Juan Gonzalez
Business Development Manager Wireless/EMC Division
Define your role within Nemko.
As the Business Development Manager for the EMC and Wireless division, I work with our sales department to identify new potential businesses; Together, we develop and work with high-tech customers and partners by identifying and translating their EMC-Radio testing and certification requirements into global or local service solutions. Additionally, I work closely with the EMC and Radio Laboratories to expand and improve their technical capabilities.
I am transitioning to a new role as the Global Director for the Center of Excellence within Nemko Group Market and Service organization, with full effect from 1 January 2023. I look forward to working with some of the most talented people within the organization from a wide range of departments, including Market, Technical, Regulatory, and Service Delivery. In this new role, I will lead diverse activities of the groups to support one of our primary strategic ambitions at Nemko Group: “To organize and train for tomorrow.”
How did you choose this career path?
I have always liked and enjoyed technology and electronics since my youth. I was curious and wanted to understand how things worked and what was inside. I started my career as a Product Engineer and then transitioned to R&D for one of the largest electronic companies; during that journey, I learned the importance of design for compliance and had my first experience with the regulatory world.
I am not sure if it was destiny, but one day I helped with some EMC measurements at the laboratory. The next thing I remember is that I was now part of the EMC group, and a few years later, I was leading a group of engineers to solve EMI issues and designing products to meet the EMC specifications. As a result of that journey, I decided to expand my knowledge in the regulatory arena and began working in the Testing Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry, where I have held several positions over the past ten years ranging from testing EMC and Radio, to managing multiple test laboratories, and more recently, helping with Nemko USA's business development.
What do you enjoy most about your job at Nemko?
I enjoy being in contact with the latest technologies, also learning something new every day, and sharing knowledge with people inside and outside our organization; In Nemko, what I enjoy most is seeing a customer launch their product and knowing that it is safe and compliant and that we were a part of that effort. I also enjoy knowing that my family and friends can potentially benefit from the new product or even save their lives if it is a medical, safety, or security device.
Working with a great company and a great team who are intelligent, independent, and solutions-driven is a blessing.
Are there any challenges that you’ve faced during your career that have taught you important lessons?
I have had many challenges though the lesson learned in most instances is that every challenge is an opportunity to expand knowledge and grow with perseverance, discipline, and passion in what you do.
What do you think the industry will look like in 20 years?
That is hard to predict, honestly, but I expect that we will see more changes in the vehicular industry in the next five to ten years; autonomous driving is also a reality and will be boosted by the ultra-low latency from the new IoT 5G-NR networks. We will see different types of clean energies competing for the market and not only lithium-ion battery EVs but also hydrogen-powered cars or others. Also, there is an excellent potential for the electrical design of hydrogen propulsion technology by aircraft. Big companies are working on this and other new clean technologies, and they must join forces to make that happen. I also think that there will be faster speeds and more reliable and scalable radio technologies that we will have to find good use of them; a good example is the new Wi-Fi 6/6E or the upcoming Wi-Fi7.
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
When we complete a project and help a customer launch their product safely to the market; it doesn't matter if it's a big-name company or a small startup, all their projects are critical for their companies, and they also have their complexities and just by working with them is a continuous learning exercise that helps on the next project. I am pleased when We, as a Nemko team, deliver as promised and even more when we have exceeded our customer expectations. That makes me feel we are heading in the right direction as professionals in the TIC industry.
What are some market trends you’re keeping an eye on?
5GNR and beyond (who knows what is coming after 5G). Also, mmWave for multiple applications is something that is growing, and we have to keep an eye on them; Traditionally, everything was below 5 GHz, but now, more and more technologies and products are using higher frequencies, such as 60 gigahertz and they have to deal with all the associated complexities not only on the design and manufacturing but also in the regulatory field.
When not working, how do you spend your spare time?
I love spending my free time with my family (my wife Cris and our kids Dominic and Cristhell); Our kids keep us busy along with our other activities. I also enjoy spending some time with friends and love outdoor activities like mountain biking and fishing, and occasionally, I try not to forget how to brew my home beer (a hobby that I used to do more a few years ago but is hard to maintain due to the limited time.)
