Hi, my name is Pedro. I am the technician supervisor for DMOS6, a factory that makes wafers, which are the material used to make integrated circuits – the technology that is in all electronics today.
On the job
As a technician supervisor, I make sure there is someone available to repair machines and work on projects. I also train other technicians on factory safety and how to use the equipment.
One of the coolest things I’ve gotten to do is create a motion detector circuit that helps make our factory safer. When anyone gets too close to an “emergency off” switch on our tools, an alarm sounds to alert them of their proximity to the switch.
How does coding play a role in your job?
I use coding to create Excel spreadsheets to complete tons of functions with just one click of a button. I also write code for the MSP430™ microcontrollers we use in the factory and have written code to create bar codes to help keep inventory of our items.
How did you learn to code on your calculator?
I was introduced to coding on my TI-83 graphing calculator by a fellow marine. I studied his code and started creating formulas for quadratic equations and Ohm’s Law calculations.
While studying at the U.S. Marine Corps Engineering School, I found myself able to repair circuits quickly and mentor others that needed help. I continued to teach myself code and learned Java, C+ and assembly and ladder logic code for programmable logic controllers, which is a type of computer commonly found in factories.
Why do you think learning to code is important?
Our world is surrounded by embedded processing, and coding allows us to interact with many forms of technology.
What is one piece of advice you would give to students?
Although coding or math may seem tough at times, the hardest things you work for in life are usually the best things. There is no reward better than the feeling of a job well done.