Article: Digitalising DB processes as a software expert
Software developers and architects implement the digital solutions that Deutsche Bahn uses to make processes more efficient and create new services. From the cloud to databases and interface integration: the range of possible tasks is enormous.
Software developers and architects design the digital systems that provide reliable assistance to millions of passengers or that tens of thousands of DB employees work with every day. In order to be able to transport even more people in the future, Deutsche Bahn needs scalable systems that can analyse ever larger amounts of data in less time. This will help the company to achieve the mobility goals of the future.
The daily routine of software development at DB Systel
Software architects and developers at DB Systel create the tools that make DB processes more efficient. They put Deutsche Bahn's digitalisation strategy into practice: to provide digital processes and digitally available information so that dispatchers, for example, can use real-time information that they could previously only surmise based on their experience.
Careers in development in the Group environment are particularly diverse. Depending on the team you join, you may be working as a developer on well-known standard solutions from the market, on DB’s proprietary solutions or you could be developing new, in-house digital products from scratch. Some developers develop mobile apps, some integrate services with one another and others unlock technological trends such as AI and IoT for everyday use in the Group.
What do software architects do?
Software architecture is essentially a part of software development. In large projects and in many teams, however, it is a role in its own right. Software architects make fundamental technology decisions and select, for example, platforms and fundamental solutions with which new systems are created. The aim is to design systems that fulfil all practical and functional requirements. At the same time, they take care to minimise complexity. This task is made all the more challenging by the fact that they also have to react as flexibly as possible to changing frameworks and new requirements. At DB Systel and Deutsche Bahn, software architects work together to define standards in order to create solutions and platforms that are as standardised and scalable as possible.
How do software developers work?
In practice, software developers have a variety of titles and specialisations. They are "Software Engineers", "DevOps Engineers" or traditional "Software Developers". Apprentices can also learn the profession of "IT specialist for application development” at DB Systel. In these roles, they design and implement or improve new software solutions. These are tailored to the respective requirements of our Group partners. We develop in an iterative cycle and improve existing solutions on an ongoing basis. Developers integrate systems with one another and maintain existing systems. Group-wide development tools help to integrate existing standards (cloud integration and compliance requirements) and make work easier. Depending on their role, they either do development work themselves or focus on coordinating development, in some cases with external software providers and partners
What skills are we looking for?
DB Systel works with modern technology stacks and self-organising team structures. The majority of development teams develop in the DevOps model. For a number of years now, they have been developing new, cloud-native applications. If you have experience with AWS and containers, for example, that's a good start. But nobody can be an expert on all aspects at the same time. That is why individual topics and roles are divided up within the teams: for example, cloud engineers handle infrastructure and operational topics, while other engineers are responsible for domain-driven design, security architecture or special technology fields such as AI. We therefore welcome any previous experience and specialisation, and will be happy to teach you the necessary detailed knowledge.
It helps a lot in our environment if you are flexible, think analytically, like to keep learning new things and can organise yourself well. As a software architect or developer at DB Systel, you will ultimately be working in the Deutsche Bahn Group environment and potentially on many different systems and for different business units. So if you want to work in software development, you need not only practical and technical expertise but should also enjoy working with others – in the development team and in regular contact with specialists from various departments.
Software projects at Deutsche Bahn
Developers at DB Systel work on a wide variety of tasks and solutions. They help to realise innovative new mobility products, enhance traditional enterprise systems or breathe new life into old processes with new approaches.
The DB development platform
The Developer Experience Platform is the Group-wide toolbox for developers. It already includes the basics and tools such as cloud integration, compliance principles and automation tools. DB Systel not only uses this platform, we also develop and run it.
Central interfaces for the entire Group
Data and information are generated everywhere in DB. Digital processes, analyses for data-based decisions and new services cannot be generated unless we make this information usable and accessible. DM Systel’s central API platforms integrate data streams from many business units.
Automating analogue processes
In a large enterprise like Deutsche Bahn, data used to be collected in numerous places, for example invoices were entered or budgets were created manually. DB Systel is digitalising these business processes with various approaches to process automation.
At DB Systel, talented developers will find numerous opportunities to contribute their interests and strengths while further digitalising a socially essential enterprise. For example, as a cloud expert, database specialist or front-end developer. We will find the right teams for you and support your growth with advanced training and development opportunities tailored to your interests.
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