Profile: Mark Brubaker, Product Manager, Data Connectivity, Global

I started at TE in 2011 as an intern while I was pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at Penn State University. My internship turned into a part-time job and ultimately a full-time role. From the beginning, I was fascinated with how technically dynamic connectors can be. Connector design touches many different engineering disciplines, not just mechanical and electrical, but also materials and operations manufacturing. I also liked that TE is engaged in many different industries. Overall, TE was appealing to me because of the people I had the opportunity to work with and because I could see how TE brings value to the world.

I learned a significant amount when I was in a sustaining engineer role at TE. It taught me how important thinking long-term is when designing connectors. In the role, I also experienced the day-to-day challenges of working to make designs better and finding ways to optimize processes. I look back on that role and see how well it helped me develop my problem-solving skills. I also spent two years in product development, where I increased my electrical skills around signal integrity. The knowledge gained during that role helps with what I do today with high-frequency communication connectors. All my experience has shaped how I perform my product management role today. 

Our industrial and commercial transportation customers are wanting to provide the next level of safety and productivity to their customers. They need our help with figuring out how to make it happen. Connecting high-speed devices is not a new practice in cars. However, in commercial vehicles such as construction machinery, heavy-duty trucks, and agricultural equipment, there are different challenges. The environments where these vehicles operate are much harsher and more demanding. I’m working to help create the connectivity products that our customers can count on to be reliable in the field or on the highway.

I love engaging with my customers. In my role, I work closely with customers and learn about the challenges they are facing. I like analyzing their situation, addressing their problems, and meeting their needs. I feel a lot of gratification when I know that I’ve made a difference. 

I’m very excited to see the technology that is coming out that will have a positive impact on truck safety. For example, advanced driver assistance systems and the use of radar/lidar will help reduce the risk of accidents. Another trend that excites me is the effort to increase productivity. It’s great to see how TE is helping to enable and support technology that can reduce waste and make vehicles more efficient.

There’s a trend towards autonomous vehicles. In ten years, there will be a level of autonomy that will provide value for fleet owners, such as increased safety and reducing waste. In twenty years, I think the sky is the limit. For example, we might see automated flying vehicles that drop off freight! There’s no doubt that we’re going to see an increase in autonomous vehicles in the future.