Meet Andreas

Define your job title in one sentence

I am responsible for a team of passionate engineers and scientists shaping the future of Airbus by means of studies, research and technology activities.

What’s one thing that makes your job exciting or special?

I get to work with passionate, interdisciplinary experts and specialists on a wide range of technology and innovation topics, such artificial intelligence. Every day I can contribute to pioneering the future of Airbus, as well as to shape and drive the strategic AI-Transformation of our customers and of Airbus.

What inspired you to join Airbus?

As a student I did an internship with Airbus Space Systems, working on an early phase study for the European Space Agency (ESA) on the Mars Sample Return mission. Despite the exciting scientific and engineering challenges of the mission itself, the trust that was given to me – as an undergraduate student – to take responsibility for significant parts of the study was a strong indication of the culture. Since then, trust and responsibility have been leading themes of my leadership, which absolutely resonates with the way we do things at Airbus.

Is there something that surprised you about working for Airbus?

There is a strong entrepreneurial spirit in Airbus. Every individual can contribute and shape the future of the company. Leadership happens at all levels, no matter if you have a Head-of-something-box in the org-chart or not. I have witnessed this several times in my 12 years with Airbus.

Explain what you do in simple terms

With our simulation-based analysis we support the development of a future military “systems of systems”, typically 10-20 years before it starts to operate. Based on our analysis, customers can assess operational systems performance in a very early stage of the development and make statistically, evidence-based and informed design trade-offs and decisions.

We perform studies to assess the use of the latest technological advancement, such as artificial intelligence. A focal point is the development and demonstration of technological-readiness-level (TRL) three to five for AI-based decision-support and autonomous systems applications for military operations. We develop leading edge technology in this domain.

As a manager I ensure that every talent in my team finds the best conditions to evolve  its full potential. If there are blocking points that I can support to remove, I will do my best to do so. I need to ensure that our customer is fully satisfied with our solutions and that the team gets all the resources they need to do so.

How does your role contribute to Airbus’ mission or the success of its products?

In my role I contribute to pioneering future business of Airbus, as well as to shape and drive the strategic AI-Transformation of our customers and of Airbus.

How has Airbus supported your career growth or personal development?

Career growth and personal development always relies on people supporting you and trusting in you. In this sense, I was privileged to have mentors supporting my career and personal development. More than six years ago I was given the chance by my current boss to become head of one of the most innovation-minded teams that I know in Airbus. Supported by a great leadership team, I could grow my leadership and my personal development. Additionally, I benefited from the many excellent leadership training opportunities from the  Airbus Leadership University, but also from the many great opportunities to learn and practice leadership that was given to me by extraordinary stakeholders and projects.

How has your career evolved since you joined Airbus?

Since I started at Airbus more than 12 years ago, my career has been a continuous development journey. I am a lifelong learner and appreciate every chance to learn new skills and knowledge. My peers and the environment always gave me the next opportunity to evolve along my potential. The Airbus core values of respect, integrity, team work, customer focus, innovation and reliability, strongly resonate with my personal and business values. Today I practice a values-based and entrepreneurial style of leadership.

How has your role evolved since you joined Airbus?

I started as a systems engineer in space systems, earth observation in particular. Working in a future programmes department allowed me to practice end-to-end technical and project management responsibilities in customer-funded projects. This allowed me to grow my project management and leadership skills. The passion for practicing leadership in a non-disciplinary role grew the wish to take over a more complex leadership role, which made me apply for first-line-managers positions.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a leader?

Be a role-model in value-based leadership and trust your peers and environment.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned so far?

It is not so important where you start your journey. It is more important that you find the passion in what you do.

What advice would you give to someone starting a career in aerospace?

Be curious and open, ask questions and have a look beyond your field of activity. There might be something important you can learn out there.

What’s one technical skill you’ve developed here that you’re especially proud of?

Application of solid Systems Engineering principles (ISO/IEC 15288)

What’s your most memorable experience at Airbus? Why does it stand out?

In my first international project I managed, I was able to work with a mixed Canadian and German team on the definition of a future earth-observation satellite-constellation for Canada. Due to the distance between the both countries I had to rely on support from all team members. In particular, one team member, a retired Royal Canadian Air Force officer, gave me important leadership support, significantly contributing to making the project a success for the customer. The project resonated very well within the business line and I was proud to be part of this success story.

Is there a specific project or moment you’re particularly proud of? Why?

I am proud of working with a team of passionate engineers, scientists and leaders pioneering future business for Airbus, as well as to shape and drive the strategic AI-Transformation of our customers and of Airbus.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Airbus?

Airbus is a company with values and it offers a wide range of jobs, not only in engineering or aerospace. It might take some time to find the right spot for you, but if you remain open to new topics and can develop a passion for them, you should definitely consider a career at Airbus.

What would you say to someone who doesn’t think they “fit” in aerospace?

It is not so important where you start your journey. It is more important that you find the passion in what you do.

If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

Always act respectfully towards others.

What do you appreciate most about Airbus as a workplace?

Airbus is a company with core values of respect, integrity, team work, customer focus, reliability and creativity. Every day I can share these values with my peers and create value to the customer and the company.

Which Airbus value resonates with you, and why?

All Airbus values resonate with my personal values. However, respect has a special importance to me. Acting with respect is a foundation for many important values, such as treating others with dignity. Also, it ensures professional interaction with each other, which is an important foundation of customer focus and team success.

How does Airbus support you in maintaining work-life balance?

Remote and flexible working-time grants the freedom to maintain a good work-life balance. I am a student pilot at present, this flexibility allows me to maintain a good work-fly balance.

What motivates you to keep growing in your career?

Lifelong learning opens new perspectives and connects you with fascinating people that you can learn a lot from. It allows you to grow yourself and support others in their growth. It is very rewarding when you witness someone achieving something outstanding, whom you were able to support in his growth journey.

What’s one message you’d like to share with the next generation of aerospace professionals?

Actions speak louder than words.

Which word would sum up your life at Airbus?

Lifelong Learning

How would you sum up Airbus in 3 words?

Innovation, Sustainability, Pioneer