In this post we profile our new Chief Technology Officer who joined Circuitwise recently.
Q: Please describe your role at Circuitwise.
As CTO of Circuitwise, my primary focus is on service and quality. This involves applying my expertise to support various stakeholders, including customers, factory floor personnel, and office teams, including my very capable technology team.
Several business areas require my support, including internal process and testing automation development, and customer support. Our CEO specifically brought me on board to expand the testing team's capabilities.
I like to think that my role is not about me, but rather contributing to the ongoing success of Circuitwise and its customers. Working within a mature team presents opportunities that I relish.
Q: Tell me more about the expansion of testing capabilities
The production floor at Circuitwise is divided into two distinct areas: the PCB assembly side and the testing side. My initial focus will be on looking for ways to increase speed, quality, and cost-efficiency on the test side. I’ll be building internal processes and skill sets and investing in a range of new automated test equipment (ATE) machines.
We have a new ATE machine scheduled for installation in November that will significantly boost our capability. Traditional custom test fixtures and support software can cost as much as $100,000 for an average product. The new ATE equipment will enable us to build test fixtures for a fraction of that cost. Our service will include test program generation and data logging.
This complements our already high degree of automated batch and parts traceability enabled by Circuitwise’s systems. Real-time labelling significantly reduces quality control concerns and the stress associated with manual traceability methods. Traceability is the last thing that engineers want to worry about when they are under pressure to deliver a product.
Q: What does your typical day look like?
My day-to-day priorities revolve around helping customers with design for manufacturing (DFM), new product introduction (NPI) and testing support. I actively participate in the DFM process by reviewing design transfer packages and providing feedback on manufacturability.
My activities include identifying potential issues and suggesting improvements to optimise production. I collaborate with the customer's NPI team to ensure a smooth transition from design to manufacturing and to maintain quality standards throughout the process.
I also draw on years of design experience to provide a level of troubleshooting support during production testing that is uncommon in our industry. The same support applies to Design for Manufacture (DFM) and New Product Introduction (NPI), including PCB layout strategy for fabrication. I look to add as much value as possible as if the products were our own.
So, the customer comes first, and the rest of my time is spent on improving internal systems and managing a small team of engineers constantly building new systems to support process automation and testing tooling. I also support other Executive Team members, offering technical expertise and advice on various matters, including assessing business risks and planning.
Q: What is the most important part of your work?
I've always seen technical leadership roles as being primarily responsible for product quality. That does assume that everyone agrees on what quality means in the first place, of course. For manufacturing, my primary goal is to ensure that our products consistently meet or exceed customer expectations in terms of build quality.
Q: What is the most common question you get asked at work?
The most frequent inquiries I receive are technical, primarily related to electronics. A common question from customers concerns the optimal timing for Circuitwise's involvement in a start-up's development process.
While there's no definitive answer, I recommend engaging with us when the product transitions from a conceptual to a physical form, incorporating circuit board size, shape, and overall mechanical design considerations. This transition typically occurs after the initial industrial design phase.
The idea is to balance having enough information to meaningfully discuss the product, but not be too late to consider changes to how boards are assembled and how the product fits together.
Q: What is your best tip for customers who are manufacturing electronic products?
The most practical advice I can offer customers is to adhere to design library best practices meticulously. A well-organised and consistent design transfer package significantly streamlines the manufacturing process by enabling early identification of potential issues and facilitating efficient communication.
Good design library practice elements include consistent file formats, clear documentation, and effective version control. By adhering to best practices, customers can enhance collaboration, reduce errors, and achieve a smoother product launch. People should contact me if they don’t know what design library best practices are.
Q: What is the best thing about working with Circuitwise?
The most rewarding aspect of working at Circuitwise is the open and honest communication culture fostered by our CEO Serena Ross' leadership. The emphasis on factual discussions creates a highly effective and efficient work environment, especially in a fast-paced industry where timely decisions are crucial. The company's respect for work-life balance, exemplified by Serena's own commitment to family, further enhances employee satisfaction and productivity.
Q: What are your favourite activities outside of work? What are you most enthusiastic about?
Aviation has been a lifelong passion for me. The fascination began in childhood, likely influenced by my father's interest. I recall being captivated by the sight and sound of aeroplanes, with a particular fondness for the smell of kerosene and the rhythm of piston engines. Model aeroplanes have always been a hobby, and I've followed aviation history closely, both civil and military.
While I've never pursued a career as a pilot, I enjoy attending air shows and delving into the technical aspects of flight. This enthusiasm extends to other modes of transportation, such as steam trains. I'd often rush to the station as a child at the sound of a train whistle. The world of electronics has also fed this interest, with early experimentation in hand-launched model planes leading to a desire for radio-controlled models. I hope to share this hobby with my young daughters in the future.
Q: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Sydney, with my mother being a teacher and my father a toolmaker. These two influences played a significant role in shaping who I am today. My mother was exceptionally organised, a trait I greatly admired, while my father was quite creative, especially with his hands. From an early age, I was fascinated by watching him work and often tried to emulate his craftsmanship. This interest in creating and making things by hand has always been a part of me.
My interest in electronics naturally stemmed from this inclination towards making and understanding how things work. Over time, I realised there’s a strong connection between being organised and succeeding in engineering. These elements are inseparable, especially when it comes to manufacturing something successfully.
Comments