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From Continental tradition to DeepDrive innovation: Meet Martin Braun
MEET OUR ENGINEERS
2024 / 08 / 23
FROM PRACTICAL SKILLS TO LEADERSHIP IN INNOVATION
From hands-on work in energy systems to leading engineering teams, Martin’s career is marked by continuous growth and innovation. His educational background includes a degree in Mechatronics from Wilhelm Büchner University and a certification in Electrical Engineering from Ingolstadt Technical College, providing a strong foundation for his career.
TWO DECADES AT CONTINENTAL
Martin’s professional journey took a significant leap when he joined Continental, dedicating over 20 years to advancing automotive technology. He began his career in technical support, focusing on test specifications for electrical components, particularly brake units.
Within a few years, Martin advanced to team lead, managing a group of ten engineers in Germany. His responsibilities included overseeing test specifications, developing test programmes, and conducting data analysis. As a department lead, Martin expanded his influence, managing teams across multiple locations, including Budapest, Sibiu and Timisoara Leading around 16 engineers, he directed efforts in test specification, programme development, data analysis, and DV/PV rechecked analyses. His role also involved requirement management, FMEA, and test coverage analysis, ensuring the highest standards of efficiency and quality. Beyond his departmental duties, Martin contributed to cross-departmental projects, addressing broader organisational challenges and fostering innovation within Continental. His balanced approach to technical and managerial tasks earned him respect and recognition within the company.
A JOURNEY BACK TO TECHNICAL ROOTS
After two decades at Continental, Martin sought a return to his technical roots. His progression to department lead had shifted his focus to managing people and resources, moving him away from the hands-on work he loved. Realising that similar roles at other large companies would offer the same limitations, Martin began looking for a change.
During this time, Martin connected with Stefan, who introduced him to DeepDrive. Martin visited the company and was immediately impressed by the agile, open-minded atmosphere. The team’s enthusiasm and the product’s robust engineering stood out to him. Conversations with Alex showcased the team’s deep expertise in electric machines and our ability to deliver quick, accurate results. The collaborative spirit at DeepDrive reminded Martin of what he valued at Continental, but with a greater sense of innovation and potential for growth. He felt optimistic about our direction and saw the opportunity to leverage his extensive experience in automotive industrialisation to help the company advance.
CURRENT ROLE
At DeepDrive, Martin focuses on determining the necessary machinery and automation levels for large-scale production. He meticulously plans for the required production volumes and ensures timely output. Collaborating closely with the engineering team, he ensures that product designs facilitate efficient production and testing.
Martin also takes on the responsibility of managing high voltage testing, ensuring compliance with customer and regulatory specifications, and transitioning smoothly from prototype to mass production. In addition, Martin coordinates with suppliers to meet cleanliness and volume demands, always keeping cost optimisation in mind. He develops strategic plans to meet automotive standards and secure customer contracts. Martin is confident that DeepDrive will meet all the requirements and the next one or two years will involve extensive preparations to ensure everything is in place from an industrialisation perspective.
BALANCING FAMILY, MUSIC, AND WORK
Balancing work and personal life, Martin is married and has two children, which fills most of his spare time. Additionally, Martin plays traditional music with Stefan, our Co-founder and Co-CEO, where he plays the trumpet and flugelhorn. He jokes that their music sessions are as productive for networking as they are for unwinding. Though not particularly sporty, Martin aims to become more active in the future, but for now, family and music remain his primary leisure activities.