A day in Vladimir Karic's shoes

Vladimir, tell us a little about your career within the DVS Group.

I developed an enthusiasm for technology at an early age. At 14, I knew for sure that I wanted to join the DVS Group. After graduating from high school with a focus on mechanical and electrical engineering, I moved to a new city on my own – a courageous step that I have never regretted.

I have been part of the DVS Group since August 2013. I completed my training as an industrial mechanic for precision engineering at Buderus Schleiftechnik GmbH. After that, I worked worldwide as a set-up engineer, implementing and optimizing machines and processes on site.

In 2018, I began a four-year part-time training program to become a state-certified mechanical engineer. A year later, I moved to the development department at Buderus. There, I had the exciting task of further developing not only machines but also tools, including both conventional and superabrasive grinding wheels from Naxos-Diskus and form dressing rollers from DVS Tooling.

This period was particularly instructive, as I was able to gain in-depth knowledge of the three central elements of a successful grinding process—machine, grinding wheel, and dressing roller—and further develop them technically.

In 2020, I moved to DVS Tooling. Together with a great team, we brought the form dressing roller to series production readiness. At the same time, I further deepened my knowledge of Naxos-Diskus grinding technology.

After successfully completing my studies in February 2022, the next big challenge was waiting for me: developing grinding processes for coated brake discs in the context of the upcoming EURO 7 standard. Since then, I have been responsible for the entire process and machine development in this area, from prototype grinding and machine adaptation to series production preparation.

This is how I went from being a trainee to a dedicated technology developer with an exciting, varied range of tasks and the motivation to learn something new every day.

What attracted you to the position?

I am passionate about not just accepting things as they are, but questioning them, rethinking them, and developing them further. This position allows me to do just that, and I am grateful for the trust and opportunity to fill this role.

What does your everyday working life look like?

No two days are the same. The development of coated brake discs is a Europe-wide project with many unknowns, and that's exactly what makes it so exciting.

I work with a wide variety of coating systems, test countless grinding wheel prototypes, evaluate data, and derive optimizations from it. Everything is included, from initial discussions with customers to continuous exchange, further development of machines and tools, and technical evaluations.

And I'm still involved with DVS Tooling: I support the team with technical design for customer inquiries about form dressing rolls, so this journey is not over yet.

What advice would you give to young, committed employees of the DVS Group?

The DVS Group offers great opportunities for personal and professional development, but you have to take the initiative yourself. My most important advice: always do your best, never lose heart, even when you encounter setbacks.

It is often the difficult paths that bring the most valuable experiences. Be open to new things, grow through challenges, and you will get closer to your own milestones. The journey never ends, and I am already excited to see what comes next.