I’m Commissioning Manager Technology at SMS group GmbH, driving efficiency, quality, and performance in cold rolling mill equipment. I specialize in analyzing operational data to uncover improvement opportunities, implementing optimization measures with the commissioning team, and leading acceptance testing for new or modified machinery. I provide hands-on technical support during startups, ensure seamless feedback between commissioning and design teams, and train customers on safe and effective equipment operation. With a background in mill design and mechanical engineering, I combine deep technical expertise with practical problem-solving to enhance productivity, reliability, and innovation. Passionate about continuous improvement, I thrive at turning complex engineering challenges into actionable solutions that make a real impact on operations.

On-Site Commissioning Projects

Aluminum Projects

• CRM for Aluminum Dynamics (Columbus, MS, USA – Aug 2025–Present) – Commissioning Manager Technology for all cold mills — starting with the CRM, followed by TCM1 and TCM2; temporarily took over responsibilities as commissioning leader for the CRM.

Steel Projects

• PLTCM for Big River Steel (Osceola, AR, USA – Oct 2024–Jun 2025) – Commissioning Manager Technology for the full hot-commissioning phase; temporarily took over responsibilities as commissioning leader for the TCM commissioning team.

• RCM/MPM for Big River Steel (Osceola, AR, USA – Feb–Sep 2024) – Commissioning Manager Technology for the 18-high mode, overseeing ramp-up and operational readiness.

• CTCM for AM/NS (Surat, India – Oct–Dec 2023) – Led technological support for the local automation team during the automation revamp, addressing all technological challenges on-site.

• PLTCM for JSW (Tarapur, India – Apr–May 2023) – Participated in a task force for thin-gauge rolling tuning, collaborating with the Senior Commissioning Manager Technology and local automation team.

• CTCM for TATA Steel (IJmuiden, Netherlands – Oct–Nov 2022, Dec 2022, Feb–Mar 2023) – Assisted the automation team regarding technological questions during commissioning of the modernized TCM, working closely with the Senior Commissioning Manager Technology.

• CCM for Marcegaglia (Ravenna, Italy – Mar–Apr 2022, Aug–Sep 2022) – Supported the mechanical engineering department while transitioning into technological commissioning; gained first hands-on experience in process optimization and automation.

• TCM for Severstal (Cherepovets, Russia – Jan–Feb 2020) – Provided mechanical engineering support and prepared as-built documentation, ensuring accurate records for future maintenance and upgrades.

Career Roles & Responsibilities

Since 07/2022: Commissioning Manager Technology at SMS group GmbH (Hilchenbach, Germany)

• Continuously fine-tune and optimize process parameters in cold rolling mill equipment to enhance efficiency, product quality, and overall performance
• Plan, conduct, and document acceptance tests for newly designed or modified machinery and equipment, ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer requirements
• Analyze operating data to assess the interaction between mechanical systems, automation equipment, and processes, identifying areas for improvement and increased productivity
• Develop and propose optimization measures based on data analysis, collaborating with the commissioning team to initiate and implement relevant improvements
• Provide technical expertise and support to the commissioning team during the startup and testing phases of new equipment installations
• Establish and maintain a feedback loop to convey main operating results to the company’s design and engineering teams, facilitating continuous product and process improvement
• Deliver comprehensive training to customers on the operation and maintenance of cold rolling mill equipment, ensuring their successful and safe use

09/2020 – 06/2022: Expert Design Tandem Rolling Mills at SMS group GmbH (Hilchenbach, Germany)

• Designed and developed cold rolling mill equipment (mainly mill stands), ensuring compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and customer specifications
• Otherwise, the same tasks as before

01/2020 – 08/2020: Expert Design Reversing Mills at SMS group GmbH (Hilchenbach, Germany)

• Designed and developed cold rolling mill equipment (mainly pay-off and tension reels), ensuring compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and customer specifications. The previous tasks have been expanded to include the following
• Implemented innovative design solutions to enhance mill performance, reduce downtime, and extend equipment lifespan
• Conducted thorough stress analysis, FEA simulations, and structural evaluations to ensure equipment durability and reliability
• Worked closely with procurement teams to source high-quality materials and components while optimizing costs
• Supported maintenance and repair activities, providing technical expertise and documentation for troubleshooting and maintenance procedures
• Actively contributed to continuous improvement initiatives, resulting in increased production efficiency and reduced waste
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, and applied them to design projects

02/2019 – 12/2019: Technical Product Designer for Reversing Mills at SMS group GmbH (Hilchenbach, Germany)

• Designed and developed cold rolling mill equipment (mainly pay-off and tension reels), ensuring compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and customer specifications
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including electrical and control engineers, to create integrated and efficient rolling mill systems
• Utilized CAD software (PTC Creo and AutoCAD Mechanical) to create detailed 2D and 3D models, facilitating accurate manufacturing and assembly processes
• Collaborated with manufacturing and assembly teams to address design-related challenges and ensure seamless production

09/2015 – 01/2019: Apprenticeship Technical Product Designer at SMS group GmbH (Hilchenbach, Germany)

• Basics for profession
• First experience in the field of Cold Rolling Mills

Skills

• Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Customer Training & Technical Support
• Process Optimization & Problem Solving
• Process Data Analysis (IBA Analyzer)
• Project Management
• Commissioning & Acceptance Testing
• Mechanical Design & 2D/3D CAD (PTC Creo, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD Mechanical)
• FEA & Stress Analysis
• Materials Selection & Cost Optimization
• Knowledge of Industry Standards & Regulations

Education

09/2020 – 02/2024

M.Sc., Industrial Engineering; FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management (Siegen, Germany)

09/2015 – 10/2019

B.Eng., Mechanical Engineering; FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management (Siegen, Germany)

08/2007 – 06/2015

Higher education entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife); Gymnasium Stift Keppel (Hilchenbach, Germany)

Languages

• German (Native)
• English (C1)
• Latin (Qualification)