Could you describe your career progression and key roles within Hitachi Rail Romania?
In January 2014, I joined the RBC (Radio Block Centre) Team in a test automation role. In the beginning, we had a small team here in Bucharest.
Later on, as the number of projects increased, the team began to grow rapidly and today, comprises almost 50 people. Driven by the desire to provide a solid foundation, I developed a course about ETCS (European Train Control System) – a key standard for the RBC team’s product and other teams that interact with it. The ETCS Induction course, which I deliver across the company, spans 20 hours and I have trained over 100 people.
As the team grew, I became increasingly involved in training and team development, taking on responsibilities in the people management area. From 2014 to 2021, I worked in testing and in 2021, I transitioned to the Specifications Team, taking on the role of Team Leader.
What attracted you to the rail industry?
I had always aspired to work in the railway industry. My passion for trains is deeply rooted in my childhood, shaped by my family whose lives were closely connected to the railway industry. Both my grandfather and my parents dedicated their careers to this field. I spent the first years of my life living in a house within the train station where my parents worked after completing their studies at the Railway Engineering Faculty. Some of my earliest memories are of our home on the upper floor of the station, a unique environment where trains were a constant presence. Growing up in such a setting profoundly influenced me, embedding a deep fascination and enthusiasm for trains that would later define my career.
Even though I have been working on the same product for many years, I continue to find challenges and opportunities to grow. I participate in technical interviews, client discussions and mentoring new colleagues —activities that keep my work diverse and fulfilling.
What can you tell us about the product you work on and its application?
The Radio Block Centre (RBC) is a device used at ETCS Level 2 acting as a centralized safety unit. Using a radio connection, it receives information from the trains and sends movement authority and further information required by the train for its movement. The RBC also interacts with the interlocking and other products to obtain signaling-related information.
Tell us about the most memorable project that you have worked on.
Since 2022 I have been working on a project that is responsible for extending the coverage of ETCS in the Dutch railway network.
One the most challenging features from this project has been the level crossing activation by RBC. In conventional systems the interlocking is responsible to activate the level crossings based on fixed engineered data, which can lead to suboptimal results in some cases. With our new solution, RBC will use position report information from the train to actively monitor the exact time when a level crossing needs to be activated. To achieve this, we have been involved in a co-engineering process where experts from Hitachi have worked together with experts from the customer’s side to define the final solution.
What are the key reasons individuals should consider pursuing a career in digital rail technology?
Working in digital rail technology offers the opportunity to continuously learn and grow. The sustainable mobility sector presents diverse challenges that keep the work engaging and rewarding. What makes this domain truly meaningful is the chance to contribute to a tangible product that directly impacts the safe and efficient movement of passengers. It's not just about technology—it's about innovative solutions that improve people's daily lives and make public transportation more reliable and accessible.
Moreover, the environment is dynamic and team-oriented. In our case, two-thirds of the team members have joined through internships and have been trained from the ground up. Over the years, it’s been inspiring to see generations of interns grow alongside the team.
