Timo Zerrer
#OneMHPTeam
Timo joined MHP in the summer of 2021 through "MakeTheTeam" - our internal referral program for new employees. A colleague's tip turned out to be the the perfect match for both sides: As a data science consultant and software engineer, Timo now develops high-performance big data solutions for our customers - including motorsports. At the same time, he has all the freedom at MHP to be ready for action as a volunteer firefighter. Truly at any time.
As a Data Scientist at MHP, you are currently working in the field of motorsports – at first glance, not the classic consulting environment, is it? What exactly do you do there?
"Exactly, I'm currently on a project assignment in the Formula E series. My team and I work on a digital race strategy solution, that allows the race engineers to keep track of all the important information during the races and plan further strategies. We are continuously developing the solution so that the engineers can fall back on more and more data, analyses, and predictions over time."
Motorsport is the dream of many: Did you already have a soft spot for Formula E or racing in general before your MHP project?
"Actually, no. I didn't actively follow motorsport at all before my project assignment. So, this environment was a completely new experience for me. For instance, I wasn't aware of how meticulously the drivers and engineers plan the race strategy together. In Formula E, for example, energy management plays a key role. Since the battery capacity of the race cars is limited, the race teams must carefully plan every move, such as an overtaking maneuver. Everything needs to be planned precisely so that, on the one hand, the available energy is sufficient and, on the other, the driver crosses the finish line first. These and many other factors make motorsport a multifaceted and tactical sport. Only those who succeed in optimizing the many factors will make it to the top of the winners' podium."
Your workdays sound very exiting – what are your personal highlights?
"My absolute highlight is when we get to work on site at the customer's workshop. It's just great to see and directly test the results of our work. Especially now that we primarily work remotely from the home office, I like taking the opportunity to be with the drivers and engineers, maintain personal contacts and experience our solutions live. Of course, I also really enjoy coding. There are incredibly large amounts of data from the track and the car to structure and evaluate. Needless to say, data is the main topic in my job."
For you, it's not just about speed at work. You also have to be fast in your private life, don't you?
"That's correct., I've been an active member of the Waiblingen Volunteer Fire Department for seven years. I also manage the youth fire department there and convey the fascination for firefighting to young people. This is a meaningful and important task, that I really enjoy and by which I can give something back to society. But this also means, that I always carry a radio alarm receiver with me. If the alarm goes off, I rush to the fire station, get changed and either hop on the fire truck or the turntable ladder. I never know what to expect until I get to the fire station. There's a wide range of operations, including firefighting, technical assistance in traffic accidents, in apartments or elevators, and helping people in other emergencies."
How do you handle such firefighting operations during your working hours at MHP?
"MHP fully supports my voluntary commitment. In case of an emergency, I am immediately released. Of course, assignments during working hours are a challenge in everyday project work. However, my superiors and colleagues always have my back and respond with encouragement. Our customers are also very supportive of my volunteering. If necessary, I am as well granted breaks without any difficulties after a stressful firefighting operation. At the same time, however, MHP also ensures that I do not suffer any financial disadvantage as a result of my work as a volunteer firefighter."
From firefighter to Data Scientist – how come you choose this path?
"The volunteer fire department is a great balance for me - but I never considered training to become a full-time firefighter. Even at school, I was already very interested in mathematics and computer science. So going down this professional path was an obvious choice. I completed my bachelor's and master's degrees in a dual program and then started as a data science consultant."