I completed an apprenticeship as a technical product designer and am currently studying mechanical engineering alongside my job. I am working as a Design Engineer at Steinmüller Engineering since July 2022. Although I started my career in the plastics and rubber industry, I work at Steinmüller Engineering in the newly established Chemical Plant Components department, and it turned out to be a whole new experience. Nevertheless, I have felt in good hands from day one!

With my team, I create 3D models and designs of large chemical apparatus and draw piping and instrument flow diagrams based on the plants.  Every project is absolutely individual. This is why team spirit and the expert knowledge of experienced colleagues are so important. In the future, I plan to move into project management, even though I will probably never give up designing!

In 2015 I started my integrated degree program in chemical and process engineering at Steinmüller Engineering GmbH. After completing my studies I was integrated into the chemical plant components department. Through in-house education and external training I am able to keep abreast of technology development. As an industrial engineer I primarily engage in commercial and technical fields, e.g. project management and sales. The interaction with other departments is also essential as my responsibilities cover the entire project process. I process orders, engage with qualified suppliers and manage the project execution and logistics.

I enjoy the intensive interaction with costumers as well as with the product. Working in an internationally operating company offers me the opportunity to travel to foreign countries and execute my projects live on-site. During my studies Steinmüller Engineering offered me the opportunity to work at IHI Corporation in Japan for a period of three months to get exposure to the Japanese culture. My Master's degree in Technical Management enabled me to deepen my technical and commercial knowledge and develop personally. This also prepared me for my position as Department Manager Chemical Plant Components.

I have been working as an assistant of the management board at Steinmüller Engineering GmbH since 2004 and have been a part of the growth and development of the company. Due to the "open door" culture of the management and my diverse range of responsibilities, I am connected to all areas of the company. In particular, the trust and appreciation shown daily motivates me in

my work. In addition to the classic field of activity of an assistant, I organize conferences and events and am in contact with customers and suppliers from all over the world. I also enjoy working with our international team very much. It is great to see how well colleagues from different nations work together and successfully complete projects.

Whilst studying technical chemistry at TH Köln (Campus Leverkusen) I was introduced to Steinmüller Engineering GmbH at the Achema trade fair for process engineering and plant construction and was afforded an internship semester with the company. During this time I wrote my bachelor's thesis on the simulation of dry desulphurization and was then hired as an engineer in technical procurement. I have now been working in the flue gas cleaning department for four years. I participate in the execution of current projects through all phases, from the bid preparation to the final handover. In addition to doing the engineering calculations I also manage the coordination of suppliers.

This holistic approach gives a view on the overall concept, where not only the chemical reactions in the plant or the spatial conditions are considered, but also the legal and commercial aspects, which are crucial in an international environment.  Interdisciplinary teams with flat hierarchies and good communication are the key to success.  I also deal with topics of digitalization such as programming of new process engineering simulations and the application of new technologies. I appreciate especially working with experienced colleagues who enable me to gain from their know-how in a changing world. In my opinion, the combination of environmental protection and digitalization is the basis for a sustainable future.

After my apprenticeship as an automotive mechatronics engineer, I studied mechanical engineering at the Technical University of Cologne, Campus Gummersbach. In 2017 I joined the design department for firing systems at Steinmüller Engineering GmbH and after an orientation period I was able to participate in active and new projects. Since 2019 I have been working in the design department for flue gas cleaning. I create 3D CAD models, generate

production and installation drawings, but also visit plants to take measurement etc. and make agreements with the customer. Creating 3D models and solving various problems is what I particularly enjoy about my work. It is always exciting to see how the computer model is transformed into a functioning component which finally takes its place in the plant.

After completing my A-levels in 2017, I started a 3.5-year apprenticeship as a technical product designer in the field of machine and plant design at Steinmüller Engineering GmbH. Already as a trainee I was able to work on current projects. With the support of the engineers and instructors I created 2D sketches and 3D models, taking into account costs, design and technical possibilities, as well as suitable materials, standards and assembly. During the block lessons at the Berufsschule (professional

school) I learned the basics of technical mechanics, product development, CAD design and materials science. In my second year of training, Steinmüller Engineering GmbH enabled me to travel abroad to Sweden for a six-week internship where I got an insight into new working techniques and could get to know an interesting culture and language. After my apprenticeship I was taken on in the dry flue gas cleaning department as an engineer design.

After completing my industrial engineering thesis at Steinmüller Engineering GmbH the company offered me full time employment. From the beginning I have been involved in meaningful projects. At fairs, conferences and other events I have built up contacts through networking and have extended my knowledge.

As part of my work I also support the project management teams, work at construction sites and prepare tenders. The uniqueness of each project is very satisfying for me.

After I graduated in environmental engineering I studied chemical engineering at RWTH Aachen. I integrated my master’s thesis into an internship at Steinmüller Engineering GmbH for a period of six months. For the past two years I have been working in the department process technologies at Steinmüller Engineering GmbH, focusing on emissions reduction through chemical processes and reaction mechanisms. The emphasis is on SO² and Hg. I am able to apply the Hg-separation technologies of my master’s thesis.

As a process engineer I visit plants and look for solutions by simulating processes. My work area covers the analysis of problems, on-site measurement of emissions and evaluation of the data, design of new processes, reaction mechanisms and the implementation thereof. Steinmüller Engineering GmbH is internationally active which enables me to work on projects worldwide. By working with interdisciplinary teams I have the opportunity to gain diverse experience.