Was does working at DFS mean to you?
"My creative freedom and working with my colleagues – I enjoy going to work every day!"
Mario Müller Air navigation services engineer in the Engineering Job Group, since November 2016
The career so far
"My road to DFS was long and winding but was absolutely worth it.
To list everything in detail would take too long, but after training as a radio and TV technician, I passed my upper-secondary school-leaving exams via the second-chance education route in Germany. This was then followed by a dual course of studies in industrial engineering and training as an air traffic controller for upper airspace at DFS. After working in both Frankfurt and Maastricht, my path ultimately led me to Munich, where I still work today. The journey has definitely been worth it. I’ve learnt so much and can now devote myself fully to my work."
The motivation
"DFS recognised what I’m capable of."
Normally, you start your career as an air traffic controller or air navigation services engineer right after graduating university. However, I’d already completed several vocational training programmes and was working full time. Thanks to the internal DFS training procedure, this was no problem at all. Quite the contrary, in fact, as the prospects I was offered and continue to be offered are unique. Employee development really is the top priority here. That gives me a good feeling."
The activities
"I'm always on the move. There’s no standing still here, also in terms of thinking.
Broadly speaking, my main duty is to provide, maintain and monitor technical air traffic control navigation systems for air traffic controllers and pilots so that they can navigate safely in airspace. This requires me to look after our monitoring systems in the office, as well as checking for any malfunctions and error messages. Depending on the problem, I can either rectify it remotely or hop into my super-equipped VW T6 transporter and drive to the system in question. I always make sure that I have specific items with me. These are measuring equipment and tools that we need in electrical engineering, such as a spectrum analyser, an oscilloscope, various signal generators, receivers and so on. As an instructor and examiner, I also support our colleagues that are undergoing on-the-job training."
"I'm simply happy here."
The challenges
"The air transport system is highly complex and poses many challenges."
Our work is designed in such a way that nobody has to do anything under time pressure. The aim here is to keep everyone focused and avoid mistakes. It’s a job with a great deal of responsibility, where we maintain and service the systems in order to avoid hazardous situations and ensure high system availability. This in itself is a challenge, but if you identify with the job, it doesn't feel like pressure. In fact, it makes you feel good. A meticulous and orderly approach is obviously extremely helpful here. This benefits me not only in my professional environment, but also in my private life in my voluntary work as a lay judge at the Munich district court."
The corporate culture
"We’re a close-knit bunch, a mixture of young and old.
I also really like the fact that safety is not just our highest professional goal, we can also always rely on each other, swap ideas and help one another. The exchange of knowledge and experience between younger and older colleagues is great, and we learn a lot from each other. You also have the opportunity to work on many different projects and advance your own personal development. In fact, you’re always encouraged to do so if it helps you professionally."
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