OpTeC Colloquium

OpTeC sponsors a colloquium throughout the academic year. This is a forum where a wide range of optical science and engineering topics are discussed at a level that can be understood by a broad spectrum of optics students, staff, and faculty. The primary purposes are to train students to give effective scientific talks and to promote cross-disciplinary interactions of students, staff, faculty, and local industry employees. Speakers include MSU students, staff, and faculty, and visitors from external universities, research labs, and companies.

Join our colloquium on

Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 4:10 pm.

Norm Asbjornson Hall, Room 153

Click here to join via WebEx

Printable Flyer

Productization:  Peeling the Onion or How to design and build millions of high-quality devices

Andrew Oliver
PMP, MBA, Ph.D.
Research Engineer
Montana State University

Abstract

This talk relates the experience of an engineer and project manager in creating optical and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) products. It covers how a product's design, fabrication process, package, test, and qualification aspects are addressed to make a successful product. The fact that these areas often interact makes the job more challenging. This talk includes examples from actual products, including gyroscopes, uncooled infrared imagers, and infrared-based gas sensors. One example has sold over a million units. The talk focuses on technical challenges, how they were addressed, and how business forces impact product development.

Biographical Sketch

Andrew "Andy" Oliver, PMP, MBA, Ph.D., has worked in industry, government research laboratories, and academia. Currently, he is a research engineer at Montana State University. He worked at Sandia National Laboratories for nine years, developing a wafer-level packaging technology. He managed the foundry and packaging relationships for ICx Photonics, which developed infrared-based gas sensors and signaling beacons. He led the team that launched the first MEMS gyroscope at Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., and investigated the use of uncooled infrared imagers for automotive applications. Dr. Oliver also worked in industrial outreach at the Wireless Integrated MicroSensing & Systems (WIMS²) Research Center at the University of Michigan and was an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico. Currently, he is studying the applications of MEMS devices to optical systems. He is also the faculty advisor for Eta Kappa Nu, the honorary society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). In addition to being a certified project management professional (PMP), he holds a Ph.D. and MS in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan, an MBA from Penn State University, and a BS in electrical engineering from Iowa State University.

Past Speakers