Innovation artist Alexandra develops intelligent servo drives for mechanical engineering

Alexandra Dörk is a passionate engineer and has set herself the goal of making the field of electrical engineering even more attractive. „For the future, we need more committed and knowledge-hungry engineers. We women can do technology too. Those who love logic and appreciate clear, understandable structures are right in engineering. Everything you develop bears your personal signature, and that fills you with pride!“

It was not always clear that Alexandra would pursue a technical course of study. In school, math was not her favourite subject. But that didn't discourage her: "I have always known that I wanted to study. I have physical limitations and wished for a professional environment where that wouldn’t matter. So I pragmatically asked myself what would give me financial security and be forward-looking. Since my dad is a master in electrical engineering, I initially came across Biomedical Engineering as a field of study – a good mix: not too technical, but still in demand in the job market. During my studies, I discovered my passion for electrical engineering and wanted to dive deeper into the subject. Therefore, after two semesters, I changed my field of study, stuck with it, and am very happy with it today."

A balancing act

For the sake of love, Alexandra from Thuringia moved to the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region and began her career as a hardware developer at Baumüller. She is currently developing intelligent servo drives that feature high power density and compactness. This is where the innovation lies: "As an engineer, I have to reflect customer wishes but also keep costs in mind. It's always a balancing act. We develop highly innovative servo drives at the cutting edge of technology, offer our customers a very high degree of flexibility, and assert ourselves in the market with this combination. We do our best to meet the challenges of our customers as effectively as possible."

Creating circuit diagrams, simulations, documentation, and test reports, commissioning circuit boards and servo drives, CE and UL certifications, experimental setups, as well as calculating and designing circuits are all part of their professional routine. Power electronics connects many topics in electrical engineering: mathematics, physics, thermal and mechanical properties, EMC issues, and much more. "What I like very much about Baumüller is the high degree of freedom. As a developer, I can try out and test new solutions. I also enjoy working in the lab a lot. Crafting skills such as drilling, cutting threads, assembling cables, and soldering are also part of our daily tasks. Due to my severe disability, I might use tools differently, set up experiments according to needs, and thus have a different perspective on handling. This helps me, especially when it comes to design. The path to the right result can be very individual and that motivates me.“

Women and Technology

It is a personal concern for her to support, promote and inspire women in the commercial-technical environment, especially in electrical engineering: "Every woman can take this path and should not let anyone tell her otherwise. The most important thing is that you have a passion for it. That you like what you do. But that can only happen if you also find out where your personal interests lie. This requires courage to try things that are outside your comfort zone. And eventually, there comes a point where you develop a passion for something. It always fills me with immense pride when I successfully complete a project and realize that I am good at what I do. That is priceless."

In the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, Alexandra Dörk feels very comfortable. She appreciates the short distances, the green parks and is proud to develop intelligent servo drives for mechanical engineering as an innovation artist at Baumüller, always being in tune with the times.