Tobias Schuchert
In which area did you work during your time at FZJ?
At ICG-3, now IBG-2.
What lessons did you learn from your time at the FZJ?
Good communication (both inside and outside) and (intercultural an interdisciplinary) collaboration are esential skills these days, not just a nice-to-have. Furthermore, question processes and methods and don't take anything for granted.
Where do you work at the moment and what are you currently doing there?
I currently work as Director of Software Engineering at Coupa (an American SaaS company specialising in business spend management) in Karlsruhe, where I head the development of the treasury system.
Was there anything that prepared you well for your next career step?
I was at a department outside my own field (working as an engineer at a botanical institute) and part of a PhD student network, which helped me enormously with collaboration and communication. But the support I received from my supervisors was also excellent. Especially when you look back and see how things work elsewhere.
What is the most exciting thing about your job?
Seeing others grow when you support them and give them the necessary freedom and trust.
If money and time were no object, what would your next project be?
I would focus on nuclear fusion and investigate how AI can be used to solve the world’s energy problem.
You can also find Tobias Schuchert on LinkedIn:
Last Modified: 09.06.2026