DISTek U210: Part 1

Learn with DISTek U210

DISTek U210: E2 Track is a new DISTek course offered internally to engineers wanting to learn and prepare themselves for the next engineering tier level. We use a classification of E1-E5 here at DISTek with E1 being entry level. Although, it is mostly geared towards E2s looking to set themselves up for success in becoming an E3 or senior engineer, the track also welcomes E1s wanting to learn about E2. In this class, we went over three books, had a panel discussion with senior engineers, and a mentorship project managed by the students in the class. This course also offered the benefit of networking and interacting with other DISTekians who we may not normally get the chance to work with.

In this two part series, we will talk about each of the books and the mentorship program, with the first two books being discussed by Gerardo Zamora and Chad Stapes here in Part 1, and a final book and mentorshiop being discussed by Michael Barnhardt in Part 2.

2020 DISTek Way Awards

DISTek has a long tradition of staying true to our guiding principles that help define who we are – our core values – and our commitment to treating others how we would want to be treated.  Core values keep us focused and state the behaviors that we expect from each other, while also making our company unique. Yet words and ideas merely listed on paper are meaningless without the link to real action.

My first year at DISTek

Between starting my first job out of school in the industry and being in the midst of a global pandemic, my first year at DISTek Integration was certainly one that anyone in the same position would remember. With DISTek being the first full-time embedded software industry position I have held, I was quite excited to get started, but felt a little nervous, as this was a new step in my professional career.

DISTek Presents at 2021 AETC

This year marked the 25th year of occurrence for the Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference (AETC). This year looked a little different, as it was hosted exclusively virtual on Open Water, a Zoom based platform. Attendees gathered from February 8-10 to attend the AETC, which is hosted by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. ASABE serves as an educational and scientific organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems.

2020: A Year in Review

I just scrolled through old blog posts and realized I have been writing a Year in Review post since at least 2014. If I did not know better, I might think I was being typecast for this role. Either way, if 2020 is the last time I do a Year in Review, then it certainly is one that provided a lot of differences to highlight.

Holiday Greetings from DISTek

While the holiday celebrations may look very different this year, here at DISTek we’re not about to let that dull our holiday sparkle and are doing our best to remain festive and connected this holiday season!

Good-bye Traditional College Career Fairs

Say goodbye to using a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and polished business suit to capture potential employers’ attention.  Say hello to presenting yourself via chat rooms, email, and even instant messaging.  College career fairs have gone virtual.  Welcome to searching for a job during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Embedded Programming Tips from a 25+ Year Veteran

Whether you’re beginning your career or looking to become more proficient in embedded software and systems, there are plenty of useful resources to help you. With over 25 years of embedded programming experience here at DISTek, I thought I’d take a few minutes and share some practical tips to enhance your skills.

Halloween Costume Contest: Virtual Edition

Halloween is arguably my favorite holiday and DISTek’s Annual Halloween Costume Contest never disappoints. However, in true 2020 fashion, things looked a bit different this year. We knew in the months heading into the fall season that we would probably not be assembling together in our training room for the traditional parade of costumes, so we set out to come up with a virtual event to stand in its place.

DISTek Participates in 2020 Virtual SAE COMVEC

Each year in September, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) holds a Commercial Vehicle Congress (COMVEC). At this event, engineers and technologists come together to collaborate on technologies for commercial trucks, defense vehicles, and off-highway equipment. DISTek has been a participant and exhibitor at COMVEC for many years. It is a perfect fit for our industry focus, and many of the technologies discussed are wholly, or partially, driven by electronics and software.

DISTek Attends ESOP Conference

ESOP Culture

Similar to most events in 2020, the ESOP Association’s Annual Midwest Conference went virtual this year. Initially, the meeting was set to be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but with the current health concerns in mind, I, along with several members of DISTek’s ESOP Communications Committee were able to attend from the comfort of our own homes!