THE PEOPLE OF U

Michael Joubert – Senior Field Applications Engineer

Michael began his career at UIC in 2010 as a field engineer. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Technology Management and recently completed his Master’s degree in IT Management. Previously, Michael worked for other firms in the electronics industry that made both complimentary & competitive equipment. His current role is very diverse and broadly focused, lending itself to a lot of travel as a technical expert to the sales team, to show support & live demonstrations, and more.

In his leisure time, Michael is a beekeeper! For the last 10 years, Michael has kept active hives on both his home property and at a friend’s winery in Rhode Island.

Tell us a bit about your background. Where did you go to school, what did you study, and where did you work before joining UI?

My vocational training was originally in TV/VCR repair. I later earned a bachelor’s degree in Technology Management and recently completed a master’s degree in IT Management. Both degrees were obtained through online institutions, which worked well with my schedule since my job requires frequent travel. Before UIC, I worked for other firms in the electronics industry that made complimentary and competitive equipment.

How long have you been on the UI team, and what do you do here?

I started at Universal in June 2010 as a field engineer. My current role is senior field applications engineer.

What’s a typical day like for you at UI?

No such thing as a typical day! Most of my work involves being a technical expert for the sales team in North America. Our sales team maintains relationships, sells the product and gets in the door. But when they have technical questions from customers, that’s my job to step in and deal with that question. I also do a lot of analysis and simulation reports for customers. “How quickly can I build my products with your machine?” That’s my job to figure out. I also do live demos, go to sales calls with our sales team to customers as well. At home I take a lot of meetings, calls and research every week and still help out tech support and field service. It’s a very diverse role. Because of my background I am a path of escalation at times. If field service says, “We’re stuck on this one,” mostly with networking and software issues, I’ll offer advice or be involved. If it’s a PM or a mechanical problem, they have that covered. I have a very broad focus in my role.

If you had to sum up UI in just a few words, what would they be?

Tenacious. Quiet innovation. Great place to work!

What is something you’d like people to know more about when it comes to UI? Think products, processes, our industrial footprint, company culture, etc.

We do novel solutions for tough problems for customers. We’re humble at innovation. Our history is so fascinating. We were very early on in the automation of electronics manufacturing. We made a lot of things happen early on that carry on to this day.

Imagine a fun scenario: if you could step into someone else’s shoes at UIC for a day, whose role would you choose and why?

Mike Kane has a lot of unique challenges and apps engineer management. That might be interesting.

When you’re not at work, what’s your hobby or interest that might surprise people?

I am a beekeeper for the last 10+ years. I started because I wanted to pollinate my apple trees on my property. Originally, I looked into mason bees and ended up going with honeybees. I have hives on my property and at a friend’s winery on Rhode Island. I give most of my honey away – selling it can be a pain. When I go to the hive, I am completely focused. It’s almost meditative. You can’t be thinking about work or anything outside of what’s happening in that moment, because you can get stung if you get clumsy or careless. Over the winter the bees are clustering in a big ball in the hive to keep themselves warm. If I’ve done my job right, they’re disease free and the population is large enough. They’re clustering to keep themselves warm. With the fluctuating weather, I’ve seen some moving around outside the hive, which means they’ve survived and are doing well. There’s no right or wrong way to keep bees. Nobody knows everything about it and there’s always something to learn.

What is one piece of advice or guidance that someone gave you that’s stuck with you?

“In time, all things shall pass.”

If you could have any meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I like breakfast. Oatmeal with frozen blueberries and wheat germ in a bowl with yogurt and a banana. It sounds so boring but I have it every single day.

What’s a book/movie/podcast you’d recommend to everyone?

I enjoy a cheap Chuck Norris movie every so often. There’s a podcast I listen to when I drive here called “Darknet Diaries.” They interview people related to the world of hacking, data breaches and cybercrime. There is one new episode per month. It’s engaging and interesting – perfect for when I travel.

Melissa Ross – WPSD Customer Service Team

Melissa started her career with Universal Instruments over a year ago in the Customer Order Center department. She graduated from the Information Processing Program from the Ridley Lowell Business and Technical Institute. After college, Melissa worked in the banking industry for eight years and then held various roles at a life insurance company for 15 years. In her current role at UIC on the WPSD Customer Service Team, she places customer orders for spare parts, books machine orders, and follows the process through until the machines ship by working with multiple departments. She also processes APL and Training Center orders.

When she’s not at work, Melissa spends time with her family and generously volunteers at her local volunteer ambulance service, VFW, and American Legion.

Tell us a bit about your background. Where did you go to school, what did you study, and where did you work before joining UI?

I attended Ridley Lowell Business and Technical Institute and graduated from the Information Processing Program. I worked in the banking industry for eight years in the repossession department, then held many different positions such as Escheat Coordinator, AP, and Payroll at a Life Insurance Company for 15 years.

How long have you been on the UI team, and what do you do here?

I’ve been with Universal Instruments for just over 1 year. I work in the COC department. I place customer orders for spare parts and book machine orders and follow the process through until the machine ships out the door by working with sales team, buyers, planners, manufacturing and shipping teams. I also process APL lab and training center orders.

What’s a typical day like for you at UI?

Answering customer phone calls and e-mails to process order requests. I work closely with our sales and manufacturing teams by handling machine orders from start to finish.

If you had to sum up UI in just a few words, what would they be?

Innovative & unique.

What is something you’d like people to know more about when it comes to UI? Think products, processes, our industrial footprint, company culture, etc.

Universals products are unique and always changing to reflect the most recent needs of the customer.  The employees of Universal are what makes working here a pleasure. They are always friendly and willing to tell you what role they have within the company.

When you’re not at work, what’s your hobby or interest that might surprise people?

I volunteer in my community with the Great Bend Hallstead Volunteer Ambulance, VFW Post 6223 and American Legion Post 357. I have been the treasurer of the local ambulance for 20 years.  I work bingo on Thursday nights at the American Legion and I am currently a trustee at the VFW Auxiliary.  I also help at other events within the organization, I’m always volunteering my time somewhere. 

What is one piece of advice or guidance that someone gave you that’s stuck with you?

Hard work and determination will get you far in life.  You can do anything you set your mind to.

If you could have any meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza. It’s just my favorite!

What’s a book/movie/podcast you’d recommend to everyone?

“The Blind Side” is my favorite movie.  I’ve watched it several times and every time I watch it, it still brings me to tears.

Valentin Tarin – Central Technical Support Manager

Valentin started his career with Universal Instruments in Mexico in 1997 as a field service engineer and transitioned to a trainer position during his 22 year tenure. In 2019 he left UI-Mexico, but ultimately found his way back to Universal this past October as a central tech support specialist here in Conklin. He was promoted to Central Technical Support Manager in August 2025!

Valentin is proud of the customer service he and his team work together to provide to our customers and field engineers. His work ethic and enthusiasm for his job plays a big part in why our customer is unmatched.

In his spare time, Valentin enjoys spending time with his wife driving through scenic New York, from the finger lakes to the mountain regions.

Tell us a bit about your background. Where did you go to school, what did you study, and where did you work before joining UI?

I went to Engineering school at Tec Laguna from 1987-1991 in Mexico, where I studied electronics industrial engineering. I worked for a cement plant in Juarez, Mexico before working at Universal Instruments in Mexico as a senior field service engineer from 1997-2019. I left Universal briefly to work at Mack Technologies from 2019 to 2024, and joined the team here in Conklin in October 2024 as a Central Tech Support Specialist.

How long have you been on the UI team, and what do you do here? What’s a typical day like for you at UI?

I started at Universal Instruments Mexico in 1997 as a Field Service Engineer, worked for 22 years until 2019, went to work for Mack Technologies until 2024, and came back to work for UIC Conklin. In my current role I coordinate our customer problems with our field engineers and reps. My primary focus is on Surface Mount. I start my day reading my e-mails, new cases in Salesforce and requests for help from our service guys in Asia, greet my work mates and meet my boss for any info/advise/to do’s etc.

What is something you’d like people to know more about when it comes to UI? Think products, processes, our industrial footprint, company culture, etc.

Our focus on customer service is unmatched. All of our surveys reflect top-notch feedback regarding service. We are proud to deliver a high-quality, consistent approach to our customers so they can continue to be successful.

Imagine a fun scenario: if you could step into someone else’s shoes at UI for a day, whose role would you choose, and why?

I would be an instructor. We sometimes work with them on certain feedback we get from the field and from customers to keep in mind for future training. I was a trainer in Mexico with Universal Instruments after being a Field Engineer, so I know which information is useful in that role.

When you’re not at work, what’s your hobby or interest that might surprise people?

I spend a lot of my spare time with my wife. We like driving around the beautiful roads in New York. The finger lakes, the mountain trails – there’s a lot to explore, it’s beautiful. There’s so much to see and it’s different from what we’ve seen on the west coast.

What is one piece of advice or guidance that someone gave you that’s stuck with you?

Never give up. Sooner or later machine problems will be resolved!

If you could have any meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Thai fried rice. We like the local Thai restaurant near work – “Thai Thai.”

What’s a book/movie/podcast you’d recommend to everyone?

“The Daily Stoic Podcast” podcast and “Unforgiven” for a great movie.

Melinda Jin – Procurement Supervisor

Melinda has been with Universal Instruments since August 2022. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Nankai University with a dual major in human resources & finance in 2006. After college, Melinda worked for TSS Fortune Co., Ltd. in Tianjin, China as an import/export Senior Buyer for 13+ years. In her current role at UIC as Procurement Supervisor, she focuses on sourcing for different suppliers for key categories, like cover package, frame, cables, PCBA and more.

Amongst a variety of hobbies and interests, her favorite ones are drawing, painting, baking and yoga.

Tell us a bit about your background. Where did you go to school, what did you study, and where did you work before joining UI?

I earned my bachelor’s degree from Nankai University with a dual major in human resources & finance in 2006. After college, I worked for TSS Fortune Co., Ltd. in Tianjin, China as an import/export Senior Buyer for 13+ years. In that position, most of our customers were European so I traveled a lot for work and to shows throughout Europe and Asia. I came to the U.S. in September 2019. In July 2022, when my little one was 2 years old, I started looking for a job because I really missed working.

How long have you been on the UI team, and what do you do here?

I joined Universal Instruments in August 2022. I have grown a lot in the company. I was hired as a ‘Buyer I.’ This was my first job in the U.S. I really liked the company; Sandy interviewed me – I really love her! I thought, ‘if I can get in, I could get to know the company and learn more.’ A year later, I was promoted to Buyer Lead, and was promoted to my current role the following year, which is Procurement Supervisor with a focus in sourcing for different suppliers for the key categories, like cover package, frame, cables, PCBA and more.

What’s a typical day like for you at UI?

I do a monthly review of KPIs but my job is more project-based day to day: FuzionX, UFlex, HSWF. Every day I check my to-do list; I call them ‘to-close’ lists! I check my priorities everyday and then discuss them with different team members based on who specializes in each project. We also have a weekly review with different projects, and at the end of the week I double check my lists to make sure I’m all done. On Sunday night, I always go back & check my computer for 30 minutes to make my upcoming week’s priority list. My husband calls me ‘list girl’ because I have lists for everything, even at home! But it’s helpful because we can never finish everything 100% ourselves, and you’ll always have something new popping up every day. I need to make sure my priorities have been completed.

If you had to sum up UI in just a few words, what would they be?

A collaborative & supportive family. People truly care, not only about the products we create, but about each other, too.

What is something you’d like people to know more about when it comes to UI?

The history of Universal is always so remarkable. It started from just a safety pin – this is unbelievable! Something so simple became such an amazing company with over 100 years of history.

Imagine a fun scenario: if you could step into someone else’s shoes at UI for a day, whose role would you choose, and why?

I want to be Kristi Schilloff! I want to go to shows and tell people how amazing our products & machines are, and how great our company is. She’s full of passion!

When you’re not at work, what are your hobbies or interests that might surprise people?

I have quite a few hobbies but my favorites are drawing, painting, baking and yoga. I’ve played violin since I was 4.5 years old and piano since I was 9 years old, so those are ongoing hobbies for me, too. I have a garden that we started 4 years ago. I like to tend to that – I check it every day!

What is one piece of advice or guidance that someone gave you that’s stuck with you?

One thing my father always said when I was a little girl was, “Whatever you do, do your best.” I’ve followed that every day since I was 5 years old learning violin; in the summer I played 6-hours a day! That’s an attitude, and your attitude decides everything. If you want to do something, your attitude will be your standard to do your best. The result might not always be good, but you try your best and at the end of the day have no regrets.

If you could have any meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I love food! My nickname is “Eating Machine.” My favorite is a Japanese food called sashimi donburi. I learned how to cook during COVID and my favorite restaurant here is now my kitchen! Even when we go out to eat now, my oldest daughter will say, “This was good but mom’s is better.”

What’s a book/movie/podcast you’d recommend to everyone?

My best friend recommended a book to me in November 2023 called “Getting Things Done” written by David Allen. I learned SO much from this book. It helped me a lot with work. It discusses building up a system, and once you do that you can get things done. The highlight is the ‘2-minute principle’ – the idea that, if a task will only take you 2 minutes, just do it now. Send the email, put food away – it’s helpful in both life/work instances. Another is: put tasks into your calendar to make time to do them intentionally. After that you won’t have to think about it and it won’t consume your energy. If it’s not something you can do yourself, you need to delegate it to someone else who can resolve it. Then you put it on your calendar again to only follow up, but can remove it from your list. I recommend everyone read it.

Jack Hsieh – General Manager, Asia

Jack has been with Universal since April 2000 after previously being a UIC customer when working for SONY Video Taiwan. In his 25 year tenure, he has worked in the service department, transferred to sales, and was promoted to General Manager: Asia, in 2022, to oversee North Asia. Located in Taiwan, Jack is the head of our Global Equipment Sales for Taiwan, China and Northeast Asia.

When not working, Jack enjoys spending time with his family, whether that be enjoying a meal together, window-shopping, or simply lying on the sofa for a few minutes. He does not cook – not even the simplest dish – and typically enjoys going out to eat or bringing meals home from local restaurants, to the likes of Japanese food, Thai cuisine, Korean BBQ, Italian food, and more.

Tell us a bit about your background. Where did you go to school, what did you study, and where did you work before joining UIC?

I’ve been at Universal since April 2000. I was a UIC customer before I joined the company. I worked for SONY Video Taiwan at the factory for 4 years as a user of a machine platform named GSM. When UIC Taiwan was hiring field engineers, I started in the service department and was there for 1.5 years. In January 2002, I became a sales rep, initially in charge of the Taiwan market, and was promoted as sales supervisor the following year, in charge of our Taiwan, Philippines, and some Taiwanese accounts in China.

I took a brief break from late 2005 and returned in March 2006, stepping into the role of regional manager overseeing Taiwan and Taiwanese accounts in China, including one of the central China service teams based in Shanghai. In response to broader economic challenges following the Lehman Brothers crisis in late 2008, UIC began scaling back some of its operations in Asia. As part of the resulting organizational changes, my responsibilities shifted in October 2009 to include regions outside mainland China—specifically Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Thailand, and India.

In April 2013, I re-focused solely on Taiwan, Korea and Japan as the company decided to re-open their Southeast Asia operations. In July 2022, I was promoted to General Manager: Asia, to oversee North Asia. That’s my responsibility and role today.

How long have you been on the UIC team, and what do you do here? What’s a typical day like for you at UI?

I have been here 25 years total. Now that we have our new program called Global Equipment Sales (GES), I was named as GES Head for Taiwan, China, and Northeast Asia. Since April 2024, I have been quite involved in Delta meetings. I’m in meetings and on calls for Delta, IABG, E&S and AMBU, and more. Meetings & emails, day and night!

If you had to sum up UIC in just a few words, what would they be?

UIC was a technology-leading and U.S.-based company before the Delta acquisition. We specialize in the PCBA, automation and semiconductor packaging industry with over 100+ years operation.

If I talk to someone, I say UIC is a legend – king of the multi-function machine. High precision with high speed. When I was a field engineer, we were very proud of our products and still are.

What is something you’d like people to know more about when it comes to UIC? Think products, processes, our industrial footprint, company culture, etc.

UIC is a Delta company and a technology driven corporation with over 100+ years of long, historical industry experience with great competence & many patents. We have the Advanced Process Lab (APL) in the U.S. for new technology development. Our competitors have no such kind of advantage – we are unique in that sense.

How have the tariffs impacted you and your job, and what are some of the solutions you and your team have come up with to navigate them?

Due to recent tariffs, especially between China and the U.S., this will certainly have a big & bad impact to our business in China. Maybe not so severe to Taiwan or Korea at this moment, but from what I see right now, we need to find some quicker remedies or solutions on how to lower the impact on the tariff situation.

Based on my discussions with our U.S. leadership team, perhaps we will have a sub-station assembled in Taiwan or Thailand – it depends on where we ship the goods to. This is in an effort to prevent the direct tariffs due to U.S. cost of ownership. This is a study right now, an ongoing process we are troubleshooting.

Imagine a fun scenario: if you could step into someone else’s shoes at UI for a day, whose role would you choose, and why?

Because I was a service engineer in the past and had different sales roles, I would choose Phil Castoro or Shane Nunes because of our engineering and product teams. The engineering & product team has a heavy influence on the sales and services side. I’d want to know how they prioritize and make decisions for new product development, create road maps/directions, and those kinds of processes.

When you’re not at work, what’s your hobby or interest that might surprise people?

I have no real spare time right now. Relaxing to me is just lying on the sofa, looking for a movie on demand or listening to music. Accompanying my family for lunch, dinner or window shopping is enjoyable for me, too.

A movie I always go back to, since I was a teenager, is ‘The Last Mohicans’ from 1992. It’s old but I always keep it in mind if I ever have time for a movie.

What is your favorite local dish to cook? How were you first introduced to it?

I can’t cook – I don’t even make simple dishes. Some days my wife will cook but we only do that for a couple of meals a week. We usually will go out to eat or bring it back to the house.

I like Japanese food, Thai food, Korean BBQ, Italian food, even steak, U.S./western style. I am not a picky eater at all.

What is one piece of advice or guidance that someone gave you that’s stuck with you?

In my past 25 years with UIC, I’ve learned a lot from my associates, from here in Taiwan or in the U.S., and keep learning from them. In 2004, as a regional sales manager, the former GM of the Taiwan office, Toyokawa San, told me, “Use company money as your own.” I always remember this and try to share with colleagues to this day.

Another was when I was in the U.S. for sales training. Heinz Dommel, a former German district manager in late 2005, shared a book with me after I transferred from service to sales. It is called Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, M.D. The message I carry from that book is to be an honest person, support others’ needs, and always think high and wide to become irreplaceable at your job.

William Strusz – Recruiting Manager, U.S. Operations

Will joined the company in 2018. Prior to that, he worked in the technical Talent Acquisition field. He also built an active auto racing team, competing across the North Eastern U.S. He was approached with an opportunity to assist in developing a robust and scalable talent acquisition program and jumped at the chance after discovering the quality of the products and the people that make it happen. In his role, he can immediately see the impact of putting knowledge and skills together and being a part of the relationship-building process by placing the right candidates in the right job where they can thrive and grow. 

Outside work, he enjoys family outings in pursuit of state parks and hiking destinations. He also builds race cars, competes, and coaches drivers in asphalt short-track auto racing competitions.

Please describe your role in more detail.

My role functions within the Human Resources organization and oversees the Talent Acquisition program within Universal’s U.S. Business Unit operations. I have the pleasure of meeting candidates from diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives and taking steps to get to know them better, with the ultimate goal of placing them in the right job where they can thrive and grow. I also assist our hiring managers in defining the requirements, the skill sets required, and the appropriate salary level for the roles they are trying to fill. Then my team and I use a variety of tools (social media, website, networking, job fairs, and even word of mouth) to locate these candidates. I also prescreen the candidates, and once a candidate is chosen, we work alongside both them and the hiring manager in the steps required to bring them on board. 

What do you like most about your role/career?

What I like most about my role at Universal is being able to see the impact of putting knowledge and skills together on a team and being a part of the relationship-building process. Seeing it all come together gives a great sense of satisfaction and purpose.

Would you recommend Universal to others? 

Yes, absolutely. The company is filled with “helper” personalities across all levels and all functions. This leads to a sense of building skills and experience together as we go. There’s a blend of Sr. Level talent with product-specific knowledge, combined with Mid and Jr. level talent who bring different perspectives and methods to finding solutions. It all comes together, leading to inventive solutions to product introductions, advancement of existing technology and processes, and a sense of work satisfaction.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting a role/career at Universal?

Keep an open eye, open mind, and an open ear for ideas and perspectives with new and existing projects, and take a stance of curiosity. In doing so, your overall knowledge and strengths, and best practices will flourish.

What is something about Universal that surprised or delighted you that you want people to know? 

The most surprising element I’ve realized is how technologically strong not only the product family is but how many incredibly bright, inventive minds are in the same building, each providing input that impacts an overall ecosystem.

Describe Universal in three words or less: 

Impressive technological development.

Suzanne Austenfeld- Total Quality Project Manager

Suzanne joined the company in 2019 after working in various roles and industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and utilities, with varying degrees of responsibility. She graduated with a BS in Computer Science from Binghamton University and an MBA from Syracuse University. Suzanne excels in cross-functional collaboration with multiple departments to help solve issues and ultimately deliver the highest quality to our customers.

In her free time, she enjoys staying active by walking her dogs, riding her bicycle, and going to the gym with her husband. She is also a dedicated volunteer with the American Red Cross, helping provide shelter to home, insecure people. She also recently coordinated a blood drive right and volunteers as extra security for the Dick’s Open, the PGA tournament held in Binghamton, NY.

Please describe your role in more detail.

In my role, I work with the other departments on project management, process improvement, problem-solving, and training initiatives. This brings together my previous positions in other companies operations, strategic planning, quality, customer service, and procurement.   

What do you like most about your role/career?

In this job, I’ve learned a great deal about the company in a short time, interacting with all levels of management and staff. As a result, I can readily see the impact I have on my work.

Would you recommend Universal to others? 

Yes, you are exposed to so many different design and manufacturing aspects. However, if someone likes variety in their job, they should join Universal.

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting a role/career at Universal? 

Learn – explore, ask questions, and be ready to learn about the products and where you make an impact, whether it be in engineering, manufacturing, or procuring parts for manufacturing.

What is something about Universal that surprised or delighted you that you want people to know? 

Universal is an international company, but with less than 500 people in Conklin and fewer in Rochester, Universal has a local, small-company feel.

Describe Universal in three words or less: 

We impact lives.

Zdenka Mitchell- Customer Order Center Manager EMEA

Zdenka joined the company in 1997 and has worked in a variety of different roles with varying degrees of responsibility, starting as an Administrative Assistant then being promoted to an HR Generalist, and finally to her current role as the Customer Order Center Manager, EMEA. She is multi-lingual and is fluent in several different languages including English, Slovak, and German as well as, some Russian.

In her free time, Zdenka likes to spend time doing yoga, walking, and traveling throughout the world with her husband, Richard – who is also a Universal team member.  

Please describe your role in more detail.

I, along with the support of my team, ensure our customers receive their orders satisfactorily by executing the sales and order management process from receipt of purchase to delivery at the customer site. This involves precise coordination between the customer and Universal’s sales and operations teams to ensure the solution is built to match the customer’s specifications.  I also help to manage the logistics and compliance requirements for shipping our machines and accessories across borders to our customers across all corners of Europe.  As part of a smaller regional team, I also act as the local HR Generalist, this requires a knowledge of labor and hiring practices for the many different countries of the European Union.   

What do you like most about your role/career?

Continuous change meaning that I have successfully worked in a variety of different roles. It’s always very challenging to learn new processes and to interact with new people throughout the organization. 

Would you recommend Universal to others? 

Yes, I would. Very flat structure, international environment, technology, and great people. 

What is something about Universal that surprised or delighted you that you want people to know? 

When I started in 1997 I was intrigued by technology and the people. The same holds true today.  

Describe Universal in three words or less: 

Great people.  Great technology.

Denise Kowal – Manager, Technical Publications 

Denise joined the company in 2005, with many years of broad-based experience in technical writing, and has worked at several different technology companies, including IBM. Universal appealed to her because the company puts great importance on customer documentation and product support. She has held a variety of roles in our Technical Publications Department, including as a technical writer and most recently as the Manager, Technical Publications.

In her free time, Denise likes to spend time with her family, Bible study, and baking. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Binghamton Figure Skating Club. 

Please describe your role in more detail.

My role as the Technical Publications Manager is to provide support, guidance, and technical leadership to my team. My department is responsible for creating and maintaining detailed hardware and software documentation about all of our diverse products for our customers. Our goal is to provide our customers the information they need and to reduce calls to technical support. We also strive to continually develop world-class product information delivery systems. 

What do you like most about your role/career?

I enjoy documenting how to use our software and hardware, and I hope that what I do makes it easier for our customers to use our products. However, this is not an independent effort, and customer feedback enhances our content. After 16 years, I’m still learning new things; I never get bored.

Would you recommend Universal to others?

I would recommend Universal to others because you get to work on product development, not just push paper. I call it, “getting your hands in the dirt”…you don’t just plan the garden, you get to work in the garden. Our products are fascinating and high-tech. The work challenges you to learn and think creatively. The people we work with like what they do and are passionate about our products. Plus, this company has been in business for 102 years…how many companies can boast that?

What is something about Universal that surprised or delighted you that you want people to know?

The people. We all care about each other, we care about the product, and we are passionate about the work we do.

Describe Universal in three words or less:

Continuous learning.

Phil Castoro- Vice President, Engineering

Phil joined Universal in 2000 after graduating from Clarkson University as an entry-level mechanical engineer. Shortly after that, he advanced into a position as a lead mechanical engineer (while attending Binghamton University to pursue an MSME degree at the same time).  He moved to Shekou China for a 6-month assignment to manage a small cross-functional group of engineers. Upon return, he became a project manager and technical manager. In 2017 he was promoted to the engineering product manager for our Uflex and Automation product lines.  In 2020 he was promoted to Director, Platform Engineering responsible for both mechanical and electrical engineering, and then in 2021, he took the reigns as our VP, Engineering. 

In his free time, Phil likes to spend time with his family; coaching youth Ice Hockey; woodworking, boating & fishing.  

Please describe your role in more detail.

I manage the engineering organization which is responsible for the technical development and sustaining of all Universal’s standard products through their entire product life cycle. Our engineering organization consists of many engineering disciplines and spans 4 sites, including Conklin, NY (Headquarters), Rochester, NY, Charlotte, NC, Bratislava, Slovakia. 

What do you like most about your role/career?

I am a person who strives to make a positive impact on people and the organization. Given my experience, there is no other position in which I feel I can contribute more to both the people and the organization. 

Would you recommend Universal to others?

If you are a person with the initiative, determination, and desire to advance your career then Universal is the place for you!  I believe I’m fortunate enough to serve as an example of how the possibilities here are great. Universal has provided the right level of autonomy for me to create my path. Albeit true to my heart, engineering is only a part of what makes up the Universal team. We are a worldwide team consisting also of marketing, sales, support, field service, manufacturing…….. I truly feel that if someone has the desire, determination, and work ethic they can advance towards whatever path they choose.

 What is something about Universal that surprised or delighted you that you want people to know?

When I started in 2000 I was intrigued by the technology and the people. The same holds true today. You will never learn ‘everything’ there is to know about our products and the industry they serve. Both are complex, and both are ever changing!

Describe Universal in three words or less:

Dynamic & High-Tech