Software Makes the Difference
Working as a software developer at one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers is diverse, exciting and always on the cutting edge. That’s what Manuela Sodinca, Cross Divisional Test Manager at ZF, reports.
If you ask Manuela Sodinca about a “wow” moment in her career, she can think of several. The first was during her studies at the “Politehnica University of Timisoara” in Romania, where she completed an internship at the branch of an international electronics company. “Right from the start, I thought it was great to work in an international team and to have a direct line to the headquarters in Germany,” says the computer scientist as she reflects on the early days of her career. She has since made Lake Constance, Germany her home. The interaction between code and application still fascinates the automation specialist today: “This was the first time I had to work with oscilloscopes and signal generators. Working with them was important for improving existing test procedures and evaluating new test methods. During this time, I came to understand that quality assurance and testing are crucial to successfully bringing innovative technologies to market.”
Manuela Sodinca works directly on Next Generation Mobility at ZF. She shapes the connection between what is written in code and what actually arrives on the road.
The second moment followed a few years later, when Manuela Sodinca was handed the keys to a prototype vehicle for the first time. “Testing radar technology for proximity control in the lab is a necessary prerequisite, but these systems have to prove themselves first and foremost on the road,” Manuela explains. In order to develop the appropriate test procedures for this as well, practical experience is required, which even a test engineer can only acquire behind the wheel. “It was pretty exhilarating to set a bit from 0 to 1 at 200 km/h in a steep curve,” she says with a smile as she looks back on this exciting time. The connection between what is written in code and what actually works on the road is what makes this kind of work so appealing for the now mother of two.
After more than eight years of driving and testing in the field, she decided to switch sides: “I found it interesting to not just follow predefined processes to work through test requirements, but to define these requirements myself.” From then on, she translated the specifications of renowned automotive manufacturers into system and software requirements.
Fast and agile together: Manuela Sodinca works in an international team.
She has been working directly on Next Generation Mobility at ZF for three years. That’s why she feels like a FutureStarter: “The cars of the future will be differentiated and distinguished in their quality more by their software than by their hardware. Software makes the difference and it’s not just about writing code, but also about defining exactly the right test procedures to optimize and test functions.” As Cross Divisional Test Manager, she and her team are always looking for synergies to optimize these procedures in the various ZF divisions. To this end, test strategies are created and used across different projects, in the passenger car sector but also in projects with truck or industrial OEMs.
Manuela Sodinca defines the processes for testing a software, determines which protocols and test environments are to be used and coordinates the requirements with colleagues from the specialized divisions, customers, suppliers and international development partners. After evaluating the test results, she can derive sustainable measures for the test requirements and create a test report for the release of the software. She explains her work like this: “I’m excited about the challenges that lie ahead and am glad to be able to contribute my expertise to this.”
If you want to be at the forefront of future mobility, you have to be fast and efficient. That’s why it’s especially important not to keep reinventing the wheel, but to create collective knowledge within the Group from which everyone can benefit in further projects – both in terms of improving quality and saving time.” She also leads an international team that is spread across several locations: “Leading a team like this is enormously challenging and requires very good communication skills. I really enjoy working with many people in a team and motivating others.” She adds, “At ZF, I have found perfect opportunities to integrate my professional ambitions and family life well. Above all, I feel maximally supported and encouraged.
Full focus: “I really enjoy working with many people in a team and motivating others,” says Manuela Sodinca.
