Charting the Path: Timo Simon’s journey into DB Engineering & Consulting’s Mobility Consulting

In a world where business landscapes shift rapidly, the story of Timo Simon is within DB Engineering & Consulting (DB E&C) is one of resilience, adaptability, and leadership. With a keen interest in technical problem-solving, coupled with an eagerness for international experiences, he has grown within the ranks of the DB E&C Mobility Consulting division. Mr. Simon’s journey is a blend of professional growth, academic pursuit, and balancing personal commitments.

A Chance Encounter with Opportunity: The Early Years

"My journey to DB Engineering & Consulting was serendipitous," Timo recalls. Initially drawn to the field of industrial engineering, he soon realized that his technical foundation lacked depth. With a thirst for more, he transitioned into a dual-degree program, applying to several companies — one of which was Deutsche Bahn. "I began my career at DB Netz and connected with DB E&C toward the end of my studies, where I wrote my thesis. What really captivated me was the company's international scope," he reflects.

Upon completing his studies, Simon seamlessly transitioned into the role of a junior operations consultant at DB E&C. "At the age of 26, I started as a junior consultant while pursuing my master’s degree part-time." The support he received from the company played a pivotal role. "When my wife became pregnant, I decided to finish my master’s degree full-time, completing it in two years instead of three," he notes. Flexibility became a key theme in his growth within the organization.

Navigating Work and Family: Support from DB E&C

Balancing family and career often proves challenging, but DB E&C made it manageable. "The flexibility offered to me during my master’s program was incredible," Simon says. Weekly trips to Erfurt for classes were a regular part of his routine, and the company supported his commute with a company-issued rail pass. "I worked on my assignments in the train and on campus, while spending the remaining days in Halle for project work."

The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic eased the strain of travel, with online lectures and remote work becoming the new normal. "My team was understanding when I needed to plan around my lectures," he says. The company's open communication and supportive environment enabled him to balance his work, studies, and family obligations. "Without the support and flexibility from DB E&C, completing my master’s degree would have been much more difficult," Mr. Simon acknowledges.

A Young Father’s Perspective: Balancing Career and Family

For Timo Simon, the flexibility offered by DB E&C has been invaluable. "As a father, having the ability to work from home and set flexible hours has allowed me to actively participate in my child’s daily life," he reflects. This flexibility extends beyond the conventional workday, enabling him to shape his work around his family. "If my schedule permits, I can take a break to play with my child and then continue working in the evening when they are asleep," Simon explains.

The nature of DB E&C’s international consulting work often requires employees to accommodate different time zones, a challenge Timo Simon has embraced. "This flexibility works well for me, as I can structure my day to pick up my child from kindergarten and manage work commitments as needed," he says, emphasizing how the work-life balance has allowed him to remain with the company despite offers from other employers. "The ability to be present for my family while still advancing my career is something I truly value."

A Global Perspective: Finding Fulfillment in International Work

Initially drawn to the allure of global travel, Timo Simon’s vision of international work has evolved over time. "In my younger years, it was the excitement of seeing the world. Today, as a family man, I appreciate the possibility of working from home" he reflects. The shift towards remote collaboration has been a welcomed change, allowing him to maintain strong international relationships while spending more time at home.

Yet, what stands out to Simon now is the complexity of global projects. "The challenges we face are diverse — different countries, different expectations. Cultural nuances and varied communication styles make every project unique," he shares. The constant need to adapt, learn, and refine both technical and interpersonal skills keeps the work dynamic and engaging. "It’s this balance of technical problem-solving and inter-cultural understanding that makes my role so rewarding," he says.

The DB E&C Difference: Expertise and Employee-Centric Culture

What sets DB E&C apart from other consultancies is its deep technical expertise. "We don’t offer generic solutions — we specialize in technical problem-solving, especially in the railway sector," Timo explains. Each team member brings not only methodological knowledge but also practical industry experience, creating an environment of continuous learning. "The ability to collaborate and learn from one another ensures that we’re always growing as professionals," he emphasizes.

Flexibility is another distinguishing factor. "Unlike many consulting firms, I feel like we offer a bit more personal freedom. Work-life balance is a buzzword constantly being thrown around, but at our company I really perceive it as a healthy balance. This benefits not only our employees but also our clients, as they receive motivated and focused consultants," Simon adds. For DB E&C consultants, hands-on experience within the Deutsche Bahn network provides invaluable insight. "Our advisors bring real-world experience from various roles within the DB Group. For example, I spent several years working as a dispatcher and in different operational roles at DB Netz," he says, emphasizing how this practical background enhances the consultancy’s offerings.

Fostering the Next Generation of Consultants

When it comes to attracting new talent, the focus is clear: motivation and curiosity. "We seek individuals who are eager to learn and grow,”Timo Simon explains. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to new challenges are crucial traits for success in the consulting industry. "Every project brings something new, and we need team members who can quickly get up to speed on different topics," he adds.

 While a background in areas like consulting, project management, or the rail industry is highly beneficial, DB E&C is open to a variety of educational backgrounds. "Whether it's civil engineering, industrial engineering, or technical training, there are opportunities for many skill sets within our team," Timo says. Ultimately, the key is a willingness to embrace change, a passion for problem-solving and enthusiasm to educate oneself in the field of railway infrastructure.

Dynamic Projects and Meaningful Contributions

The diversity of projects in Mobility Consulting makes for an ever-changing work environment. "I’ve had the privilege of working on projects all over the world—from Ukraine to Israel, Saudi Arabia to Finland, and even in Latin America and Canada," Timo shares. His work spans a broad range of topics, from strategic infrastructure planning and circular economy initiatives to process optimization and operational efficiency studies.

One of the most memorable projects involved collaborating with the Ukrainian national railway, a project abruptly halted by the outbreak of war. "I had just submitted my report late at night when I heard the news of the Russian invasion. It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding projects of my career," Simon reflects somberly.

Another standout project, "Tracks for Peace," aimed to establish a trade route from Israel to Oman. "This initiative tied into my undergraduate thesis on the Silk Road, allowing me to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting," he shares. While geopolitical tensions have paused the project, it remains a personal highlight.

A Career of Impact and Fulfillment

For this consultant, every project — regardless of its size — has contributed to his personal and professional development. "What I love most about my role is the unpredictability. Each day brings new challenges, and I’ve never faced a day where I wasn’t excited to tackle what lay ahead," Timo Simon says with pride.

His journey at DB E&C has been one of continuous growth, and his experiences serve as a testament to the opportunities available within the company. From balancing academic pursuits and family life to leading complex international projects, his story exemplifies the unique blend of flexibility, expertise, and support that DB E&C offers to its employees.

As Timo continues to navigate the dynamic world of Mobility Consulting, his passion for learning, adaptability, and problem-solving remains as strong as ever. Through his work, he not only contributes to the success of DB E&C but also plays a key role in shaping the future of sustainable, innovative transportation solutions around the globe.