From mechatronics engineer to developer for environmental technologies — why Anton Pöhl is exactly right at NOVUM
What happens when personal passion and profession meet? Anton Pöhl’s example clearly shows that personal commitment can initiate change. At NOVUM, he not only contributes his technical expertise, but also his conviction that he is working on something meaningful. The embedded developer from Dresden supports our team in product development – and helps to make batteries more sustainable.
Why did you choose NOVUM?
I wanted to do something that I could do well. I wasn’t just interested in exciting tasks, but also in content that I could really get behind. NOVUM appealed to me directly – especially because they work on sustainable technologies. That is important to me. I want to work on something that benefits as many people as possible. The position was also a direct hit: embedded development in a young company that develops its own hardware – exactly my thing. And the interview? Relaxed, direct, without unnecessary digressions – exactly my style.
What was your previous professional experience?
Before I came to NOVUM, I worked for various companies. Most recently at a start-up that developed infrared spectrometers for material analysis. The experience has definitely shaped me. I’ve been looking towards environmental technology for some time now. One of my last employers was working on energy-efficient data centers – a step in the right direction. It’s important to me that the technology has at least indirect ecological benefits, for example in terms of recycling.
Why do you like technology with depth so much?
I started with an apprenticeship as a mechatronics engineer. That’s when I realized how much computer science and electronics fascinate me and I continued to develop these interests. I then studied automation technology with a focus on process informatics at HTW Dresden. What I love about it is that you write software that is close to the hardware. When analyzing problems, you don’t just need software knowledge, you also have to get out the oscilloscope from time to time. This proximity to the hardware really suits me – I’m simply a practical person.
What are you currently working on at NOVUM?
At the moment I’m working on the Battery Analyzer, one of NOVUM’s products. Our aim is not only to analyze the entire battery, but also to identify which cells are weak down to cell level. If just a few cells are defective, the entire battery does not have to be disposed of. This makes recycling more efficient, more sustainable and, of course, saves costs. With our EIS measurements (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) we gain much deeper insights than standard market methods.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I live with my family on the outskirts of Dresden. Gardening is a great balance for me and I spend a lot of time with my young son. If there’s any time left over, I like to repair electronic devices. For me, there is hardly anything better than really understanding technology – and repairing things instead of throwing them away just because a switch is broken.
What do you value most about working at NOVUM and to whom would you recommend NOVUM as an employer?
Definitely the team. Young, relaxed, open – everyone here pulls their weight and gets involved. Nobody says: “That’s not my area.” Everyone is interested in the big picture. Lunch breaks are also part of it — we often cook together during #NovumKitchen. I love cooking, so it’s a great fit. The atmosphere is just great: a diverse team, many nationalities, all with a palpable enthusiasm for their work. I would recommend NOVUM to anyone who is flexible, has an open mind and wants to make a real difference. If you only have your own small area in mind, you will have a hard time here. But if you want to work together on meaningful solutions, this is the right place for you. You work on something meaningful, with a motivated team, on a topic relevant to the future. And sometimes there’s even ice cream.
