By Ocient Staff
In this employee spotlight, we highlight Stefan Renner, Staff Software Engineer. Stefan focuses on continuous integration, test automation, monitoring, and analysis, ensuring the stability and efficiency of Ocient’s systems. In addition to his technical contributions, he actively contributes to Ocient’s IP and represents the company in the German tech community by presenting at meetups and industry events.
Let’s learn more about Stefan’s background and how he brings value to his role at Ocient.
Where are you based and how do you take advantage of our remote first policy?
I live in Munich, which is the place to be for software engineers in Germany. The remote first policy enables me to work for an American company while I stay within reach of my friends and family.
How long have you been with Ocient?
2.5 years
What are some things you like to do in your free time?
Along with normal activities like sports and quality time with friends and family, I enjoy in- and offshore sailing as well as (partner) dancing.
What’s the next place you’d like to check off your travel bucket list?
Right now, the top three on my (big) travel bucket list are the Baltic states, Japan, and Australia.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My coffee maker
What’s your go-to comfort food?
Kibbeling with French fries, a Dutch dish I fell in love with on a long motorcycle trip to Scotland.
What is one of your proudest career moments while working at Ocient?
I won’t forget the moment when, after one year at Ocient, at an engineering meeting in Chicago, roughly fifty members of the engineering org spontaneously applauded my work on our CI.
What do you find unique about your job?
The skill level in this company is incredibly high. I am still learning new things every day.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
Choose battles you can win.
What advice would you give to someone entering the tech industry?
The main prerequisite is staying in touch with that inner childlike curiosity, the part of you that loves to build and play. That will give you a moment of joy every time you click the mouse, and dozens of servers around the world start an incredible choreography. That joy can drag you through tough times. But, in addition, never forget that this is a business, not a playground.
Would you like to give an employee shoutout?
I would like to shout out Dr. Knut Stolze as well as one of our DEs, Dave Boutcher. Being able to work closely with such highly skilled people is challenging, teaching, and motivating. This is what I am here for. 
Interested in learning more?
Ocient is a remote-first company full of efficiently effective & craft driven contributors. We are passionate about delivering the very best in data analytics solutions to our customers. Meet other members of our team on our Meet the Team page or explore our job postings.