Work with Cyrille Frottier

How did you first learn about BIOTRONIK?

After several years in the automotive industry, I wanted to change career paths and specifically looked for engineering positions in Berlin. That's when I came across BIOTRONIK. The fact that the location is just a few minutes away from where I live was an added bonus. What appealed to me most was the combination of an international environment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the clear social impact. 

I hadn't heard of BIOTRONIK before. While doing my research, I came across the job posting on the careers page and found it very appealing because it wasn't too narrowly defined. Then I thought to myself: I'll just give it a try. To be honest, at first I didn't think I stood much of a chance. In my experience, Germany tends to be quite conservative when it comes to recruiting, and switching industries isn't always easy. That’s why I was all the more pleased that BIOTRONIK takes an open-minded approach here and recognizes potential across industry boundaries. 

What made you decide to join us?

Above all, the openness. Throughout the application process, there was very transparent communication about what the team was working on and what types of candidates they were looking for. It quickly became clear that my experience in advanced development and the innovation environment was a good fit—even without a traditional medtech background.

I was able to directly apply my knowledge of various tool ecosystems and project structures, such as SAP, Planisware, Confluence, and JIRA. Overall, the picture that emerged was very coherent, which made my decision easy.

Was there a particular moment during the application process?

Yes, actually several. Even the first conversation was very pleasant and open. It wasn't just about the various positions on my resume, but about the experience I've gained in the automotive industry and how that might be relevant here. The conversation took place online—I was on a ski vacation at the time and had it in the morning before heading out to the slopes later that day. This relaxed and respectful atmosphere surprised me and put me in a positive mood.

During our conversations, it became clear just how thoroughly BIOTRONIK prepares—for example, when we talked about my publications. To me, that was a sign that they don't conduct standardized interviews here, but are genuinely interested in the applicants. I was also impressed by the nature of the conversation: The project was presented in a presentation and illustrated with specific examples of its application. It wasn't about testing me, but about working together to see if we were a good fit, both professionally and personally. This professionalism and openness made a very good impression on me and ultimately convinced me to join the company.

What helped you the most during your onboarding? 

I started during a relatively quiet summer period, which gave me plenty of time to familiarize myself with the topics and processes. The structured onboarding plan, with well-organized training sessions on processes, tools, and products, was particularly helpful. 

At the same time, I learned a lot from my colleagues, who introduced me to their respective areas of expertise—from mechanics and electronics to software and process development. This allowed me to quickly understand my role within the bigger picture. 

For me, the most important part of the learning process was taking on responsibility early on and getting right into the project work. This helped me settle into my role as project manager very quickly. 

Was there anything that pleasantly surprised you? 

I was particularly pleasantly surprised by how helpful everyone at the company was. Both within my project team and in other departments, I get help very quickly whenever I have a question or need something. Usually, a quick phone call or message is all it takes, and within a few minutes I have the information I need. 

At BIOTRONIK, you can tell that everyone is working toward a common goal and that the mindset is more pragmatic than hierarchical. This openness and willingness to collaborate aren't a given—there are certainly companies where you don't experience this. 

What advice would you give to applicants who want to start at BIOTRONIK? 

If you don’t have a background in medical technology, don’t let that discourage you. It’s also possible to join the company from a different field. It’s important to be open to learning new things and to contribute your own experience in a targeted way.  

At the same time, you should bring something to the table that the company can benefit from—whether it’s technical expertise, an understanding of processes, or project experience. BIOTRONIK offers many opportunities, but taking the initiative and the desire to get involved are crucial.