Article: An operating system for the ICE: a look at the working world of Markus Müller
Who makes sure that train passengers always know when they will reach the next stop? We meet a software developer who works on the systems that hundreds of thousands of passengers use every day.
Markus has been a software developer in the "Vehicle IT & Automated Driving" unit since 2021. The unit develops applications and services for the digitalisation and automation of rail operations for greater travelling comfort. If you have travelled on a DB Long Distance train in recent years, you will have used one of the products Markus develops in his "Vehicle IT Applications" team: the many information screens on Deutsche Bahn vehicles that provide helpful information about the journey. Together with his team, he develops the operating system that drives these displays.
In close coordination with our Group partner DB Fernverkehr, he and his team ensure that these information systems operate reliably and are continuously updated with the latest functions. The other developments produced by his unit at DB Systel include the ICE Portal – our infotainment service for long distance transport – as well as solutions for automated shunting of trains. The team is responsible for the solution throughout its entire life cycle: from consulting, architecture, system engineering and development through to support.
The Linux operating system for the DB Group
Markus and his team are developing their own Linux-based operating system for Deutsche Bahn. This embedded system is the backbone of the information screens and other comfort systems in many trains. The key attraction of the new operating system is that it will allow Deutsche Bahn to operate its many different display systems for different types of vehicle with a single system. And even better, a single system that was developed in-house. This is much faster and more flexible than ordering a similar solution from the various vehicle manufacturers. The work done by Markus and his team makes Deutsche Bahn independent and more innovative when it comes to digital comfort systems.
Markus' team operates in the field of work called "embedded software". The program code created by embedded developers is not executed on a laptop, smartphone or in the cloud, but in devices as part of a larger system. This could be the control system of a vending machine, the control unit of an industrial system – or the information display in an ICE train. They get their name from the fact that they are "embedded" in a larger context such as a train carriage.
What does a software developer for embedded systems need to be able to do?
Embedded systems developers often work in industry or other areas where devices and vehicles require intelligence and control, including the railway. Markus himself worked for a provider of embedded software for the automotive industry from 2012 to 2021. Embedded developers often work with completely different programming languages and hardware platforms than their colleagues who develop for the web or PC. With embedded software, developers often have to deal with systems based on microcontrollers. This is why the sector is not only home to traditional computer scientists, but also to many electronics professionals with a penchant for software.
Markus, however, has no fear of microcontrollers. Quite the contrary. Because he holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and communications. He then completed his master's degree in computer science with a focus on embedded systems and microrobotics. Markus therefore develops the software solutions in Python, C and Bash.
Working together for more digital comfort in long-distance transport
Markus first became aware of DB Systel as an employer through an acquaintance and is particularly impressed by its social responsibility. What he likes most about his team is how well its members work together and how willing they are to support each other. This helps him to remain cheerful even when things get challenging from time to time. To unwind from working from home as a developer Markus enjoys indoor climbing, bouldering and long cycling trips.
Are you a developer who would like to help shape the mobility of the future together with Markus and our other colleagues? Then we have a variety of opportunities for you here.
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