Driving Innovation with Real-Time Data: My Journey at ZF
I am Pietro Barbaro, an engineering manager for ZF Dublin’s Newton group. We handle high-volume, real-time data—billions of data points every day. Our mission is to ensure seamless integration of ZF’s electronic equipment data into core modules and to fine-tune algorithms to reduce latency and speed up decision-making.
Starting as a Senior Software Developer
I began my journey with ZF as a senior software developer. After a few months, I was entrusted with leading a team of 4 people. Evidently, we performed well, because soon, I was given more responsibilities. New modules were added, and my team grew to 13 members. Now, as an engineering manager, I am excited to stay close to development, working on service design with the team. My teams manage the SCALAR ingestion layer, acquiring ZF equipment data almost instantaneously and without loss. We engage in daily brainstorming, breakout sessions, and Proof of Concept, and I value my team's involvement in technical aspects and their openness to my suggestions.
Why ZF?
ZF offered me the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies like cloud, microservices, and event-driven architectures to build robust, sustainable modules. I particularly value the freedom ZF gives our teams to choose the best technology for each microservice.
Leadership and Innovation in the ZF SCALAR Project
In the ZF SCALAR project, my team focuses on implementing, acquiring, harmonizing, and enriching the new generation of the communication protocol between the equipment in the assets and the backend. I coordinate this work to ensure modules are developed on time with the highest clarity and quality. Additionally, I handle recruitment and keep our team well-organized and thriving.
Challenges and Rewards
I excel at addressing the challenges of working with high-volume, real-time data. My role involves ensuring SCALAR modules receive all data from electronic equipment installed in the assets as quickly as possible while enriching and harmonizing this information. These complexities make my job both demanding and exciting.
Working on algorithms involves optimizing them to reduce latency while ensuring maximum quality, reliability, and resiliency. Many companies have departments and teams similar to ours, but what amazes me about ZF is their ability to recognize and appreciate our work, even when we're not in the spotlight. This consistent acknowledgment makes our efforts feel valued and important.
What Makes the Dublin Office Special?
ZF is a company with more than 100 years of history but offers a unique start-up atmosphere in Dublin. In our office, you can really feel the energy of a playful, dynamic company. Everyone works hard and pushes their abilities to the limit, all while having fun.
I consider myself fortunate to be part of the SCALAR project, where we’re rewriting the orchestration platform using cutting-edge technologies. It’s a greenfield enterprise project, which means we’re developing complex software solutions from scratch. While this is more challenging than working with existing code, it gives us the freedom to create a system that’s completely new and truly innovative.
Personal Support and Professional Development at ZF
ZF has provided support during personal hurdles. They also endorse the 70:20:10 model, providing access to educational platforms, books, and mentoring while trusting me to make the decisions for the SCALAR project. This approach has allowed me to learn through experimentation and even through making mistakes, adhering to the ‘fail fast’ principle. Embracing the challenges and innovations of real-time data at ZF has been a fulfilling journey, and I look forward to continuing to drive excellence in technology and team collaboration.
