My name is Jens Leurs, I am 42 years old and have been working at thyssenkrupp Steel since August 2023. I originally did my apprenticeship at Mannesmann and then worked as a fitter for a year. After my civilian service, I studied electrical engineering in Krefeld, specializing in automation technology. My career then took me to two medium-sized companies, where I worked for a total of 16 years. I worked there as a commissioning engineer for automatic systems and later as a project manager. I also carried out several training courses for international customers - steel was always the focus. Since returning to the steel industry, I have been supporting my colleagues at thyssenkrupp Steel as an electrical engineer.
I look after the entire plant, not alone of course, but as part of a team of electronics technicians, technicians and engineers. I'm responsible wherever cables are involved. Our main tasks include repairing and maintaining the system to ensure that production runs smoothly. We also carry out regular maintenance and ensure that potential problems are identified and rectified at an early stage.
IT security is a key issue for us, as our plants and systems have to communicate with each other. It is crucial that this communication is secure and cannot be attacked from the outside. Through my experience in medium-sized industry, where we were twice victims of blackmail through cyber attacks, I know how important good IT security is. At thyssenkrupp Steel, we are working hard to protect our data and systems. We are therefore currently looking for several IT system engineers to strengthen our teams and help us to further optimize our IT security.
A typical working day starts with a team meeting in which we discuss what has happened in the last 24 hours and where there have been problems. We then divide up the tasks among ourselves. In the event of a malfunction, we have to act immediately, as our production depends heavily on everything running smoothly. I work with various technologies and tools, including programmable logic controllers and automation software, to operate and maintain our systems optimally.
One of the most exciting projects I'm currently working on is the planning of a new crane. The crane operator is currently still sitting directly in front of the converter, which is very dangerous. My idea was to solve this using virtual reality goggles. The crane gets a camera with a 3D view and the crane operator can operate the crane from a safe place with VR glasses. I really enjoy innovative approaches like this and they bring real added value.
Innovation is very much encouraged at thyssenkrupp Steel. My boss supports fresh ideas and stands behind new approaches. This gives me the freedom to develop and implement creative solutions. This innovation-friendliness is a great incentive for me and makes working here particularly exciting.
A degree in electrical engineering is important, but even more important is an interest in technology itself. You have to be willing to think your way into old and new technologies, as we work with both old systems and modern systems. A personal drive and the ability to empathize with complex technical contexts are essential. Be genuinely interested and passionate. The job is demanding and you shouldn't just do it for the money. A genuine enthusiasm for the work makes a lot of things easier and leads to better results.
The work at thyssenkrupp Steel is varied and offers the opportunity to be directly involved in large projects. The working environment is collegial and there is always support from the team. Compared to my previous jobs, I really appreciate the stability and less travel. You know on Monday where you will be on Friday, and that contributes significantly to the quality of life. It's also important to be on site, as many tasks can only be solved directly at the plant.
The induction process is thorough and often takes one to two years. New employees are always accompanied by experienced colleagues who show them the systems and processes. Safety is a top priority, so we work a lot as a team to ensure that everyone is well trained and can operate the systems safely.
I combine content from both worlds: the traditional methods and the modern knowledge that I have gained through my international experience. This combination of old and new technology, coupled with a love of innovation, makes me a representative of #nextgenerationsteel.
