Gerhard Schuller
Head of Development Stack Design
Position: Head of Development Stack Design
Department: Development Stack Design
With EKPO since: March 01, 2021
Since when have you been with ElringKlinger/EKPO, and how did you first become aware of us??
I joined ElringKlinger in January 2018 and transitioned to EKPO in 2021 when the company was newly founded. After ten years in fuel cell research, I was ready for a new challenge but wanted to stay true to fuel cell technology. At the time, a long-time friend of mine was already working at ElringKlinger and connected me with my current supervisor. After some inspiring conversations, I submitted a speculative application and became part of the fuel cell team.
How has your professional career developed since you joined EK/EKPO?
I’ve had the opportunity to take on various roles: I started in the Stack Design department as Lead Engineer, focusing on end plates and clamping systems. Shortly after, I took over the technical project management of a major customer project, which we successfully implemented as a team. With the partial transfer of operations to EKPO in 2021, I then assumed the role of Head of Stack Design.
"I consciously give my team members the freedom to develop ideas and find their own solutions within the scope of their responsibilities."
What opportunities do your employees have to contribute ideas or suggestions?
I greatly value the different approaches to problem-solving and the individual ways of thinking among my colleagues. I consciously give my team members the freedom to develop ideas and find their own solutions within the scope of their responsibilities. Quite often, we discuss challenges together on the whiteboard or on a blank sheet of paper. For me, this is also what makes team leadership so appealing: not anticipating everything but providing the right impulses.
What do you particularly appreciate about EKPO as an employer?
There are several aspects I particularly appreciate. First and foremost, our excellent working atmosphere, which is shaped by our work culture, team spirit, and interpersonal relationships. I also value the flat hierarchies, the open and respectful communication among colleagues, and the strong focus on employee development and empowerment at all levels – which for me also includes career and advancement opportunities.
"What excites me about my job is the wide technological range across multiple scales"
What motivates you in your daily work?
There are several things that motivate me in my daily work. One is the technology itself. Even after many years in the fuel cell sector, I’m still learning and am excited by the technological progress, especially in recent years – for example, the performance of today’s stacks would have been unimaginable 15 years ago. I’m proud to help drive this development forward with my team, to push boundaries, and to contribute to climate-friendly mobility and energy supply. Another key motivator is the working culture at EKPO, and especially within the team. The consistently high level of employee commitment, the goal-oriented yet supportive collaboration, the appreciative working atmosphere, and finally, the fun we have at work – all of these aspects motivate me greatly.
What makes your job exciting or special?
What excites me about my job is the wide technological range across multiple scales: from the nanoscale, such as the electrochemical reactions at the finest structures, to macroscopic challenges – innovative, function-oriented development is always at the core of our work. Both conventional and novel materials play a major role in this, making the task demanding but also very exciting.
