Elisabeth Jozwiak works as a hardware developer at Hitex. Here she develops controllers for embedded systems. Her focus is on projects in the field of functional safety. The focus here is also on compliance with the development process according to standards in order to guarantee the safety of the control system: "If the brakes in the car fail, it can cost lives, so you shouldn't save on it". The development of evaluation boards offers interesting variety. They need software developers to try out the latest functions in a microcontroller or if the actual hardware is not yet ready: "This is fun, you can try out anything: here an additional Gigabit Ethernet, there an Arduino connection, a few more LEDs... and in this case everything without time-consuming safety processes"!
At the beginning of every project there are some considerations to consider: which requirements are in the foreground? Price/performance ratio? Safety questions? Work flow with other tools? If the customer's requirements are not yet completely clear, they are worked out together with the customer: "Usually telephone calls are sufficient. Sometimes, however, it is helpful to get to know the customer's environment and to sit down at the table together.
Once the requirements have been clarified, the main work takes place on the screen: a circuit diagram is created and a layout. Of course the contact to the customer does not break off and if there are change requests, these are incorporated. If everyone is satisfied, a first prototype is produced. The commissioning becomes serious: does the hardware work as desired? Are all functions implemented and error-free? "We then work closely together with the software developers. Without software, the power LED might just light up, but that's when it's over. Conversely, the software cannot test without the hardware - that goes hand in hand."
After studying mechatronics at the University of Applied Sciences, Hitex is her second employer. What does she appreciate about her work at Hitex? "There are many challenges, you have to understand what is important to the customer and how best to implement it. Then there's the exchange with colleagues from software, quality assurance, purchasing and production in order to optimize the hardware as much as possible during the development phase," says Elisabeth Jozwiak. She finds it particularly interesting that she can develop and implement ideas independently. "And quite quickly you have a piece of real hardware in your hands that you have developed yourself - the perfect mixture of theory and practice.
"Since the beginning of my work here, I have found the cooperation and cooperation in the team and with colleagues from other areas to be extremely positive," says Elisabeth happily. The flexible working hours, the opportunity to work in the home office and regular further training supplement the positive image of the "job" for her.
In order to work at Hitex as a hardware developer, a degree in engineering (electrical engineering or similar) is required. Knowledge of English and experience with E-CAD systems are desirable. Those who also like to gain new experience and are willing to acquire new knowledge will feel comfortable at Hitex.