Alin Brezeanu is an IVVQ Manager at our laboratory in Romania, he works closely with our field element controller technology. Over his 12-year career with us, he has been dedicated to the product testing process. His initiative and commitment has led to an entire testing team who are trained to carry out thorough product trials.
He empowers his team by working alongside them during the testing process and by showing them real product applications onsite. Thanks to his career in rail, Alin can apply his passion for technology and carry out transformative work out with a highly dedicated team.
Read our recent Q&A with Alin to find out more about his career.
Tell us about your career with Hitachi Rail.
My rail industry career has spanned 12 years. It began when I worked part-time during college as a Software Tester for Hitachi Rail’s field element controller, distributed controlled architecture (DCA). The product was in its second-generation at that time. Over the years, I began to deeply understand the DCA, increasing automation and migrating to new technologies.
Later, I laid the foundations of a testing team (software and hardware) and took on the role of Integration, Validation, Qualification Manager. I coordinated and took responsibility for the testing team. I trained and mentored them and maintained strong lines of communication with throughout their evolution to understand the impact of their work.
Now, I have a coordinating role, but I haven’t let go of my testing responsibilities because I want to continue to support my team. To show my team the real application of their work, I took them to the train station in Bucharest and explained how each signal and switch works. They see these functions daily in the laboratory, but I feel that by going onsite, my team were able to truly understand the meaning of their work.
What are the key learnings so far in your career?
I have evolved significantly, through numerous projects, working with different people. Over my career, I have learned to appreciate projects, each element of the product and each individual’s work is important. That's why I've learned to create strong connections - every Monday of the month, we go out to build relationships and get to know each other outside the professional environment.
What attracted you to the rail industry?
The continuous evolution of technology, the opportunity to develop or improve systems, and the significant societal impact of transportation and mobility has always fascinated me.
What can you tell us about Distributed Controlled Architecture?
The product is called DCA - distributed controlled architecture - the lowest part of the installation that deals with controlling and commanding field elements: signals, switches, barriers, axle counters, anything in the field that interacts with the mechanic and the train, and the upper part is the interlocking. It's an embedded product - close to hardware; the product must comply with a safety integrity level 4 (SIL4).
What do you appreciate most about working at Hitachi Rail?
The openness and passion of the people. People seek solutions, even though they are on the third generation of the product, each generation has approached things differently, brought different challenges. The product has continuously developed due to collaboration with colleagues.
Why should people be interested in a career in digital rail technology?
You'll face a variety of fascinating challenges in this field. Within this company, there are so many roles beyond programming, we have a complete range of activities, from design to field deployment.
You don't have to limit yourself to coding; here you can create, design, interact with other subsystems – there is a rich engineering experience. The collective range of expertise helps you see things from a holistic perspective.
Imagine the satisfaction of seeing the results of your work in the lab, watching as a signal comes to life, or going out into the field and seeing the direct impact of your job. Even in your free time, when you travel by train and see our product logo, you can see that your work has a real impact on the world.
