From student to expert at Siemens Mobility

We would like to share with you the inspiring story of our colleague Tomáš Halvoník, who began his career right after completing his studies at ZČU in the Traction Drives Development department, led by Pavel Novák. Every day, we encounter talented individuals, and Tomáš's story is a great example of the opportunities our company offers. We believe his journey from student to expert will resonate with you and show you what professional growth can look like in an environment full of support and international collaboration. Let's dive in!

Inspiration on the Rails
Even during my university studies, I spent many hours traveling by train. Although the connection between my home and school wasn't ideal, the train journey always brought me a sense of calm and offered views of the landscape from an angle that no other mode of transport can provide. 

The First Step into the World of Power Electronics
After completing my studies focused on power electronics and drive control, I didn’t have to think long about where to start my career. During a job fair at the ZČU, I attended a lecture by now-colleague Honza Plomer.

We discussed a few interesting topics – from the presentation and our conversation, I realized that the goals and focus of Siemens Mobility aligned closely with my own. Then, all it took was a LinkedIn message from Jana Fatková, and everything started to fall into place for me to begin my new role. From my perspective, it perfectly matched my ambitions, built on the knowledge I had gained during my studies, and combined my passion with the perspective of working on rail vehicles.

A Fast Start in a Team of Experts

After a gradual start, I was assigned to a team that played a key role in the development of all the locomotives that Siemens Mobility offers – Vectron, Charger, ACS64, and others. It was incredible to me that, as a junior colleague, I was included in a group that held the know-how of almost the entire industry within such a large corporation as Siemens. The collaboration with colleagues from Germany was very open and inspiring from the beginning. They shared their experiences with me and supported my professional growth.

A Challenge Across the Ocean: A Journey into the Unknown

As time went on, my experience and responsibilities grew. The project I had been working on for two years was nearing completion in terms of traction control development. At first, you don’t know what to expect or how you’ll handle all the situations that arise. The journey across the Atlantic was a completely new experience for me – a true journey into the unknown.

"Suddenly, I found myself in a position where I was the one with the knowledge of how the locomotive was supposed to function, but had never seen it in person, and now I was heading there to help solve any problems that might arise."
 

Challenges and Team Collaboration

Upon arriving at the site, I quickly adapted and fully immersed myself in working with the locomotive. Each day brought new challenges that motivated me to gain a deeper understanding of the system. Together with the team, we combined our knowledge and experience to find the best solutions. It was inspiring to see how our collaboration led to the locomotive operating more efficiently and reliably.

Over time, I developed a thorough understanding of all aspects of the project. I worked on sophisticated solutions that helped prevent problems and enhanced overall performance. Testing provided valuable insights and pushed us forward. The entire team worked with determination and commitment, enabling us to achieve our goals on time and with high quality.

Success and Recognition

Everything turned out well—we achieved operational approval with the customer, and the locomotives were ready to be shipped to New York. This marked the end of the testing phase for these two temperamental locomotives. There was a noticeable improvement in the mood throughout the depot. Yet, there was also a hint of sadness. For those who had spent nearly half a year here, it was clear that one chapter was closing, but the sense of accomplishment from a job well done was palpable.

The return was warmer than I could have ever imagined. Colleagues in both the Czech Republic and Germany congratulated me and expressed their recognition. I felt like a valued part of a team that appreciated my work and supported my professional growth. It was incredible to see that, even as a relatively new team member, I could have such an impact.

The Germans joked that they now had a new expert on American locomotives, and I couldn’t help but feel that such praise was more than I deserved. After all, I wasn’t the only one involved, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who treated me with such respect and kindness.

"I never thought I would be given such an opportunity and receive this kind of recognition so early in my career at Siemens Mobility." 

 

A Company Culture that Supports the Development of All Employees

At Siemens Mobility, I have found an environment where growth is encouraged for both junior and senior colleagues. For junior colleagues, there is a unique opportunity to quickly get involved in significant projects and learn from experienced professionals. For senior experts, there is the chance to pass on their knowledge, lead international teams, and contribute to the strategic direction of projects.

International and Open Collaboration

Collaboration with colleagues from different countries has greatly enriched me. At Siemens Mobility, international collaboration is a daily reality, in an environment that is open to new ideas and supports innovation. The opportunity to work on projects with a global impact is something that motivates me every day.

Join Us and Help Shape the Future of Transportation!

If this story has inspired you and you want to be part of a team that gives you the space to grow, work on international projects, and where your ideas will have a real impact, join us at Siemens Mobility!