«Working with Kannan, Noel, and Joseph has been incredibly rewarding. These young engineers bring fresh perspectives, dedication, and an eagerness to learn. Training them has been both a challenge and a privilege, and I’m confident they will make a strong impact in their new roles.»
Severin Durrer, Head of Testbench & Service
Becoming a Soudronic service engineer
Kannan’s journey: From India to Switzerland and beyond
When Kannan first saw the job advertisement for a Service Engineer position at Soudronic, he envisioned working for Soudronic’s headquarters in Switzerland. Little did he know that his journey would take him much further.
Originally from India, Kannan had been working for a can-making company in Dubai, operating Can Man welding machines. With a degree in Electrical Engineering and hands-on industry experience, he was an ideal fit for Soudronic. Yet, beyond his technical skills, his journey has been one of adaptation, cultural exploration, and professional growth.
A new work culture
Adjusting to a new workplace culture can be challenging, but for Kannan, Switzerland’s environment was both welcoming and inspiring. He quickly noticed significant differences in the work culture. Unlike the more theoretical approach to training he had experienced in India and the United Arab Emirates, Soudronic offered a hands-on, practical approach that he truly appreciated.
What impressed him most was the open exchange of knowledge. «It’s like working with friends,» he reflects. «People here are not just colleagues; they are mentors who genuinely want you to succeed.» The teamwork and mutual support were unlike anything Kannan had encountered before, quickly becoming one of the highlights of his experience.
A particularly eye-opening aspect of his training was Soudronic’s open error culture, where mistakes were not seen as failures but as opportunities for learning and growth. «The idea that errors are openly discussed to learn from them and improve was a turning point for me,» says Kannan. «It fosters innovation and makes you more confident in tackling challenges.»
More than training
During his immersive 18-month training program, Kannan discovered that becoming a Soudronic service engineer involves more than just technical skills. In addition to in-depth training on welding machines and hands-on assignments at the testbench, he also gained a deep understanding of customer service and academy processes.
Applying his skills in real-world scenarios was an invaluable experience. He had the opportunity to accompany senior service engineers on assignments across Europe, gaining firsthand exposure to Soudronic’s machines in action.
Finally, Kannan visited his future employer, Soudronic Ltd. in New York, where he worked on an assignment that offered a preview of his future role as a service engineer in the United States.
Building bonds beyond work
Noel and Joseph, two young engineers from the Philippines, joined the training program shortly after Kannan. Together, they embarked on the same journey to become service engineers for Soudronic Ltd. in New York. Living in the same town, commuting together, and exploring Switzerland on weekends, the trio formed deep friendships that extended beyond the workplace. These bonds, forged through shared experiences and mutual support, will continue to thrive as they work together abroad again.
Looking ahead
Kannan is now preparing for the next step—relocating to New York to apply his skills in supporting Soudronic’s American customers. With a solid foundation of training, hands-on experience, and a strong network within Soudronic’s headquarters, he is ready to take on this new challenge with confidence and commitment to continuous learning and growth. Once he settles into his new role, he plans to reunite with his family after a long period of separation and bring them to the U.S.
Severin Durrer, Head of Testbench & Service, reflects on the training journey with pride: «Working with Kannan, Noel, and Joseph has been incredibly rewarding. These young engineers bring fresh perspectives, dedication, and an eagerness to learn. Training them has been both a challenge and a privilege, and I’m confident they will make a strong impact in their new roles.»
Investing in the future
At Soudronic, we believe that our strength lies in the expertise and commitment of our service engineers. That’s why we invest in comprehensive training programs, ensuring that our customers receive the best support from highly skilled professionals. Kannan’s journey is just one example of how we are building the future of service engineering—one dedicated individual at a time.