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

Guenter specializes in innovation for industrial communication, robotics, and I/O connectivity. He works closely with major industrial customers and technology partners to bring new and innovative products to market.

Guenter works at international standardization groups involved in electrical and electronical connectors and interconnections as well as electrical termination technologies like Crimp, IDC, Piercing, Spring Clamp, Press-In connection solutions. For more than three decades, he has served as a delegate, expert and working group chairman to VDE/DKE, IEC, and Cenelec.

Guenter received TE’s prestigious 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award for his nearly forty years of technical leadership and expertise. In addition to being a TE Fellow for the past decade, he amassed several distinctions: 40 granted patents, TE’s 2012 New Innovation Award, and 2016 Impact Innovation Award. His relationships with customers have helped drive competitive advantages that increased TE’s influence in the field of Industrial Communication.

Specialty
Industrial Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) 1 Gbps
Advanced Physical Layer (APL) 10Mbps for 1000m
M12 x-coded, mini I/O Cat-6a 100 Mbps - 10 Gbps
Automation IO connectors
Industrial power and signal and communication connectors

Applications
Industrial Internet, IIoT
Industry 4.0
Cyber Physical Systems

Ask Guenter about
Industrial communication
Sensor to the cloud
Industrial wireless, 5G ACIA
Electrical termination technologies
Industrial standards

Dave specializes in helping customers innovate for high-speed connectivity in data centers.

Read Q&A with Dave on solving for high-speed connectivity in data centers.

Applications
Data center servers, storage, and switches
Hardware accelerators
Wireless systems

Read Articles Authored by Dave
Machine Learning in Data Center Architectures
Optimizing Data Center Systems: Solving Thermal Performance
 

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

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

Helge specializes in designing contacts used in automotive applications.

Read Q&A with Helge on connectivity in automotive.

Ask Helge about
Contact designs and materials

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 has served as the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for TE Connectivity’s Industrial Solutions segment since 2017.

As the technical leader of the Industrial Solutions segment, Davy is responsible for the strategic direction of global engineering and product research and innovation within the Energy, Industrial, Medical, and Aerospace, Defence and Marine businesses.

Davy first joined TE in 2013 as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of the Telecom and Wireless businesses and continued 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.

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.

Read Articles Authored by Davy
The Electrification of Everything

Phil Gilchrist has served as the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for TE Connectivity’s Communications Solutions segment since Oct 2017.

As the technical leader of the Communications Solutions segment, Phil is 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.

Ralf Klädtke is Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for TE Transportation Solutions. Appointed to the role in April 2021, Ralf has an extraordinary background of accomplishment and success, including over 25 years of technology and leadership experience with global technology companies.

As technical leader of the Transportation Solutions segment, which includes the Automotive, Industrial & Commercial Transportation, Sensors and Application Tooling business units, Ralf is responsible for providing thought leadership and guidance around the future innovation, growth plans and portfolio investments for the organization, as well as in guiding the segment’s technology roadmap. In addition, he partners with the Chief Technology Officers within each of the Transportation Solutions’ business units to build and develop high performing teams and to ensure that the engineering organization is able to capitalize on future growth opportunities.

Ralf was previously Co-CEO and CTO of ZKW Group, a leading provider of lighting systems and electronics for the automotive industry. Prior to ZKW, he served as Executive Board member, Mobile Transportation Technology, for Schaltbau Holding AG; President and CEO, for Airbus DS Optronics GmbH and Carl Zeiss Optronics GmbH; and Vice President, Reusable Launcher / Security & Defense Germany, for EADS SPACE (now Airbus Defence and Space).

Ralf is a former captain in the German Air Force and also held Director roles with the German Space Agency (DARA/DLR) and MAN Technologie where he was the European Program Manager of the X-38 / Crew Return Vehicle. Ralf holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Bundeswehr in Munich, Germany.

Read Articles Authored by Ralf
Slower – But Safer – Journey Toward Autonomous Vehicles

Erin specializes in leading teams that co-create with customers to solve critical problems using multi-disciplinary approaches.

Read Q&A with Erin on innovation in connectivity.

Specialty
Executing on product and technology roadmaps to deliver differentiated value

Applications
Sensors for IIoT and Medical
Cloud computing

Ask Erin about
MEMS-based sensors
How data and sensing meet at the network edge

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

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.

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

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 industrial 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

Read Books and Articles 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)

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

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 home appliance market.

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

Focal Applications 
Major Home Appliances
Small Appliances

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

Thomas leads a global team that develops innovative connectivity solutions for sustainable energy networks.

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

Applications
Overhead power grid solutions
Underground cable networks
Renewables
Industrial power solutions
Railway power solutions
Nuclear power solutions
Wildfire and asset protection
Wildfire mitigation
Substation solutions

Ask Thomas about
Electrical power networks and systems
Electrical systems design
Technology and strategy development

Read Articles Authored by Thomas
Fueling the Future of 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

Lisa is a decisive and effective transportation industry executive with 29+ years of experience in product engineering and design, manufacturing, sales, businessdevelopment 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)