Moving forward through change: a Siemens Energy career story from Wuxi to Berlin

When Zou Lie joined the Siemens Energy surge arrester factory in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province of China, as a mechanical design engineer, his responsibilities were clearly defined focusing on insulator products, completing design drawings, and supporting production.

Over time, however, his role began to expand. With a deep understanding of the products and solid hands-on engineering experience, Zou Lie gradually took on project management responsibilities. His work shifted from individual design tasks to cross-functional collaboration, and from execution to more systematic thinking. This marked the beginning of an energy career journey shaped by constant change yet always guided by a single goal: transforming complex technologies into reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

Discover how Siemens Energy supports engineering careers in China, helping talent grow from manufacturing environments into international project leadership roles.

In 2019, Zou led a key project for an international customer. The project came with higher expectations for quality and collaboration and prompted him to look at engineering work from a truly holistic perspective for the first time.

Working across customers, global R&D teams, and local manufacturing, he constantly shifted roles to align different needs. In the process, he also transitioned from a project contributor to a project manager.

“In the past, my focus was on getting the drawings right,” he explains. “Now, I need to understand what the customer really needs, where risks might arise, and how the team can work more effectively toward a shared goal.”

By working closely with the team to streamline processes, clarify responsibilities, and establish clearer ways of collaboration, the project moved forward smoothly. This experience helped him realize that the value of engineering lies not only in doing things right, but in enabling teams to work together effectively with a shared sense of direction.

“In the past, my focus was on getting the drawings right,” he explains. “Now, I need to understand what the customer really needs, where risks might arise, and how the team can work more effectively toward a shared goal.”

By working closely with the team to streamline processes, clarify responsibilities, and establish clearer ways of collaboration, the project moved forward smoothly. This experience helped him realize that the value of engineering lies not only in doing things right, but in enabling teams to work together effectively with a shared sense of direction.

As the capabilities of the Wuxi team continued to grow, cross-regional collaboration became increasingly important. At the end of 2022, Zou Lie relocated to surger arrester factory in Berlin, to take on the role of R&D project manager, supporting closer global cooperation.

While his work location changed, his connection with the China team remained strong. From Berlin, he helps shape project direction and structure, sharing context and insights so colleagues in China can better understand project backgrounds and objectives. Often, he uses time zone differences to resolve issues in advance, enabling teams to start their day with greater clarity and momentum.

“My role is to help the team see where the challenges are and find executable paths forward in complex situations,” he says.

Across multiple R&D projects, he encourages teams to try new approaches and allows space for learning and adjustment. “Learning and adjustment are part of the job,” he notes. “What truly matters is helping the team continuously build capability along the way.”

This trust-based approach enables teams to respond to change and challenges with greater confidence and resilience. It also reflects a broader Siemens Energy culture that values collaboration, accountability, and shared growth across functions and regions.

In early 2026, Zou Lie embraced a new challenge, shifting his focus from the familiar field of insulators to the development of entirely new surge arrester-related products. The transition required fresh learning and adaptation, placing new demands on both his skills and mindset. Throughout this process, he received strong support from colleagues across the team.

In his view, transformation is not about starting over, but about carrying accumulated experience, systems thinking, and collaborative practices into new contexts to create value.

No matter how his role, location, or responsibilities change, some principles remain constant. For Zou Lie, open communication, mutual respect, and trust among teams are essential foundations for global collaboration.

In Siemens Energy’s diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment, he values listening to different perspectives and incorporating team experience into decision-making. This approach helps teams from different backgrounds truly move forward together in cross-regional collaboration.

“What has kept me moving forward is the passion and commitment to work that helps keep society running,” Zou reflects. For him, it is this step-by-step progress that gives his work lasting meaning.

Outside of work, Zou Lie enjoys cooking. In his view, planning dishes, managing time, and coordinating steps are not fundamentally different from project management. Although he now lives in Berlin, familiar flavors from home keep him connected to where he started — and remind him that, amid constant change, the values that truly matter remain unchanged.

Explore more Siemens Energy career stories and discover how engineering talent in China is shaping the future through manufacturing expertise, R&D collaboration, and global teamwork.