Roche PVT in Waiblingen is one of Roche’s competence centers for the development and production of laboratory automation systems and offers engineers a wide range of career opportunities. We spoke to systems engineer Sanae about the engineering profession and the career opportunities in this area at Roche PVT.

Sanae, you work at Roche in Waiblingen as a systems engineer. What fascinates you about the engineering profession?

I already loved “working” with my hands and creating things myself as a little child. As a result, I got an idea relatively early on that a career in engineering could be ideal for me. Later, at school, the subject that interested me most was mathematics, which reinforced my plans.

At university, I quickly developed a passion for simulation and scientific computing. I love solving everyday problems together with others in agile teams, be that in a creative way or numerically with the help of mathematics. Both of these passions have stayed with me to this day.

As a systems engineer, the employment market obviously offers you a wide range of options in various sectors. Why did you choose a job in medical technology in particular?

After I completed my university degree, I did an internship in medical technology in the field of robotics, where my responsibilities included optimizing robot deployments in medical operations. I discovered my interest in this field during this internship and then applied for a position at Roche in Waiblingen after I graduated.

Why did you choose Roche in particular? What were the decisive factors for you?

My work at Roche enables me to put my analytical and technical skills to specific use in a multidisciplinary, dynamic and international environment, to take on new challenges and to play an active role in shaping the future of laboratory automation – and in the process to develop solutions that anticipate patients' future needs.

Another decisive factor for me was that Roche enables me to take relevant further education and training courses in order to expand my professional expertise and continually improve my soft skills. The company also offers me an ideal balance between my professional and personal lives.

What advice would you give to young students who are also planning on pursuing a career in engineering?

My advice would be to take plenty of time to identify your personal strengths and the field you would like to specialize in or the subject area you develop a passion for – as I did with systems engineering.

In addition, everyone should be aware that you never stop learning as an engineer. A degree from a university or a college of applied sciences is merely the first stage of a long learning process that is complemented by practical experience in your day-to-day work.