Introducing Michael Marcotrigiano

At SilverRail, we’re not just about trains and tech- we’re all about our people. We’re a key player in the rail industry, not only leading the way in transforming the way people move but also placing a strong emphasis on the happiness and the growth of our employees. In a field where innovation is paramount, we stand out not just for our advancements but also for our commitments to building a vibrant and inclusive company culture. We are dedicated to empowering and championing our workforce, employees are not merely contributors but integral members of a tight-knit community.

We're delighted to introduce the outstanding individuals that make up the SilverRail team. Each team member contributes unique skills, dedication, and perspectives, playing a crucial role in the overall success of our organisation. This blog is an introduction to Michael, an Architect at SilverRail.

What do you do at SilverRail?

I'm an Architect at SilverRail. I'm mainly responsible for planning and designing technical solutions in the UI and Data Science departments. I make sure business requirements meet expectations and work closely with directors and tech leads to enhance our existing software features or lay the foundations with greenfield design solutions, always making sure we apply a good balance in terms of code quality vs team efficiency to deliver solutions to our customers.

What are you most excited about in your role?

I enjoy the freedom I have to experiment, which allows me to deep dive into new problem domains and quickly map solutions to the defined problem statements. This involves technical design solutions that produce value very early in the software development lifecycle. Having a software engineering background, I like to be "hands-on" between technical and practical. This way of working brings me closer to people as we share the experience and the enthusiasm from the very early stages to the end. Doing so allows us to see what has been delivered and the impact for us in the market and for customers at high scale.

What’s the biggest challenge?

Usually the biggest challenge is communication- it is crucial to have people talking to deliver non siloed and market specific segmented solutions. Starting with the foundation of having a shared goal then bringing an idea to a solution all together has been proven to be successful.

What is your rail background?

I had experience within the travel industry prior to joining SilverRail with the former Italian flag-carrier (Alitalia airline). It was a complex platform involving development of a fuel forecasting system as well as the UI customer experience and e-commerce platform.

Where do you see the future of rail?

In a world in which a green mindset matters, I'm firmly convinced that the rail market plays a key role. People nowadays are paying more attention to subjects/themes like sustainability and I think the train is going to be one of if not the most adopted travel option for short and medium range journeys.

What is the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

I've had many. I've worked in a pizzeria helping out as much as I could, from making the dough to pizza delivery. I've also worked in fields cutting and pruning wine grapes. I have also worked on sales teams selling contracts for Energy and Utility companies.

Describe what you were like at age 10.

I was very shy. I spent a significant amount of time playing video-games on computers and my playstation. I still remember my mothers's ban, couldn't stay over 2 hours gaming. In summer time, I was always at the seaside snorkelling to collect seashells and fishing. I was very active and have kept many hobbies over time such as off-road cycling and reading.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to ride my motorbike and spend time reading books. I usually prefer outdoor activities out of the ordinary work life and also enjoy spending my evenings socialising with new and old friends. Last but not least I like to travel and of course I do it by train (last year I made the long journey from Puglia all the way up to Lofoten islands, crazy!)

Do you have any interesting facts about yourself?

At high school I studied hard and tried to join Air Force Academy but got rejected for dyschromatopsia. Apparently naming colours right to kids matters and working for UI products, I usually leverage codes rather than names. I feel lucky for my work path as I can contribute to a more sustainable world using science and technology.