Engineering Leadership: Our Fellows, CTOs, and Select SMEs

Bert is a subject-matter expert in automotive data connector design, RF signal integrity, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) engineering. He currently focuses on innovations and products for future in-vehicle data architectures.

Engineering Specialty
RF engineering, EMC, and simulations
High-speed signal integrity modelling
RF connector design
Automotive data transmission
Data connector tests and qualification

Focal Applications
Automotive data connectors
RF connector test methodologies
In-vehicle data architectures
Physical layer design automation 

Ask Bert About
RF data transmission
Signal integrity and EMC engineering
Automotive data transmission protocols and connector test methods 

Career Highlights
31 granted patents
OPEN Alliance Inc. Technical Committee 9 Chair

Isabell specializes in evaluating and developing new material systems and coatings that make connector contacts and terminals more reliable and fit for future purpose. Her three decades of professional experience in surface and plating technology enables her to understand the intricacies of producing materials cost-efficiently using sustainable manufacturing processes.

Read Q&A with Isabell on innovation in automotive connectivity.

Specialty
Developing materials for contacts used in automobile systems
Analyzing production for more efficient, cost-effective processes

Ask Isabell about
Plating and joining technologies
Analyzing materials and surfaces
Base materials and metal substrates, material systems, and coatings

Achievements
24 patents
More than 60 articles authored

Vincent specializes in designing, testing and analyzing signal integrity (SI) performance of high-speed inter-connects.

Specialty 
Signal integrity
High speed connector modeling
High speed connector simulation and post-processing
High speed connector testing and calibration
Connector SI tolerance analysis

Applications 
Data communication
Electromagnetics
Waveguide
Passive components
Modeling and FEM simulation

Ask Vincent About 
Signal integrity
CT scan and cross-section
S parameter and post-processing
Electromagnetic field
PCB SI
Dielectric WaveguideVector network analyzer
In-fixture calibration
Material, surface roughness 

Sean specializes in the development & design of new high-performance materials for harsh environments that make cable accessories & other insulating products more reliable, easier to install, longer lifetime & future proof. His many decades of professional experience in material science & technology enables him to understand the complexity of designing materials for cost effective & sustainable manufacturing.

Read Q&A with Sean on solving for innovation in energy performance.

Specialty
Designing anti-tracking/hydrophobic elastomeric & polymeric formulations for the power industry. Failure analysis & problem analysis methodology. Silicone rubber technology

Patents
6 patents

Ask Sean About
Silicone rubber technology
Design of materials for harsh environments
Sealants & adhesives
Failure analysis & problem solving

Rod is a subject matter expert (SME) in electrical contact finishes, tribology, reliability, and currently focuses on open innovation research with universities and research institutes to meet TE’s current and future technology needs.

Engineering Specialty 
Electrical contacts
Reliability and Failure Analysis
Carbon nanotubes and graphene
University and Research Institute Collaboration

Focal Applications 
Tribology and corrosion of contact finishes
Reliability
Open Innovation

Webinars with and Articles Authored by Rodney
“Using Graphene to Improve Electrical Contacts” 
Over 50 publications in journals and technical conferences

Career Highlights
18 US patents, 1 National Science Foundation grant
Director, IEEE Intensive Course on Electrical Contacts

Matt specializes in solving for power and signal connectivity, especially when it involves high-speed connectors, PCB interconnects, compliant pin technology, and VME/VPX system solutions.

Read Q&A with Matt on solving for connectivity in aerospace.

Specialty
Rugged connector designs for aerospace

Applications
Spacecraft (manned and unmanned)
Aircraft (manned and unmanned)

Ask Matt about
Connector solutions for VPX architecture

Read Articles Authored by Matt
Imagining the Future of Flight

Interviews with Matt
Technical Path for eVTOL Technologies (Part 1)

Bernard specializes in the design and development of interventional medical devices and device components at TE. He works closely with customers to provide high performance, cost-effective, novel, and manufacturable solutions from conception to production. A subject-matter expert in structural heart therapies and devices, Bernard also has extensive experience in electrophysiology, cardiovascular, neurovascular, peripheral and endoscopic devices.

Bernard is a member of the advanced technology group, whose key role is to take a long-term view of the future of medical device developments to identify and develop technologies that our customers will need in the coming years. In addition to nearly two decades of experience in medical device innovation and rapid prototyping groups, Bernard also has an extensive experience in other areas, including high-volume electronic device manufacturing and thermal design.

Engineering Speciality
Braided, hypotube or hybrid-based device design
Laser cut hypotube component design
Device simulation
Sensor integration
Design for manufacturing
Novel additive manufacturing processes

Focal applications
Smart devices
Next generation devices and constructions
Novel automated manufacturing processes

Ask Bernard about
Structural heart therapies and current devices
Future trends in interventional therapies
Component and device design
Design for manufacturing

Chad specializes in analyzing and designing high-speed, high-density components, as well as in developing signal integrity modeling, simulation, and measurement methods for characterizing digital and RF components. He is also focused on characterizing advanced conductor and dielectric materials electrically for high-speed signal transmission.

Read Q&A with Chad on solving for connectivity in data centers.

Specialty
Electromagnetic interconnect modeling (FEA, TLM)
Full system simulation (SPICE, linear, convolution)
Component and system verification testing (TDR, VNA, BERT)
High-speed network analyzer measurement & de-embedding
High-speed right-angle and direct-plug orthogonal designs
Low-skew geometry modeling & novel solutions

Applications
Data center architectures (routers & switches)
Server architectures & disaggregation
Wireless backbone digital applications
High-speed, high-density digital component modeling
High-speed, equalized system simulation
Metal & dielectric electrical characterization at high frequency
External 28-112 Gbps cable assemblies (QSFP, OSFP, QSFP-DD)
Internal low-loss cable assemblies (Sliver cable assemblies)
Cabled backplane solutions (cabled STRADA Whisper connectors)

Ask Chad about
Choosing tools and methods for predicting performance
Achieving low insertion loss and crosstalk to 50 GHz
Removing unwanted resonances from components
Measuring high-frequency material characteristics
Selecting materials for high-speed

Marjorie specializes in connector contact material, physics, plating, treatments, and performance to analyze, develop, evaluate, and introduce new advanced contact approaches and processes for TE products.

Engineering Specialty
Contact physics/function – electrical and mechanical
Material and performance analysis
Plating process

Focal Applications 
Connection performance analysis and development (platings, treatments, finish systems)
Training development
Advanced automotive development

Professional Accomplishments
50+ publications, both internal and external
13 patents granted

Anil is a multidisciplinary problem solver with experience in applied research, technology development, and knowledge-based lean product development. His three decades of experience in research and product development enables him to understand the complex multidisciplinary product designs, customer needs, and provide solution. He is a passionate mentor and teacher and well-connected with universities, which enables him to support TE’s talent and technology needs. 

Areas of Engineering Specialty
System design: Electro-mechanical, electrical, and electronics
Design of mechanisms, drives, signal conditioning, power supply, modelling, design for EMI / EMC and testing
Sensor design, selection and fusion
Data analysis and interpretation. AI and ML algorithm for prediction
Testing and characterization: Electroanalytical methods (Voltammetry, Amperometry, Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy, Tafel plots, etc.) 

Focal Applications 
Smart devices, IOT, and IIOT
Sustainable processes and materials
Drive Innovation, develop and mentor key technical talent

Ask Anil About 
End-to-end multi physics system modelling and problem-solving
Sensor fusion and IOT system
Electrochemical and Tribological test methods
Design for EMI, EMC, and ESD
Design for high temperature, pressure, and harsh environment applications

Career Highlights
25 Publications
8 patents granted 
Co-author, ‘Micro Grid Architectures & Maintenance’, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publications GmbH & Co. KG, Germany. ISBN 978-3-659-27797-9, 2012

Josef specializes in process improvement and process innovation in stamping, plating, molding and assembly.

Read Q&A with Josef on solving for improvements in manufacturing processes.

Ask Josef about
Manufacturing and automation
Stamping dies
Injection molds
Digital factory

Frank specializes in taking innovation concepts and developing them into functional, sustainable manufacturing processes.

Read Q&A with Frank on solving for innovation in manufacturing.

Specialty
Manufacturing innovations (plating, stamping, molding)
Pilot and deployments in manufacturing
Sustainability optimization (energy, process water, chemicals)
Engineering and operational excellence

Ask Frank about
New opportunities with manufacturing transformation (digital factory)

Dave specializes in developing sensors – primarily MEMS-based sensors and electronic sensor systems.

Read Q&A with Dave on solving for connectivity in sensors.

Ask Dave about
Sensor requirements and trends

Bill helps customers solve for high-speed, ruggedized, small form factor and low-cost optical transceivers.

Read Q&A with Bill on solving for connectivity in technology.

Specialty
End-to-end networking solutions for high speed communications

Applications
Aerospace systems
Transportation systems
Medical devices
Fiber optic sensing

Ask Bill about
Fiber optics
High speed communications
Networking - all types

Emily specializes in automation manufacturing technologies and AI innovations and solutions to serve TE’s manufacturing processes.

Areas of Engineering Specialty 
Automation Manufacturing Technologies
AI Technologies
Robotics and Machine Vision

Focal Applications 
Process Automation
AI & Machine Vision
AI Process Control and Optimization
Robotics

Ask Emily About 
Automation
AI Applications in Manufacturing
Robotics and Machine Vision

Career Highlights
216 patents granted in 14 countries
24+ papers published in TE internal conferences and external
journals/conferences

Davy Brown serves as the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for TE Connectivity’s Transportation Solutions segment since October 2024. 

As the technical leader of the Transportation Solutions segment, Davy is responsible for the strategic direction of global engineering and product research and innovation within the Global Automotive, Industrial & Commercial Transportation, Sensors, and Global Application Tooling business units.

Davy joined TE in 2013 as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of the Telecom and Wireless businesses and continued in that role after the merger and creation of Broadband Network Solutions (BNS). He then served as Senior Vice President, Research and Development of CommScope’s Connectivity Solutions business after its acquisition of BNS before returning to TE in 2017. From 2017 until 2024, Davy served as the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for TE Connectivity’s Industrial Solutions segment. 

After beginning his career at British Telecom Research Labs, he has held senior technology leadership and executive roles in various technology companies spanning the semiconductor, software, consumer electronics and telecommunications industries. He also co-founded and served as CTO of Trinity Convergence, a multimedia communications company.

Davy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.

Articles Authored by Davy
The Electrification of Everything

Interviews with Davy
Accelerating the Electrification Everywhere Evolution

Erin Byrne has served as the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for TE Connectivity’s Industrial Solutions segment since October 2024. As technical leader for the segment, Erin’s responsibilities include providing technology strategic direction, engineering talent and workforce development, and value creation from innovation for the segment’s Automation & Connected Living sector and its Energy, Medical, Digital Data Networks, and Aerospace, Defense, & Marine business units.

Erin joined TE in 2011 as Director of Advanced Development and held several product development leadership roles in the Data and Devices Business Unit before becoming CTO in 2018. In 2021, Erin moved to become the CTO of the Sensors Business Unit. With depth and breadth in different product groups across the company, Erin specializes in solving tough challenges using the global strength of TE’s engineering workforce. In March 2024, Erin was named the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for the Communications Solutions segment. 

Prior to joining TE, Erin held engineering leadership positions developing semiconductor lasers for fiber optic communications at AT&T Bell Laboratories and subsequent spinoffs. She has also held commercial roles in several industry verticals, including as CEO of an optical sensing startup.

 Erin holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Inorganic Chemistry from Cornell University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Rochester.

Articles Authored by Erin
Interview with Erin on advanced sensors
Advanced Sensors for a Connected World
Machine Learning in Data Center Architectures
Cooler, Cleaner Future: Rapid Expansion of Data Centers

Phil Gilchrist has served as the Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, Artificial Intelligence & Sustainable Materials since March 2024.

Previously, he served as the chief technical officer for the Communications Solutions segment, responsible for the strategic direction of global engineering and innovation, product research, engineering talent and digital process development within these business units: Data & Devices and Appliances.

Phil first joined TE in 2011 as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of the Enterprise business unit, moving on to be the CTO of TE’s Datacom business unit. He then served as General Manager of Optics and CTO of Data and Devices until becoming the CTO for the Communications Solutions Segment.

After beginning his career as the Co-Founder of a technology start-up, Phil held numerous senior technology leadership and executive roles at Motorola from 1999-2011 focused on software, chipset and platform product development.

Phil holds a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Computer Science from the University of Stirling, Scotland.

Article by Phil
The Promise of Advanced Materials

Interviews with Phil
Developing Advanced Materials
Closing the AI Knowledge Gap

Travis is a technical leader with 15 years of engineering, operations, lean, supply, and project management experience. He leads a global technology team that partners with customers to develop critical medical component and device solutions that save lives.

Areas of Engineering Specialty 
New Product Development
NPD Processes
PMO
Lean Manufacturing
Quality

Focal Applications 
Medical Components and Devices

Ask Travis About
New Product Development
Lean Manufacturing
Project Management
Design for Manufacturing

Greg leads the development of product solutions for the transportation markets.

Applications
Application Tooling
Commercial Transportation
Industrial Equipment

Ask Greg About
The future of electrification and autonomous control in the transportation markets.

Articles by Greg
The March Toward Commercial Fleet Electrification

Interviews with Greg
Electrification Evolution of Commercial Fleets

Jamie leads a global team that specializes in the development and commercialization of next-gen power and signal connectivity solutions across the electrical, optical, and RF domains.

Specialty
Executing and accelerating product roadmaps to deliver differentiated value

Applications
Spacecraft
Aircraft
Defense (Land & Marine)

Ask Jamie about
Lean product development
The future of air & space travel

Rolf leads TE´s automotive team in Europe. His team partners with automobile manufacturers and suppliers in the European region to serve the future needs for all customers.

Areas of Engineering Specialty 
New Product Development
New Technology for Automotive Applications
Metals and Surfaces for Harsh Environments
Road mapping and Skill/Talent Development

Focal Applications
E-Mobilty
Core Terminal and Connector Products
Digital Service

Ask Rolf About
New Innovations on Core Products
Transformation to E-Mobilty
Digital Transformation and New Digital Services for our Customers
Sustainable Products
Simulation
Harness Automation and New Zonal Harness Architectures
Connector and Terminal Design for Harsh Automotive Environment
Skill and Talent Development

As CTO of Automotive Asia-Pacific in TE Connectivity, which includes China, Korea, Japan & South of Asia, Mihran leads a cross-regional engineering team who develops connectivity solutions for Automotive with a product & value driven approach and delivering cost, quality, and time to market requirements of a highly dynamic and fast-growing Asia Pacific region.

Areas of Engineering Specialty 
Complete Vehicle Development
New Product Development and Innovation
Engineering Project Management
Product & Technology Road mapping 

Focal Applications 
Signal and Power Connectivity
E-mobility
Data Connectivity

Ask Me About
Vehicle Development and Project Management Processes
Value Analysis / Value Engineering / Design To Cost / Benchmarking
Engineering Strategy & Resource Management
Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Product Business Plans

Articles
Rapid Innovation Puts Pressure on EV Battery Connectors (Connector Supplier)

Nick leads a global team that develops the application tooling solutions providing reliable and precision terminations to enable connectivity solutions across various
industries.

Areas of Engineering Specialty 
Product and Process Development Engineering
Program Management
System Architecture and Platform Development Engineering
Lean 6 Sigma

Focal Applications 
Crimping and Press Fit Technologies
Magnet Wire and Pin Insertions

Ask Nick About 
Terminal and Connector Design
High Voltage and Data Connectivity
Cable Assembly and Harness
PCBA & Sensor Packaging
System Architecture

Alex leads a global team focused on solving for reliable connectivity in harsh environments.

Read Q&A with Alex on enabling innovation in industrial connectivity.

Specialty
Wired and wireless connectivity
Sensor systems

Ask Alex about
System design: Mechanics, electronics, firmware
Technology and strategy development
R&D effectiveness

Articles and Books Authored by Alex
The Growing Role of Cobots in Factory Automation
Integrated Microwave Sensors for Cavity-length Measurement in Machine Engineering
40+- articles and patents (see bibliography)

Interview with Alex
Designing Factory Cobots

Lisa is a decisive and effective transportation industry executive with 29+ years of experience in product engineering and design, manufacturing, sales, business development and organizational management. She is a proven cross-functional leader in innovating and developing products and manufacturing solutions respecting customer demands in quality and cost, while securing internal objectives in overall business strategy. Lisa currently leads a global team focused on providing reliable connectivity products designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions for on- and off-highway vehicles and recreational transportation.

Specialty

Product technology strategy
Inspiring & enabling innovation
New product development execution excellence
Developing high performing teams
Design for manufacturing and assembly 

Applications

Industrial and commercial transportation
E-Mobility
Data connectivity 
Electromechanics
Terminals and connectors
Cable assembly systems

Ask Lisa About

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)
New product development
Product technology roadmaps
Developing people and teams
Minimum technical solutions
Design for sustainability
Customer focus

Articles Authored by Lisa

The future of autonomy for on-highway vehicles
(connectortips.com)

Ruediger Ostermann is Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for TE Connectivity's Global Automotive Engineering business. His experience is built on a lifelong career in the field of T&C, junction boxes, and wiring harnesses in different companies and regions. His areas of specialty include vehicle electrical architecture and applications as well as engineering strategy and management. Ruediger joined TE in 2015 and has held various roles within the organization rising in the ranks from Senior Engineering Manager to most recently CTO of Asia Pacific, leading the Asia Pacific automotive engineering business with teams in China, Korea and Japan. Prior to joining TE, Ruediger held roles at SEWS-CE, Lear Corporation, Stocko GmbH & Co KG and EDM Engineering GmbH. Ruediger holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from FH Muenster, Germany.

Areas of Engineering Specialty
Vehicle Electrical Architecture and applications.
Engineering Strategy and Management

Focal Applications
T&C core
eMobility
Data Connectivity

Articles Authored by Rudi
Software-Defined Vehicles Allow Upgrades with Ease

Interviews with Rudi
Designing Software-Defined Vehicles

Jeremy leads TE’s automotive team in the Americas. His team partners with automobile manufacturers and suppliers in the Americas regions to serve the technology needs for all customers. 

Areas of Engineering Specialty
New Product Development
Innovation 
Talent Development
Strategy Development
E-Mobility Product and Technologies

Focal Applications 
E-Mobility Products – High Power Terminal and Connectors, Charging Solutions, Battery Connectivity 
Low Voltage Terminal, Connector, and Header Products 

Ask Me About
New Product Development
Innovation Process and Cross-Functional Collaboration 
Technology Roadmaps & Execution 
Automotive Technologies and Market Trends
E-Mobility 

Career Highlights
27 patents awarded

Christian leads a global team that partners with customers in developing innovative solutions for the energy market.

Areas of Engineering Specialty 
New Product Development
NPD Processes
3-D Printing

Ask Christian About 
New Product Development
Solid Modeling
Molded Plastic Component Design
Stamped Metal Part Design

Lamar is a customer-centric technology and engineering leader with 30+ years of sensors industry experience with varying technical leadership roles including sensing technology R&D, mixed signal IC and ASIC design, and program management. His experience with product and platform developments stretches across various industries including automotive, medical, industrial, aerospace, defense, marine, factory automation, oil & gas and test & measurement.  He has 45+ issued sensor related patents.

Lamar is currently the Senior Director and Chief Technology Officer for Transportation Sensors in TE Connectivity’s Sensors Business Unit and is responsible for the strategic direction of global engineering, product development and innovation for sensor solutions serving Automotive and Heavy-Duty Vehicle applications.

Specialty
Automotive Platform Development and Product Design
Lean Product Development Systems (LPDS)
Sensor Technology Development
Mixed Signal IC and ASIC design
Technology Research & Development
Strategic Roadmap Planning and Implementation
Robustness Validation (RV) & Design for Reliability Eng (DfRE)
Design To Value (DTV)

Focal Applications
eMotor / ePowertrain
eBrake
High Speed Rotary
Hybrid Transmissions
Battery Charging & Management
Humidity & Environmental Sensing
High Resolution Wheel Speed
Front & Rear Steering
Oil Property Measurement
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Ask Lamar about
Platform Test & Calibration Systems
Global Standardization of Engineering Enablers
Recruiting and Developing High-performance Organizations
Managing Large Cross-functional Global Eng Organizations
Sensor Fusion, Combination Sensing
Silicon Piezoresistive MEMS & Strain Gage Pressure Sensors
Magnetics Technologies including 2D & 3D Hall Effect, Anisotropic Magnetoresistance (AMR), Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) and Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR)

Articles written by Lamar
Interview with Lamar on vehicle architectures
Transforming Vehicle Architectures with Sensor Technologies
Sensor Fusion Expanding in Step with Advancing Vehicle Sophistication

Thomas leads a global team that develops innovative connectivity solutions for industrial technologies.

Specialty
End-to-end customer-centric innovation
Research and development

Ask Thomas about
Industrial networks and systems
Industrial systems design
Technology and strategy development

Articles Authored by Thomas
Fueling the Future of Renewable Energy 

Interview with Thomas
Understanding Future-State Renewable Energy

Mike leads the global data and devices engineering team, partnering with the data centers around the world to develop their interconnect solutions and architectures.  

Specialty 
Engineering strategy and execution excellence 
System engineering, optics, and high-speed smart materials  Micro-electronics 

Applications 
High-speed data communications 
Optical transportation 
Data center architectures 

Ask Mike about 
System design and architecture 
Optics science 
Technology roadmaps
Engineering program management and best practices  

Read Articles Authored by Mike
Machine Learning in Data Center Architectures
How High Speed Connectivity is Enabling IoT