Was does working at DFS mean to you?
"Although it's challenging, it’s also a lot of fun and the working atmosphere is good."
Sonja Mohnen Software developer in the IT Job Group, since 2020
The career so far
"My career has always been many-faceted and varied.
I actually trained as an IT specialist before starting my degree. I then went to the Technical University of Darmstadt to study sports science and computer science, a combined course of study that I completed with a master's degree. A Darmstadt-based company that operates in the aerospace industry placed me at DFS as an external employee in 2017. This gave me the time and space to get a good feel for DFS before I decided to switch to an internal DFS position."
The motivation
"You can really be who you are here, as what counts is how you do your work.
From the outset, I got on well with the people around me and felt at home. I like the way people treat one another here, as well as the way managers and employees interact. Alongside the technical projects and duties, there are also many benefits, such as the great campus in its green surroundings, a committed staff council, summer parties, barbecue evenings with the department, events, health weeks and sports opportunities."
The activities
"My team is elevating the software in the control tower to new technological standards.
As part of the DFS in-house technological modernisation project, which aims to move our critical IT infrastructure to the cloud, my team is responsible for the software at our tower sites. Existing monolithic systems are gradually being replaced by cloud services. However, this change is also bringing many challenges with it that need to be carefully considered and planned, as well as critically monitored. In my project, we’re also implementing new alarm types for the ground situation at airports, which are required by the European Commission."
"Does the combination of computer science and aviation get your juices going? Do you enjoy working in a friendly, cooperative atmosphere? Then perhaps you should contribute your skills to the expert systems at DFS."
The challenges
"When developing new things, there are always going to be pauses and rethinks. However, that shouldn't slow you down.
In phases of technological transitions, there's a lot of trial and error, and a great deal of prototype development takes place. Sometimes solutions that have been developed are discarded or postponed as another project is suddenly assigned higher priority. The hard work then ends up in a drawer somewhere. It’s important to remain flexible and open to new things. You can’t get disappointed as this is part of the job and professional development is always happening anyway."
The corporate culture
"Anyone who wishes to has the opportunity to develop and advance here.
In my department, we make sure that new employees are also a good fit for the team on a personal level. This makes a really big difference. We regularly have the opportunity to develop and progress our specialist skills, either at the DFS Academy or as part of training courses organised by external providers. Anyone interested in more senior positions can either apply directly for vacancies or take part in a development programme for future managers. This prepares them explicitly for their future duties."
Your future:
safety in the sky
Become part of our close-knit team
Do you have questions about DFS as an employer?
Simply get in touch with our careers team:
karriere@dfs.de