Software Engineer Leon Kleiboer

“In one of the projects we did for the Dutch Railways (NS/NedTrain), we monitor technical systems in the train, including voltage converters, climate control systems, door counters, etc. We retrieve and process the data produced by these sensors to provide clear insight into what requires maintenance and when. In the past, trains were pulled into the depot where all kinds of things were checked and preventively replaced. Now you can see what may be wrong even before it becomes a problem that will lead to a malfunction. Often this can be remedied with minor maintenance. This is faster, cheaper and yields other benefits in terms of stock management and scheduling of maintenance personnel.

Parts are now being replaced on the basis of use and condition, rather than time. This saves money and is more sustainable. These kinds of considerations are important to me. As a systems architect, I could also produce smartphone games, but that doesn’t appeal to me at all.”

“What I really like about our business is that we have a large group of techies here: IT, electrical engineering, mechanics… all within a single company. Most of my former study friends are involved in office automation. That’s something very different. In our business, we are required to have a high degree of self-reliance. You are given a lot of freedom and you need to be able to handle that. That doesn’t mean that new employees are thrown into the deep end. Everyone is well coached and colleagues are always ready to help one another. We help each other move forward. Ultimately this benefits all of us the most.”