Beyond Theory, Into Execution with KIT
One of our first forays into this new initiative includes our partnership with Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). As part of our collaboration with KIT, we’ve created a robust talent pipeline that encompasses both students and full-time employees. Through this partnership, we’re able to engage with top-tier talent from KIT’s innovative global community.
Simon Schafer – From KIT to Torc Robotics
Simon Schafer exemplifies the success of Torc’s Emerging Talent strategy. As a former student at KIT, Torc software engineering intern, and a member of the KIT Racing Team, Simon has transitioned seamlessly into his role at Torc through his work on the Vehicle Intent team. Simon has become a model employee and ambassador for our self-driving technology, complete with the hands-on experience in engineering and teamwork that KIT fostered in him. As an ambassador, Simon continues to foster the relationship between Torc and KIT, helping to attract and mentor the next generation of engineers.
Setu Namburu – Nurturing Early Career Talent
As a Manager of Applied Data Science at Torc, Setu is a key part of developing and delivering data-driven solutions for our self-driving technology. Using her extensive skills and background, she’s successfully converted five software engineering internship students into full-time employees during her time at Torc, showcasing her dedication to nurturing early career talent. Her leadership has been instrumental to Torc’s shift into this new program. Through her ability to guide, mentor, and advocate for early career professionals, Setu sets an incredible standard for our recruiting future.
Christin Scheib – From Europe to Blacksburg
Originally a student at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and a Torc co-op, Christin has successfully transitioned to a full-time engineering role, moving from Europe to Torc’s HQ in Blacksburg, Virginia in the process. Since starting her work in automated truck technology, Christin’s efforts have allowed our hardware and software components to come together seamlessly, showcasing the potential that students can offer when converted to full-time employees.
Brent Papenfuse – Transforming Student Excellence to New Heights
Brent has been a key part of revolutionizing what recruitment means at Torc. In his capacity as Program Manager, Brent not only develops certification programs and maintenance procedures for our autonomous trucking solution, but spearheads hiring initiatives from technology schools and community colleges. He has also partnered with the Emerging Talent community program to influence company roles in diesel mechanics, fostering a new generation of professionals that is both technology-forward and rooted in traditional mechanics.
Alexia Tran – Propelling Achievement Across Borders
Alexia started her Torc journey as a research and development intern at Torc’s Montreal offices, where she developed state-of-the-art test benches, reverse engineered CAN bus messages, and more. After demonstrating her outstanding skills in everything autonomous engineering, Alexia was hired on as a full-time Systems Engineer. Alexia is a proud example of Torc’s community of globe-trotting professionals, having moved from Montreal to Torc’s Stuttgart, Germany offices in the name of developing our self-driving solution.
RELATED: Visit the Emerging Talent LinkedIn Page
The Future of Emerging Talent at Torc Robotics
Looking ahead, we’re envisioning that our new initiative will be a key driver of our growth strategy. Talent pipelines and software engineering internships like the ones we’ve developed with KIT will continue to be a crucial component, ensuring a steady stream of top-tier talent from across the globe. Alongside this strategy, we’re focusing on inclusivity, adaptability, and skills-based hiring across the board. We’re dedicated to attract and retain the best talent that the self-driving engineering world has to offer, driving our technology and our company forward in a competitive and dynamic industry.
