning.
What makes working in Automation at WAGO so special for you?
The special thing for me is the work environment, the willingness to help and the good interaction with one another. In our team we work with SCRUM, an agile work method that allows my colleagues and I to remain in close contact at all times, so that we are able to solve problems quickly. Programming in pairs and regular retros (turnaround dates) help us to quickly expand our expert knowledge and optimize our working methods. It is also helpful that WAGO places greater emphasis on customer focus in product development, which we also benefit from as a team – because if we know the exact use cases of our customers, we can more easily develop our products in a targeted way.
The AUTOMATION business unit is an important part of WAGO that continues to grow. Therefore, we are always looking for support. If you are just as interested in automation technology as I am, please take a look at our Job Board and come join the team.
What would you describe as your personal WAGO moment of success?
For me, switching from linear to incremental development is my WAGO moment of success. The reason for this is simple: My team provides measurable customer benefits with every three-week sprint. As a development team, we therefore have the opportunity to continuously receive feedback about our work. This continuous feedback gives us the certainty that we are on the right track. Therefore, I regularly have a moment of success, and not just at the end of what is often a very long development phase.
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