At thyssenkrupp nucera®, engineering the future of energy isn’t just about innovating technology – it’s about shaping a cleaner, sustainable tomorrow. Dr. Felix Gabriel, group head in Research & Development, exemplifies the drive and purpose embedded in thyssenkrupp nucera’s mission to advance clean energy. His journey reveals how passion, technical expertise, and the right company culture can empower individuals to make a meaningful impact on global energy solutions.
Leading Innovation and Building Teams
For Felix, engineering has always been more than a profession. After studying mechanical engineering in Bochum, his interest in a doctorate and his curiosity for research led him to the Technical University of Braunschweig. After initial research, collaborations between the university and thyssenkrupp, thyssenkrupp nucera eventually became Felix’s new professional home. In 2022, Felix was approached for a project that aligned perfectly with his skills and thyssenkrupp nucera’s vision for the future of energy. “Returning to the Ruhr was always part of my plan,” he recalls, “and thyssenkrupp nucera was the ideal place to turn my ideas into tangible innovations.”
Felix quickly progressed to lead a specialized team focused on Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE) cell assembly automation, a project that marries his technical skills with his personal mission for environmental impact. “Working in a field with such a meaningful objective – producing affordable, clean energy– is inspiring. It’s not just work; it’s a global contribution.”
Felix’s team, based primarily in the innovative NCALab in Dortmund, plays a crucial role in advancing assembly automation that will allow for higher production efficiency and ultimately support global green hydrogen production. His leadership approach emphasizes both technical innovation and team harmony, fostering a collaborative environment that thrives on diverse perspectives and creative problem-solving.
A Collaborative Environment that Nurtures Creativity
“When I started, I was essentially a one-person team handling AWE cell automation,” he says. His team has grown steadily and so has his responsibility. “Creating this team from scratch, selecting people who were both skilled and motivated, was essential. We’ve built a strong group that’s not only cohesive but genuinely passionate about the mission we’re working towards,” Felix explains.
His role has expanded beyond technical tasks to encompass strategic oversight, budgeting, and liaising with partners to refine processes. “It’s very much a team effort; everyone brings a different set of skills to the table. Together, we’re constantly refining and optimizing to make automation scalable and reliable for global deployment.”
In Felix’s view, the company’s culture is a significant factor in his team’s ability to innovate. “Our R&D team is quite young, dynamic, and open to bold ideas, which is essential when you’re pioneering new technology. We can brainstorm, experiment, and sometimes venture into uncharted territory without hesitation.”
Driving Global Change, Locally Rooted
As someone deeply connected to the Ruhr region, Felix feels a unique sense of pride in helping transform an area traditionally known for coal and steel into a hydrogen hub, that will contribute to clean energy worldwide with its innovative solutions. “It’s inspiring to work on something transformative right here in the Ruhr, where the industrial roots run deep,” he shares.
For him, the future is both a challenge and an opportunity. While he continues to innovate in AWE cell production, he is closely connected to the company’s broader initiatives, such as SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells), a technology designed to leverage industrial waste heat for hydrogen production. “It’s a game-changer,” he says. “With SOEC, we’re not just creating clean energy – we’re using existing resources more efficiently, making green hydrogen even more accessible for industries worldwide.”
When asked what advice he has for future colleagues or aspiring engineers, Felix’s answer is clear: “The work we do here is about creating real value, something that goes beyond just the latest innovation. We’re helping shape a cleaner planet. For anyone motivated by making a genuine impact, thyssenkrupp nucera is where that happens.”
Are you curious? Find out about our open positions here:
