Today, he works on testing, troubleshooting, and fine-tuning gas turbines before they go into commercial operation. His days vary widely - one day he is crawling under a turbine, fixing leaks and miswirings; another day, he is troubleshooting the control system. Some days go exactly as planned, others turn into problem‑solving missions - but working through challenges with the team and handing over a turbine that the customer can rely on is what gives him a real sense of achievement. No matter how the day looks, one thing never changes: safety comes first. He and his team look out for one another and follow procedures carefully -in the field, that’s non‑negotiable.
Even though his technical background was essential to becoming a commissioning engineer, he was never expected to know everything from day one. For example, Roland did not have much experience in control systems, but he quickly found a mentor within the company who took him under his wing and shared his 20 years of experience. It made him feel safe to ask questions, learn, and grow. “Having a mentor can help accelerate your career,” Roland mentions. This culture of support is what helps new colleagues grow fast and gives them the confidence to bring their full selves to work.
He still remembers his first project as a special highlight in his career. “It felt like standing next to a plane,” he says, recalling the first time he watched a turbine running up close. “We’d been working on it for two months, and then it came alive.” In that moment, he knew he had chosen the right path. As energy demand rises around the world, engineering skills such as Roland’s are becoming an asset. Coming from Hungary, Roland has watched how energy systems in his region are changing. Many of the sites he visits are shifting away from older coal units and moving toward cleaner, more efficient solutions. The turbines he commissions today are not only more efficient but also built for the future. Many can already operate on sustainable alternative fuels and, with further upgrades, can be prepared for hydrogen. Contributing to the energy transition isn’t abstract to Roland - he is part of it.