JAKOB KEMPF
Secret agent for projects
At MEIKO, no machine goes into production without first passing by Jakob Kempf and his team. As an automation specialist in pre-development, Jakob works on designing prototypes, programming systems and machines, and optimising processes – all under the strictest conditions of confidentiality. Only when Jakob and his team give the green light is an innovation cleared for further development. So how did Jakob become part of our "Double-0 Section"? And what skills does this job require? Read the interview below to find out.
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB AT MEIKO INVOLVE?
Jakob: "I work in pre-development. Whenever there’s demand for a new product from either the market or product management, my team is the first port of call. We design prototypes – including all the software components – and carry out proof-of-concept testing. Only after extensive testing on our side does the product move on to the regular design and development teams."
WHAT MAKES THIS COMPANY SO SPECIAL IN YOUR EYES?
Jakob: "I’m really impressed by the breadth of MEIKO’s product portfolio. It gives everyone the chance to find the area that suits them best. On top of that, the sense of camaraderie within the MEIKO family is something truly special. We work together to find solutions and almost always achieve results we can be proud of."
100 PERCENT COMMITTED TO MEIKO
To me, MEIKO represents teamwork at its best – and that makes it the ideal place to work. I have the freedom to try out new ideas and explore innovative solutions.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH NEW PROJECTS IN YOUR AREA OF WORK?
Jakob: "We have our regular in-house meetings to review ongoing projects and track progress, as you would expect. We’re a small team, just 12 people from various disciplines, each with their own area of expertise. For particularly complex tasks, we often gather around a big whiteboard to brainstorm potential solutions. These discussions can sometimes get pretty lively, but they’re always constructive."
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PROJECT.
Jakob: "There was one automation project where we had to achieve full automation between different automation modules. We spent several weeks carefully programming and testing each individual module. Each of the modules was working perfectly, but we couldn't get the overall process running smoothly. One morning, we decided as a team to reset the entire project and go back to square one. We then took a new approach that enabled us to solve the problem much more quickly."
A WEALTH OF PATENTS ...
WHAT SKILLS DOES YOUR JOB REQUIRE?
Jakob: "Being well organised is absolutely essential because many of our projects – especially in automation – start with nothing more than a blank sheet of paper; there's rarely an existing project plan in place at the initial stage. What's important is keeping the bigger picture in mind and considering multiple factors before making decisions. It's easier if you have a clear vision and good teamwork, because complex projects rely heavily on input from others and effective collaboration. Great software is no good without sophisticated mechanics – and vice versa."
HOW DO YOU UNWIND FROM WORK?
Jakob: "I love spending time outdoors, hiking, climbing or mountain biking along trails. I’m also an active member of Hiddi im Brucktal e.V., a local club that manages an exclusive members' hut on the outskirts of Münchweier, near Ettenheim and organises all kinds of events. The club also provides volunteers for maintenance projects around the village. One recent example was the restoration of a historic sluice gate in town."
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO POTENTIAL APPLICANTS?
Jakob: "My advice specifically to electronics technicians and software developers would be: Don’t let the machine building component of our company's name put you off! With all the software MEIKO has integrated into its systems, there’s a huge demand for programming expertise. So go ahead and apply for a suitable position – or even submit a speculative application."
Apprenticeship at MEIKO as a Mechatronics Technician
Dual-study programme in mechatronics, robotics, and automation technology
Automation specialist in pre-development
Trainer on the DHBW course for electrical engineering and mechatronics students
Part-time Master’s degree in Digital Economy / Industry 4.0