Systems Engineer
Becky Linton is a LabVIEW Champion and Certified LabVIEW Architect with over twenty-five years of LabVIEW programming experience. She holds a B.S. Electrical Engineering from Kettering University. While a student, she worked as a co-op for GM Product Development and completed her thesis with UPS. Upon graduation, Becky worked as an Applications Engineer and District Sales Manager for NI (National Instruments). She currently holds the position of Senior Systems Engineer/Engineering Group Manager at NI Alliance Partner, Averna, Powered by Spherea. She has been married for over 20 years to a wireless network architect, Jon, and they have two children, Joey, 18, and Libby, 16, and two dogs, Mars and Sirius. She volunteers in various STEM activities including coaching FIRST robotics teams FTC23856, When's Lunch? and FRC9455 DinoMights. In her rare spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and crafting.
Q: Where were you before Averna Powered by Spherea and how did you get here?
A: My first test engineering role was while I was a co-op at Kettering. I was working for GM’s Advanced Technology Vehicles group, I worked with the battery lab on testing the EV1 and rotated out to different product development teams within GM. Still a student, I completed my thesis at UPS based on automation for consolidation hubs and realized I missed test engineering. I joined NI after graduation and was part of the Engineering Leadership Program. I wanted to go back to Michigan so I became a Field Sales Engineer and then was promoted to District Sales Manager.
Q: What attracted you to Test Engineering?
A: It was more of my experiences. I was attracted to engineering in general because of Disney. I first decided I wanted to be a computer/electrical engineer after visiting Disney when I was 12. I fell in love with the audio-animatronics, in particular It’s a Small World and the Tiki Room. After my co-ops at GM and UPS I realized I didn’t care much for design engineering but I loved testing!
Q: What is your favorite aspect of your current role?
A: I like that I can test multiple different products across many different industries using the same test equipment. I like that no two projects are exactly the same. I like the variety offered by working with multiple customers.
Q: What do you consider the most challenging part of your role or test engineering in general?
A: The same thing that is my favorite aspect can also be the most challenging – not knowing what every day can bring, changing priorities and balancing many different projects at the same time.
Q: Have you had any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.
A: There are three people I’ve worked with in the LabVIEW community whom I feel have had a great influence – Chris Relf, Fabiola de la Cueva and Chris Roebuck. Chris Relf recruited me for my current role and provided great guidance in becoming a technical lead. Fabiola has always offered great advice with programming and leading teams of programmers. Chris Roebuck showed me how to better leverage source code control tools and automation of code reviews.
Q: Do you feel you achieve a good work/life balance?
A: Yes – I am even able to leverage my work skills in my home life. My husband and I created a version of the Haunted Mansion singing busts we put out each Halloween and I’ve been able to repair a number of my kids toys! Coaching robotics allows me to share these skills with the next generation.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: My son and daughter. Joey is an Eagle Scout with 12 years of FIRST robotics experience who will be attending Michigan Tech this fall where he is majoring in electrical engineering. He is already planning to join their Pep band – he’s an avid trombone player. Libby will be starting her junior year of high school this fall where she participates in robotics, band (trumpet), swim and ski. She’s also a certified life guard and has been working for at our high school pool.
Q: What have you learned from Averna Powered by Spherea that will be a takeaway for the rest of your life?
A: Working with others – being able to inspire others to do their best and having them inspire me to do my best.