Luis Gonzalez
Certification Manager
Define your role within Nemko.
I am the Nemko San Diego Certification Manager for our US, Mexican, and Canadian certification programs, commonly known as “NRTLc” for the US and Canada and “NOM” for Mexico.
How did you choose this career path?
I have always had a fascination with electrical products and electricity overall. This is why I chose Electrical Engineering. I remember when I was a kid, there used to be a metal light post in our neighborhood that would mildly shock you when touched. My friends and I used to hold hands from the post to a wrought iron fence and see how long we could last. Of course, later in life, I realized how dangerous that could have been, but as kids, we saw it as something fun to do while it lasted…parents in the neighborhood made sure it got fixed. I entered the Product Safety industry after joining a competitor after college. I was there for around 16 years. I then joined Nemko as a Sr. Safety Engineer, became the Safety Lab Manager, and progressed from there to Certification Manager. I enjoy this field because I have always felt that we are partnering with our customers to help them manufacture safer products, thus making the world a safer place.
What do you enjoy most about your job at Nemko?
I enjoy helping our internal and external customers and meeting new people all the time. Also love to see the new technology that comes across my desk; It’s like a kid in a candy store.
Are there any challenges that you’ve faced during your career that have taught you important lessons?
Yes, indeed. Throughout my 25-year career, I have definitely seen some challenges. I believe a career path is hardly ever a smooth road…you will run into potholes, hills, and winding roads, but it is exactly those challenges that have shaped me into what I am now and helped me grow in both my personal and professional life.
What do you think the industry will look like in 20 years?
I think that the Product Safety industry will still be relevant…as long as there are electrical/electronic products. As technology evolves, there will be inherent risks that must be addressed. I foresee automation in the way we write reports and perhaps automation on some safety tests. I can also envision a few safety Standards disappearing or being replaced by other Standards, similar to what we saw with the fairly new hazardous-based safety standard 62368-1, which replaced safety Standards 60065 and 60950.
What are some market trends you’re keeping an eye on?
I am keeping an eye on EVs, Space Technology, Cybersecurity, and IoT. I am interested to see how new technologies will change society. As mentioned, I think technology will evolve, and we need to evolve with it. I think we will eventually meet the Jetsons!
When not working, how do you spend your spare time?
Well, inspired by a famous catchphrase from the “most interesting man in the world,” I don’t always have spare time, but when I do, I prefer to spend my spare time hiking, mountain biking, and working on cars. Working on cars, in particular, has been a long-time hobby of mine. From getting gasoline in my mouth while siphoning to accidentally getting shocked by the car’s several thousand volts ignition coil, it has all been fun.
What does the average day in the life look like for you?
On a daily basis, there are lots of reviews and issuing certificates. I also participate in meetings, provide support with quoting and technical issues, support the development and revision of certification policies, help manage audits, and overall focus on daily operations required to run our Certification programs.
What is your favorite song, show, or book at the moment?
A friend of mine recently got me re-hooked to the song “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers. It’s on my head as we speak.
