Controls Engineer
As a member of the Product Engineering team, I contribute to the development of new technologies. I usually describe controls engineering as the bridge between mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Controls engineering requires familiarity across each discipline to bring systems to life. I’m often writing algorithms, testing software on boats in New Jersey and Florida, analyzing data, generating reports, presenting results, and enhancing processes.
I studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Florida with focus on control theory. While in school, I worked as an engineering teaching assistant and an executive assistant for ZF Marine, a company that specializes in marine propulsion technology.
I joined the team on October 1, 2018, shortly after graduating college.
Almost everything has changed. My first workspace was a corner cubicle that was separate from most of my team. Now, the Pennsylvania campus is well-branded and growing. The office was remodeled and reorganized to be open and inviting. Controls & Software Engineering merged with New Product Development to form the Product Engineering department, which continues to grow. Our new facility in New Jersey will greatly enhance our boat testing program.
Product Engineering rarely interacts with customers directly, but I’ve worked in the customer service industry before and very much enjoyed it. In 2019, I was tasked with developing a software update that required testing and validation on a customer’s boat (we did not have an R&D boat of this size). I flew to Newport Beach, California for preliminary testing and revisited the boat in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to continue testing and to apply the final software update. It was a unique experience working directly with a customer, his captain, and his crew. It was also my first trip out of the country.
I enjoy developing tools to help my fellow Seakeeper employees. A while back, I developed an application called “SeaPlotter” which enables individuals to generate MATLAB plots even if they do not have a license for scripting. The Service team now has a means to collect data and view the time histories with ease.
Seakeeper has an entrepreneurial spirit that affords its employees freedoms and flexibilities that other companies are often unable to match. At the same time, it offers security and benefits comparable to a larger company. The culture has assembled a great team of coworkers that I can also call my friends.
Our current new projects are fast-paced. The deadlines are sometimes very challenging, but the progress is also very rewarding and motivating.
It takes time to understand everything that is assigned to you. Our products are complex technical systems. Do not be afraid to ask questions and reach out for help. When I started, I created a glossary of terms and acronyms I heard other people use. I would research further, adding definitions and examples as time allowed.
Mike has been an excellent manager and mentor. He set me up for success by personally training me and letting me work alongside him on projects when I started. Now I take on challenging tasks on my own and consult with him when I need guidance.
Everything happens for a reason.
I was born and raised in North Carolina. I used to have a very strong southern accent and every now and then it sneaks out.
