Career talk with Melih Ileri, Hardware Project Manager for Interlocking Systems at Hitachi Rail

Hello Melih, could you briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Melih Ileri, and I work at Hitachi Rail as a hardware project manager for interlocking systems.

What exactly are interlocking systems?
Simply put, you can think of an interlocking system as the brain of a railway station. It secures and controls the rail network, ensures that trains run on the correct tracks, that there is no danger to people or machines, and that the train dispatcher always knows where each train is.

What do you particularly like about your job?
I love drawing the plans—it can be very calming. But above all, in the end, you have a complete electrical overview – the entire interlocking system with its external installations. It’s a great feeling to hold a finished product in your hands.

Why do you think the railway industry is a secure career path?
The railway industry is very long-lasting. We’ll continue to rely on rail infrastructure for a long time. There is a lot of funding, and the network keeps expanding. Anyone looking for a stable professional future is in the right place here.

I recommend that anyone interested simply reach out to a company. Exchanging ideas, especially during studies, is very valuable. The industry offers many exciting opportunities and allows you to build useful contacts early on.

What does your job mean to you personally?
My job fills me with pride. It’s a lot of fun to work with colleagues from SBB and BLS. It’s especially rewarding when I drive past a railway line and can tell my nephew: “Look, we signalled this line and built the interlocking system for it.”

How do you see the future of the railway industry?
Now is a great time to enter the railway sector. New technological advancements are creating many opportunities, new jobs, and exciting challenges. We definitely need fresh ideas from young people.

Thank you for your insights, Melih!