Maurice - Lead Electronic Architect
Maurice has been working as the Lead Electronic Architect at VDL ETG since 2022. In that role, he has technical responsibility for the electronic design of one of our biggest projects – a complex machine used in the high-tech industry. He works with a team of electronic engineers and other experts to devise and implement the most effective solutions for our customers.
Describe your role in 3 words
"Knowledge, skills, and leadership."
What is important within your position?
"As the Lead Electronic Architect, you have a challenging and versatile role. You need to bring together your knowledge, skills, and leadership to create innovative solutions for our customers. You also need to know how to apply industry norms and standards, how to translate the customer's technical requirements into a design, and how to utilize manufacturing capabilities. What is more, you must be skilled in designing, testing, and documenting electrical infrastructure, such as interconnection PCBs, 19-inch racks, cabling, robotic controls, and various mechatronic solutions. And you must also show leadership by organizing and coordinating the technical aspects of a project. That involves coordinating with the customer, the project manager, the system architect, and other technical leads, as well as supporting and motivating your team."
What do you enjoy about your work?
"Every day brings new challenges. I really enjoy learning new things, innovating, and improving. It’s also great to see how our designs become reality, from a new idea that becomes a functioning machine to the time it is handed over to the factory that will manufacture the machine in a particular quantity. It’s actually a very nice and interesting process to observe. Besides, as a Lead Engineer, you become involved in (almost) everything, so you get to see large parts of the organization."
What has been the highlight of your career?
"Reaching an agreement with our customer on technical execution, time, and money. Achieving this was a result of effective cooperation, communication, and commitment from all involved. In addition, I am proud of the various steps we took to turn the project into a reality, such as designing an architecture for a new machine, specifying and building a new Robot Controller, and producing the technical documentation (TPD), and the first working prototypes."
What advice would you give someone planning to apply for a job at VDL ETG?
"My advice would be: discover your passion in high-tech! What sets VDL ETG apart is the large number of opportunities that are available, whether the design and development work itself, maintaining and supporting existing systems, or manufacturing and assembly is your thing. VDL ETG is a company that takes an ambitious approach. If you indicate what you need to turn your plan into reality, it will come together."