Melanie Pillkahn's Blueprint as an Engineering Manager

Diversity, innovation, and excellence intertwine in the DNA of Mercedes-Benz.io. Join us as we embark on a journey to showcase the vibrant tapestry of our tribe. Through "no Blueprint for Excellence", we celebrate some of the unique paths and stories of our MB.ioneers andwhat is their blueprint — or, being a tech company, their motherboard. 😉

Check out the complete video series available on our YouTube channel!

Excellence isn’t perfection — it’s about growth, resilience, and persistence. For Melanie Pylkhan, an Engineering Manager at Mercedes-Benz.io, excellence is synonymous with constantly challenging oneself. Her story reveals a journey of transformation, adaptability, and the pursuit of innovation, all while fostering an environment of support and inclusivity.

From Cloud Operations to Engineering Leadership

Melanie’s professional path began in 2018 when she joined Mercedes-Benz.io as a Cloud Operations Engineer. "It was the start of my cloud journey," she recalls, transitioning from UNIX administration to working with AWS.

By January 2020, the company sought a Product Owner for its newly established platform-focused team. Melanie, drawn to organisation and structure, stepped forward. “It took me nine months of enablement — shadowing, training, and learning — to fully embrace the role,” she says. Her technical background made her a natural fit, bridging the gap between technical needs and strategic goals.

After a year-long parental leave in 2022, Melanie returned to a new opportunity — the role of Engineering Manager for Nebula.

“I officially applied, took on the challenges, went through interviews, and eventually got the call from our Managing Director: ‘You’re in,’” she shares.

Redefining Leadership

As an Engineering Manager, Melanie oversees a team of 25. She emphasises open communication, fostering trust, and creating a space where everyone’s voice is heard.

I hold regular one-on-ones with my team members to ensure they feel supported. Whether they’re loud or quiet, each person has a voice, and it’s my job to help amplify it.

Her leadership style is deeply influenced by her experiences as a mother. Balancing a 75% work schedule, she appreciates Mercedes-Benz.io’s commitment to family-friendly policies. “Returning part-time as an Engineering Manager was met with open support. It was never a debate — just a conversation.”

A Culture of Experimentation

One of Mercedes-Benz.io’s core values resonates strongly with Melanie: a culture of experimentation and innovation. She recalls the advice from a former Managing Director during her early days at the company: “Try it out. If it doesn’t cause harm, do it.” This mantra has guided her approach ever since.

“I love that at Mercedes-Benz.io, there’s always space to challenge, ask questions, and bring forward new ideas. It’s energising to work in an environment where people listen and discuss openly,” she explains.

Personal Growth and Creativity

Melanie’s journey has been shaped by her willingness to embrace challenges, even when the outcomes were uncertain.

I’ve faced many obstacles since starting my career at 17. But every challenge has made me stronger and more confident. Even if I fail, I know I’ve tried, and that’s crucial for personal growth.

Outside of work, Melanie finds balance through her creative hobby: crocheting small animal figurines. “It’s my way of stepping away from the screen and finding calm amidst the chaos,” she says.

Melanie’s Blueprint

For Melanie, excellence is about striving to be better while recognising the imperfections that make us human.

“If we review what we’ve done and focus on what’s ahead, we can come close to excellence,” she reflects.

Her story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of fostering an inclusive environment. Melanie’s blueprint is clear: lead with authenticity, embrace challenges, and always leave room for creativity and growth.

Join the Journey of Excellence

Thank you for reading about this episode of no Blueprint for Excellence. Each story shared here is a glimpse into the mindset and dedication that drive our Mercedes-Benz.ioneers to innovate, create, and excel. If you're inspired by these journeys, we invite you to explore the full video series on our YouTube channel, where we bring these conversations to life with the people behind the stories.

Stay connected, stay inspired, and continue the journey with us!