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An Interview with Eva: As Seen in Business Geomatics


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Eva Spexard heads the Human Resources Division at Microdrones. The company is expanding and looking for new employees in many different areas.

The geoinformation business is seeing a surge in employment opportunities.  Many of the skills sought are based on new and developing technologies that may not be available in normal educational and vocational curriculums. This especially applies to the expanding commercial drone industry. Business Geomatics spoke with Eva Spexard of Microdrones, a global market leader in professional UAV solutions, about current job openings, Microdrones careers, job expectations and benefits.

“Our company thrives on active exchange”
 

Microdrones is currently expanding. How many positions are you looking to fill, and in what areas?

We currently have about 20 positions to fill in the areas of Development, Finance, Sales, Production, and Customer Support.

What qualifications are you looking for?

In general, we are looking for enthusiastic people for all of our divisions and departments. Currently we have opportunities for software developers with an emphasis on C++ and embedded software as well as Microcontrollers. We’re also searching for Geomatic Engineers with experience in Point Cloud Processing and GIS Mapping.  Finally, our Experimental Development Team is looking for new contributors, too, such as aerospace engineers and aerodynamics specialists, who can help us test the products of tomorrow.

What are the priority areas at Microdrones?

We offer professional users various drones and integrated systems that deliver advanced turn-key solutions that make it easy for businesses to start using UAVs for surveying, mapping, construction, inspection, precision agriculture, mining, and other commercial applications.

Is a specific certificate required for pilots?

Yes. Our pilots are required to have the proper certification in accordance with Regional Air Traffic Regulations.  However, when we recruit new pilots, we do not require this in advance. Our customers receive the appropriate product training from our team after purchasing one of our drones.

You are a global company; how are international exchanges handled?

We’ve already handled a number of international exchanges within the company. In the Development Division, there is constant exchange, where employees have opportunities to work internationally. For example, we have already had exchanges from Germany to Canada, from Canada to Germany, and from Germany to France.  We look forward to further opportunities.

On the issue of career changers: What do you expect of applicants coming from other industries or qualified areas?

We always expect candidates to be motivated, eager to learn, innovative and hard working.  If you're looking for routine, look elsewhere. Every day is exciting at Microdrones!

Not everybody will want to make their base in Siegen. Are there also options for working from other sites or from a home office? 

While Siegen is a very nice city and has much to offer, we understand that relocation is not for everyone. That’s why we have many options including flexible working times, home-office options and individual part-time models.  Currently we have offices located in Germany, the United States, Canada, France, and Mexico.

Drones are very attractive for young professionals, but there are also many “old hands” in the field of geodesy.  Do you see any opportunities for adapting to another field?

At our company, there is always a lot of exchange between young professionals and “old hands.”  Our company thrives on this and we actively promote these exchanges.

What does your company offer to attract new employees?

We offer a great team that works with great enthusiasm on an exciting product. Microdrones is a global and growing company with plenty of development opportunities.  Our workplace is modern and bright with flexible working hours, home office availability, retirement savings programs, company sports, and free snacks, coffee and water.

The trend towards digitalization greatly affects recruiting. What channels do you use as an employer?

We can be found on our own Website, but also on LinkedIn, Xing, Indeed, and some other online platforms. We work with various suppliers to assist with recruitment opportunities.
 

From start-up to global player

Founded in Germany in 2005, Microdrones developed the world's first commercial quadcopter and the company continues to lead the industry with their professional UAV solutions.

By pairing robust drones with cutting-edge sensors, Microdrones offers advanced turn-key solutions that make it easy for businesses to start using UAVs for surveying, mapping, construction, inspection, precision agriculture, mining, and other commercial applications. A heritage of quality German engineering, extra-long flight times, resistance to environmental challenges, and technology like direct georeferencing make Microdrones solutions exceptionally safe, efficient, and cost-effective choices for commercial users.

The company, which currently has more than 130 employees, is in the second phase of a global expansion project. After a new company building in Siegen is completed, the branch in Vaudreuil, QC, Canada, will be developed next. There is also a site in France (Toulouse). Vivien Heriard-Dubreuil, President of Microdrones, explained: “This is an exciting time for our company. We have commercialized a complete line of integrated UAV solutions to which the professional market have been very responsive. We are developing new business worldwide. These capital and human resource investments allow us to always be one step ahead of the demands.”