Eike Lerch, Series development of coil springs and stabilizers, ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Suspension GmbH

My first contact with ThyssenKrupp was while looking for an interesting dissertation subject for my mechanical engineering studies at Clausthal Technical University. I found what I was looking for at ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Suspension and spent six months working on it in the company's research and development department.

Due to my favourable experience with colleagues, the interesting work and the possibilities for development, I accepted a job in series development after graduating. I was introduced to the company in the course of a one-year trainee program which also allowed me to develop further, both personally and professionally, through additional seminars. I am particularly looking forward to my three-month spell in France which will start very soon. By improving my knowledge of the language in the country itself and the close contact with customers I will be able to serve them better in the future.

As technical adviser for French carmakers I am presently working on the engineering design and development of coil springs and stabilizers for passenger cars. I calculate the parts in accordance with the customers' specifications and present the technical solutions in their plants. If we win the order, the parts are developed further until ready for series production, focusing on the technical requirements, passenger comfort, lightweight construction and costs. My job also includes some of the project management, such as coordinating deadlines for prototypes, tool productions and trials.

Working together with the customers, our various departments (sales, quality assurance, testing, production, prototype construction, tool construction, etc.) and the foreign plants in England and Spain makes the daily job interesting and varied and constantly presents a new challenge for m