Learning the Roles at Navus — How Our Team Works Together

Navus

Navus has spent over 20 years providing cutting-edge machines and systems to our clients. This has earned us a reputation as leaders in the field of state-of-the-art automation solutions. However, we would never have reached this level without our expert team and the roles they fill.

In this blog we’ll cover the roles and responsibilities of:

  • Electrical design engineer
  • Senior mechanical engineer
  • Automation technician
  • Automated robotics technician

 

Electrical Design Engineer

At Navus, electrical design engineers require a variety of skills. They can handle anything that gets thrown at them from electrical, programming, design, and even human interface of equipment. 

They may also be involved in:

  • PLC programming
  • HMI creation
  • Integration of new devices into networks

Electrical design engineers at Navus can find themselves working for some of our biggest clients early on. Working in the automotive as well as other industries allows for plenty of variation so they never feel bogged down and get to do something different every day. 

We understand the importance of hands-on work at Navus. As our team member Eric discovered at his previous company, moving up the company ladder can lead to working on major projects. Unfortunately, this also separated him from a lot of the hands-on work that he enjoyed most. 

As Eric explains:

But at some point in companies that large, you end up managing more people than projects. I was no longer as technically involved as I once was. I wanted to be closer to the edge of integration, which was what I always enjoyed the most, along with programming.

Fortunately for us, this played an important role in him joining the Navus team. Here he can continue the hands-on work that he enjoys most.

 

Click here to read Eric’s story and why he joined the team at Navus!

 

From left to right: Jim P., David L., James H., and Bill S. enjoying our first annual Open House in October 2021

Senior Mechanical Engineer

The duties of a senior mechanical engineer can vary from day to day. Much of one day may be dedicated to research and development for automating certain tasks to successfully design a system. The next day may be focused on debugging during runoff in order to:

  • Improve processes
  • Speed up cycle times
  • Develop methods that may change the design entirely

Whatever the task, our senior mechanical engineers are focused on making better products for clients and Navus itself.

Sometimes our senior mechanical engineers may pull double duty as designers. For James, this means facing changes and challenges that need to be solved on a daily basis. He says, “I like using my brain at work, and my role at Navus really lets me do that. We’ve definitely overcome some great challenges when it comes to our customers’ needs.”

 

To learn more about James’ role at Navus, click here!

 

Automation Technician

Automation technicians are the reason that we can make the different parts for clients at Navus. They’re also the reason we’re able to make them so well! Our automation technicians play the crucial role of bringing concepts to life.

Automation technicians focus on taking the prints from engineers and working out how to make them into actual parts. They work out tolerances, our own in-house capacities, and make jigs or whatever else they need to ensure that parts are workable.  

As with many of our roles at Navus, variations and challenges await automation technicians at every corner. Fortunately, our team sees these as opportunities rather than problems. As Alan, one of our automation technicians, explains: 

It’s varied and challenging. It’s certainly not [typical] production. Everything we do is usually custom to the client’s install. I’m not a big fan of doing the same thing every day. Here, there’s always something new to stretch yourself. 

 

Click here to read Alan’s story and what he loves about working at Navus!

 

Automated Robotics Technician

Automated robotics technician may be the most hands-on role we have at Navus. They focus on fabricating, welding, and assembling automated equipment. These technicians are also pivotal as they install and test-run their creations. Automated robotics technicians also serve a public-facing role by providing customer support and education for new equipment.

This role allows our team members to flex their creativity as they help bring automated robotics to life. Each product is unique to serve our clients’ specific needs, providing an opportunity to create something completely new. 

When asked what his favorite part of being an automated robotics technician for Navus is, Jon R. responded:

I would say the creative flexibility is my favorite part of the job. You can’t find what we make on the shelves of any store. Everything is different. It’s all one-of-a-kind. We only had to compete against one other company for some of the biggest projects we’ve had. We’re like pioneers with the stuff we build.

 

To learn more about Jon R.’s role at Navus, click here!

 

Electrical Technician

The role of electrical technician is an important step toward becoming an electrical engineer. In this role, Navus team members work on the floor to learn important skills like assembling and wiring control panels before moving on to eventually design them. This important role ensures that technicians get the hands-on experience they need before becoming developers.

Ryan R. comes from a long line of engineers going back to his great-grandfather. With that kind of pedigree, he understands the importance of hands-on experience. “Control systems engineers who work for larger companies sometimes never get their hands on the actual equipment,” he explains.

 

 

Click here for more on Ryan R.s’ experiences at Navus!

 

Many control systems engineers never get to learn about what they’re designing, resulting in miscommunication between engineers and technicians. At Navus, we want our electrical technicians to have the hands-on experience they need to be more effective in their roles.

Are you interested in a career at Navus? Contact us today to learn about our current opportunities!

 

With over 20 years of providing state-of-the-art systems and machines to our clients, Navus has earned a reputation as a leader in the world of cutting-edge automation solutions. Our team members have helped us achieve this with their hands-on knowledge and expert skills. 

Navus Automation Inc. is a leading full-service automation integrator. Our world-class team has a reputation for applying ingenuity to solve complex challenges and deliver customized turn-key systems solutions. From concept to completion, Navus provides robotic welding and automation systems built upon our unwavering commitment to excellence, precision and reliability

custom automation expectations

The Team at Navus: Exceeding Client Expectations Everyday

Navus

Navus is fortunate to work in an industry where we get to do something different every single day. Our projects have a lot of moving parts that all need to synchronize seamlessly, giving our team the opportunity to work with a variety of exciting, cutting-edge technologies. Between constant advances in robotics and a perpetual desire to build faster, safer, and more efficient systems, we never have to worry about work becoming monotonous. 

Meet Aaron H.: Electrical Designer

Aaron H. has been with us for almost six years. While he works as an electrical designer, he likes to joke that he’s a “master of all trades,” which isn’t too far from the truth.

Variety That Inspires

Navus: Describe what you do in your role at Navus.

Aaron: I do a lot of the PLC programming for the new machines. I also do some of the electrical design depending on the workload. I usually end up doing more of the programming than the design work.

Navus: How did you end up in this career, and ultimately at Navus?

Aaron: I ended up in this career because it’s always interesting and there’s always something different. It’s ever-changing, unlike some other monotonous, repetitive careers. I’m always getting to work with new equipment and make something exciting happen. 

I joined Navus after working for another machine builder. They closed their doors one day, and I knew I wanted to continue doing that kind of work. I applied to Navus and I’ve been a part of the team ever since!

Navus: What’s your favorite part about the role that you play at Navus?

Aaron: I enjoy getting to work with all the new technology. I get to see how everything comes together as a whole, from the beginning of the process, until we deliver the finished machine.

Navus: What is your favorite part about working for Navus as a company in general?

Aaron: I love getting to be a part of bringing a concept to life. To actually make it work the way it was intended and dreamed up. It’s a lot of fun! Especially when a client brings us something to build that’s never been done before. We create a lot of new processes for our clients at Navus! 

Exceeding Expectations Everyday

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to solve challenges in the past.

Aaron: Like most teams, we have our moments where we don’t always agree. But overall I would say that’s rare. We always come together, brainstorm, and figure out a solution to the challenges we face.

We all work together well. Overall, we’re a good team who can ask each other for ideas and bounce things off of each other. As a group effort, it makes everything come together, and our projects are successful because of it in the end.

Navus: What’s been your favorite project that you’ve worked on at Navus?

Aaron: I would have to say my favorite was a trim and expand cell we did for a client. It turned out really well and worked far more superior to a previous rendition that another automation company had created. It’s always great when we can not only meet a client’s expectations, but exceed them and set a new standard in the industry. That project was a lot of fun! 

Navus: What do you hope for the future of Navus as you grow?

Aaron: I hope it explodes, but in a good way of course. We grow year over year, and I hope that continues. I would love to see us get to ten times the size we are now. The bigger we are, the more we get to build new and advanced machinery, and stay on the cutting-edge of automation technology.

Navus: What kind of projects would you like to work on in the future, or do more of?

Aaron: I like working on the higher speed lines. I always think that it’s neat to get everything done in split seconds. When you’ve worked in the industry as long as I have, you tend to know when something is possible or not. The exciting part is accomplishing something faster than it’s been done before.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Our team at Navus is invested in every solution we provide to clients. With our intelligent team and all of the years of experience they have, we develop simple solutions that fit your unique needs, and look sleek and elegant at the same time. Dedicated team members like Aaron are a part of the reason our company succeeds in helping our clients overcome complex challenges, and forge new possibilities for their manufacturing needs!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com.

overcoming challenges in automation through collaboration

The Team at Navus: Overcoming Challenges Through Collaboration

Navus

Navus has grown and changed a lot over the past decade, which has required problem-solving on a cross-department level. Our team has become stronger as we work together, developing skills we wouldn’t have otherwise. This has allowed us to stay nimble as we face and solve new challenges for our customers.

From left to right: Jim P., David L., James H., and Bill S. enjoying our first annual Open House in October 2021

Meet James: Senior Mechanical Engineer & Designer

James is an integral part of our team who has worked for us going on 10 years. He’s been with us as we’ve grown over the past decade, joining Navus after a short stint with the University of Tennessee. 

Teamwork that Keeps Projects Moving Forward

Navus: What do you do in your role at Navus?

James: It can vary from day to day. I do a lot of research and development on certain tasks we’re trying to automate so we can successfully design the system. I also do debugging when we’re doing a runoff to try and improve the process, speed up cycle times, or come up with a different method entirely that changes the design itself, but ultimately makes a better product for us and our clients.

Navus: How did you end up in this career and ultimately at Navus?

James: I started out in my career as a welder and then focused on becoming a machinist. After I spent some time in a career as a machinist, I went to school and studied engineering. I spent time as a research and development engineer for the electrical department at the University of Tennessee. When a position opened up at Navus, I applied for the job, got it, and I’ve been here ever since!

Navus: What’s your favorite part about the work you do with us?

James: It’s always changing and there’s always a challenge. I like using my brain at work, and my role at Navus really lets me do that. We’ve definitely overcome some great challenges when it comes to our customers’ needs.

Navus: What’s your favorite part about working for Navus as a company?

James: It’s a small-scale company, and we’re very transparent. There’s good communication with all the departments, and we have a good working relationship between the various teams. A setup like this makes the workplace fun, especially when you have challenges to overcome in a project. Challenges can be stressful but having a collaborative culture like ours definitely helps.

We all realize that we’re in the same boat and that we all have a common goal. When an individual on the team is met with a challenge beyond their skillset, other people willingly step up to keep the project moving forward.

Teamwork and a Team That Works

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges.

James: One of the projects that’s pushed our capabilities the most was a tactical welding system we created for a client. It was a multi-departmental project where we all had to come together and develop a working solution. There were a lot of cable-management issues to work through and solve. It wasn’t just one person’s job to solve this. It required input from all the departments that led us to the final solution that we delivered at the end of the project.

Navus: What has been your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

James: Probably some of the more challenging projects. Specifically, one project where we had to create an automated solution that machines the edges of multi-ton parts using sensor-guided robotics. It was a new challenge for me. I enjoy anything that gets into technology that I’m not used to dealing with, because it’s a learning experience. I can then apply that new knowledge on future projects.

Navus: What do you envision for the future of Navus, especially since you’ve been with us for so long?

James: I think that as we work together and our whole team gets more experienced, we tend to overcome some of the codependencies that we have. For instance, I have learned a lot of electrical and robotics skills that I’ve found useful in my designs during my tenure here. I would expect that knowledge to grow with the other employees here so that there’s less codependency. It will help everyone overcome some of the small challenges that we have and come up with better solutions so we’re all working together to deliver the best systems possible to our clients.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Our team at Navus is invested in every solution we provide to clients. With our intelligent team and all of the years of experience they have, we develop simple solutions that fit your unique needs, and look sleek and elegant at the same time. Dedicated team members like James are a part of the reason our company succeeds in helping our clients overcome complex challenges, and forge new possibilities for their manufacturing needs!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com.

automotive industry automation

The Team at Navus: Cutting Edge Automation in Our Own Backyard

Navus

Navus brings together some of the brightest minds in our industry to work on some of its most exciting projects. We take a people-focused, hands-on approach to our work. This allows our team members to focus on their own projects while giving them the flexibility to jump in and help on others if needed. The final result is nationally recognized projects in our own backyard.

Meet Eric: Electrical Design Engineer

Eric has been with us for about six months as an Electrical Design Engineer. While his tenure with us hasn’t been long, he has an established history working for some impressive companies in the automotive industry, and has had the opportunity to dive in headfirst by working with our clients on cutting-edge projects.

Constant Room for Growth in an Ever-Changing Industry

Navus: What do you do in your role every day at Navus?

Eric: I support a lot of teams at Navus, including electrical, programming, design, and human interface of equipment. I also do PLC programming, HMI creation, and integration of new devices into networks. I work to support one of our biggest clients in the automotive industry, specifically. 

Navus: How did you end up in this career and then at Navus?

Eric: I started as a low-level maintenance technician at a small automotive parts supplier in Ohio. I loved that no two days were the same in this kind of work. I just kept learning on my own, and I went to night school at a small community college. My next career move was to a major automotive company where I worked in die-casting. Eventually, I moved up to programming in this same company where I worked on some major projects. 

But at some point in companies that large, you end up managing more people than projects. I was no longer as technically involved as I once was. I wanted to be closer to the edge of integration, which was what I always enjoyed the most, along with programming.

It might sound funny, but I actually saw a few TikTok videos that Navus made and then researched them further on LinkedIn. They contacted me shortly after I made my own LinkedIn profile. We set up a meeting in Columbus, Ohio, they offered me the job, and I moved down to Knoxville!

Navus: What is your favorite part of your role at Navus?

Eric: I think my favorite project so far is a diecast system we’ve been working on that integrates with an existing system for a client. They’re starting to move into some newer technologies, which allows us to try cutting-edge equipment for their automated systems!

We create and work with so much technology per square foot for systems like theirs. Even if you are very talented, there is always room to grow and learn just by walking in the door at Navus. We’re innovating and adding all sorts of advanced features to the systems we customize for our clients. It’s neat to see something that’s cutting edge on the national level right here where we live in East Tennessee.

Navus: What is your favorite part of working for Navus as a company?

Eric: I would say the culture. Specifically, the fact that we treat each other as close to family as you can. On the other hand, we’re very aware that you’re only as big as your aspirations, dreams, and goals. We definitely work hard to be better on the day-to-day level, but we can also be better at a big picture level and grow exponentially if we continue to do the right thing.

Teamwork and a Team That Works

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the Navus team work together to solve challenges.

Eric: We had a person working out of state who had run into some issues. I looked up to see someone with a Bluetooth headset on, at his computer, reviewing the same information. We were talking throughout the office with probably five people supporting one person. 

As a programmer and as an electrical engineer, in general, you have to have a base to call on because there’s so much information to process. You need valuable tools to make that happen, and I’ve yet to ask a question that just gets brushed off. We all have deadlines and we all have work, but we’re never so pressed that you can’t help a teammate in need.

Navus: Which project has been your favorite out of the ones you’ve worked on so far?

Eric: My favorite so far has to be a light industrial manufacturing project we did for a repeat client. It’s a great example of the fast-moving projects we can work on with the technology we use. I loved the reactions this project received during our recent open house. Everyone from little kids to grandmas were interested in what we created. It’s neat to see projects come to fruition, and even better to get to share our successes with friends, family, and the community as a whole.

Navus: What do you hope for the future of Navus?

Eric: I hope that as we grow, we never lose our process. What makes us unique is our commitment to individual customers and individual coworkers. Our attention to detail is unequivocally what sets us apart. Our communication from person to person is what brought me here and what will keep me here long term.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Our team at Navus is invested in every solution we provide to clients. With our intelligent team and all of the years of experience they have, we develop simple solutions that fit your unique needs, and look sleek and elegant at the same time. Dedicated team members like Eric are a part of the reason our company succeeds in helping our clients overcome complex challenges, and forge new possibilities for their manufacturing needs!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com.

custom automation concept to completion

The Team at Navus: From Concept to Completion

Navus

Navus embraces new challenges head-on. Things are always changing in our industry as new advances are developed every day. We have the tools to meet and overcome these challenges with access to software, programming, robotics, and most importantly, our talented team. This helps us find innovative solutions for our clients that exceed expectations.

Meet Nick S.: Applications Engineer

Nick’s official title is Applications Engineer, and he has previously worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer. He joined Navus five years ago, but to him, the experiences he’s had have made the time fly by.

Making Ideas Into Reality

Navus: What do you do in your role at Navus?

Nick: I essentially take our concept machines and what we’ve quoted to customers and comb through the details of how to make it real. I figure out what parts we have to design, which we want to outsource, and the best way to get the particular machine designed and manufactured. I also work alongside the electrical guys to make sure what I’m designing is something we can actually implement.

I usually work with a team unless it’s a small project. In that case, I’ll be the only designer. But even if I’m the only person working, I’ll still bounce ideas off of the team as a way to keep ideas fresh and to maintain some checks and balances between departments.

Navus: How did you end up in this career and eventually at Navus?

Nick: I originally went to college to be an architect, but ended up switching to engineering. It was a way for me to still have some creativity, but I liked the idea of learning about the mechanics of how things work and are made. I wanted to be a part of the process of creating and designing things.

Funnily enough, I ended up at Navus because I knew the guys who were painting some walls here. They told me about the company, because it seemed like something I was interested in. I came in one day, interviewed, and I’ve been here ever since. At the time, I didn’t even know I was in an official interview until they offered me a job!

Navus: What’s your favorite part about your role at Navus?

Nick: I like when we get a project and we’re not really sure how we’re going to do it. It really lets you figure out the best way to make something happen and forces you to take that initiative when things are open-ended with multiple possibilities. I like thinking through these kinds of challenges, and figuring out what’s the best and most efficient way to accomplish what we want with the final product.

It can be stressful at times, but I think it keeps what Navus is doing unique and innovative.  We have a broad area of expertise across our entire team. We’re willing to take on a lot of different projects and we’re confident in our abilities to problem-solve and make them happen for our clients.

Navus: What is your favorite part about working for Navus?

Nick: There’s a lot to it. The team I work with is great and the reason why I love coming into work every day. When we’re asked to solve difficult problems through a project, it can sometimes feel overwhelming, but having a dependable team makes everything possible. The other part I like would be the variety of stuff that we get to do. Nothing ever feels repetitive, and every project demands something different from us. 

Teamwork and a Team That Works

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges in the past.

Nick: There’s a lot of bouncing ideas around and open discussion. Even this past week we’ve been on the floor looking at a machine and discussing what to do as an entire team. Everyone works toward the same goal, or at least we try to. Nobody says “Oh, that’s not my problem.” We’re all working together as much as we can.

Navus: What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

Nick: I would say our project creating a custom solution to mill the edges of multi-ton parts was one of my favorites. It was large-scale, dealt with heavier parts than most of our other projects, and was just a cool process. I got to work with some big parts and intricate designs. Building the conveyor that’s a part of that system required a lot of ingenuity and it was fun watching it come to life. 

Navus: What do you envision for the future of Navus?

Nick: I think we have a lot of growth ahead of us. We are starting to do a lot more projects, bigger projects, and multifunction machines. We’re tying groups of machines together and starting to do full lines for our customers. I think that’s a great direction to go, because we’re building a comprehensive system from beginning to end, not just one piece of a larger system. 

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Our team at Navus is invested in every solution we provide to clients. With our intelligent team and all of the years of experience they have, we develop simple solutions that fit your unique needs, and look sleek and elegant at the same time. Dedicated team members like Nick are a part of the reason our company succeeds in helping our clients overcome complex challenges, and forge new possibilities for their manufacturing needs!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com

The Team at Navus: Making Things Happen

Navus

The team at Navus specializes in solving complex problems with novel solutions, but often these solutions are as complex as the problems they solve. A wide range of teams, materials, facilities, and operations all have to work in unison to create a final product that is elegant and achieves the client’s goal. Making this happen requires diligence and expertise across the board.

Meet Jim: Program Manager

Jim has worked for us since March of 2017. His official job title is Program Manager, which is a short way of saying that he has a hand in nearly all of the processes at Navus.

Centered Around Continuous Improvement and Automation

Navus: Describe what you do in your role at Navus.

Jim: I’m the Program Manager here at Navus, which gets me involved with a lot of the different teams. I work with everyone from Engineering to Operations to Sales.

 My responsibilities include project management, manufacturing, operations, facilities, purchasing, and quality control. Basically, I help make things happen, but Navus has a very strong team. One of my favorite sayings is ‘we do our best work when we collaborate.’ And it’s through this collaboration that we’re able to do such amazing projects.

Navus: How did you end up in this career, and ultimately at Navus?

Jim: I consciously chose a career in manufacturing but came into the field at a very pivotal time. When I was just starting out, the quality of American manufacturing was beginning to be rivaled by other countries, notably Japan. There was a lot changing in those years, and American manufacturing companies were forced to increase the quality of the solutions they were creating. As an industry, we began to focus heavily on automation. So nearly my entire career has been centered around continuous improvement and automation. And funny enough, I was actually a customer of Navus’s before I became an employee of Navus’s.

Navus: So how did you actually come to work at Navus?

Jim: At my previous employer, we were working on a unique system to solve a problem that we had. Navus was helping us develop a solution to this particular problem when my employers decided that they didn’t want to move forward with the project. The team at Navus were interested in continuing the project anyway and asked if I would be interested in joining them. I was, so I joined on as a Co-Project Manager, heading up a lot of the new projects that came our way. After a while, the company went through some reorganization, and I was given more responsibilities including operations, quality, purchasing, and project management for some of our larger and more important contracts. 

Navus: What’s your favorite part about working at Navus?

Jim: The most enjoyable part of my job is the people I get to work with. My coworkers are really clever, and I’m glad to be surrounded by them on a daily basis. The same goes for a lot of our customers. I also really enjoy the nature of the work that we do. Sometimes I can have a short attention span, so I’ve always liked that Navus works on something new all the time. You never know what’s coming around the corner, but it’s always some new problem to solve. That makes my work exciting and fresh and gives me a different challenge every day.

Teamwork and a Team That Works

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges.

Jim: You know, it might seem a little traditional for a company always working on something cutting edge, but we succeed through hard work, lots of man-hours, and great communication. But ultimately, that’s how we make things happen!

Navus: What have been your favorite projects to work on and what do you hope for the future of Navus?

Jim: I’d say my favorite project is the one we haven’t done yet, because that’s the project that gives me something to look forward to, and that’s the project that keeps Navus running. And looking to the future,  I just hope that everyone here is as successful as possible in their careers. That’s what I care about the most. Even after I’m eventually gone, I wish nothing but the best for the people here.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Our team at Navus is invested in every solution we provide to clients. From concept to accounting, we believe in our ability to solve your challenges. Dedicated team members like Jennifer are a part of the reason our company succeeds in helping our clients forge a new future!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com

The Team at Navus: No Challenge Is Too Big

Navus

Navus has the amazing opportunity to work in an industry that’s always on the cutting edge of technology, no matter what kind of project we’re working on. Because of our access to advanced programming, software, robotics, and other technologies, along with our talented team, we’ve established a reputation of solving our clients’ biggest challenges.

Meet Jennifer: Business Office Manager

Jennifer P. has been a part of the Navus team for 6 years. She is the go-to person when it comes to keeping Navus organized and productive. 

Just some of her duties include accounting, human resources, and administrative duties.

A Well-Rounded Professional Experience

Navus: Describe what you do in your role at Navus.

Jennifer: I handle Navus’ accounting, human resources, and also some administrative duties.

Navus: How did you end up in this career, and ultimately at Navus?

Jennifer: I was working with a national media company based in East Tennessee as a Project Cost Accountant. The television business can be hectic, and I found myself working long hours. I would work all day and then go home and work from my home office. With a family, I needed something with a better work/life balance.

At the time, I knew someone who’s husband worked for Navus, and she told me about an open position for a Business Office Manager. I interviewed and ended up taking the position! The great thing about accounting is that I can work in a variety of industries. There’s a lot of similarities between project accounting in television and what I do for Navus now.

Navus: What’s your favorite part about your job and working at Navus?

Jennifer: I love the accounting work that I do for Navus. I’ve had an opportunity to do things with accounting that I’ve never been able to do in other positions. I’m a more well-rounded professional because of my role at Navus.

I also love my HR responsibilities. Being the first smiling face a new hire sees is rewarding since I’m giving them their first impression of Navus. I’m also the person our staff come to if they need something or just need to talk to someone.

Teamwork and a Team That Works

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges.

Jennifer: I see it best in the staff meetings with upper level management. Anytime there’s an issue or a roadblock, everyone contributes ideas and solves the issue, no matter how big or small it is. Everybody can give their ideas and they’re always accepted and really thought through. Everyone really feels like they’re a contributor on every project we have.

Navus: What have been your favorite projects to work on?

Jennifer: I’ve loved the projects where I’ve been able to see our process happen right before my eyes. I’m not an engineer, but our team does a wonderful job explaining their solution and how robotics function in a manufacturing environment without the need for an engineering degree to understand the process.

Navus: What do you hope for your future at Navus?

Jennifer: We’re already a contender in the automation industry, but I only see us growing into that role even more. We have the potential to expand nationally and help clients all across the country!

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Our team at Navus is invested in every solution we provide to clients. From concept to accounting, we believe in our ability to solve your challenges. Dedicated team members like Jennifer are a part of the reason our company succeeds in helping our clients forge a new future!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com

The Team at Navus: Developing Simple, Yet Elegant Manufacturing Solutions That Work

Navus

At Navus, our clients often come to us with challenges in manufacturing that require specific, unique solutions. It’s our job to conceptualize solutions that use the right parts, solve their specific challenges, and do so in the budget and lead time our clients require. 

Have you ever wondered what the first step is in the process of working with us at Navus? It’s talking to our Senior Development Engineer!

Meet Bill: Senior Development Engineer

Bill S. has been a part of the Navus team for the past 5 years. He’s ultimately responsible for solving our clients’ manufacturing issues, but there’s a lot of fine details to this kind of role.

Developing Concepts That Transform What’s Possible with Unique Manufacturing Solutions

Navus: Describe what you do in your role at Navus.

Bill: I have a lot of experience having been a Mechanical Designer previously in my career, and in the automation industry as a whole for over 20 years. I use my experience to visit customer sites, and I create a concept for them that solves their unique manufacturing challenges. After that I write a proposal and an estimate, and send that to our potential client and work with them on price and lead time negotiations. Ultimately, I get them the solution that our clients need, in the budget they need, in the time they need it done.

Navus: How did you end up in this career, and ultimately at Navus?

Bill: I started my career in a machine/fab shop as an order packager. I learned how to run a couple of pieces of equipment like a CNC press break, big blast shed, saws… You know, just basic tools around the shop. Then I learned how to weld.

I went to school at night for welding, machining, and the manufacturing process. I then learned how to write CNC code, then used AutoCAD to help me write CNC code for the laser cutters we used in the shop at the time. From there I went to detail drafting since I had learned AutoCAD and some light design. I moved into more design work through the years with this experience.

I moved around a couple of different places throughout my career, mainly serving as a Mechanical Designer along with some applications engineering when it came to conveyor and material handling systems. When I decided to move into machine design, I took a position as a Mechanical Engineer for a custom automation company. Along the way I did some parts and service management and project management. Ultimately, I moved to TN and became the Mechanical Engineering Manager at Navus after working for a small startup automation company. 

Once I started at Navus, most of my time was spent developing concepts, and writing estimates and proposals for projects. It just made sense for me to fill that position full-time. I’ve been in my current role for the past three years!

Navus: What’s your favorite part about your job at Navus? and working at Navus?

Bill: I love all of the different things I get to see from day to day. All of our work involves problem solving and collaboration. I have amazing folks to collaborate with on the Navus team, which means I never have to work alone on an island. 

Navus: What’s your favorite part about working with the team at Navus?

The folks here. They’re top notch. I love the ability to collaborate and work with them. I can always count on fresh ideas and problem solving from our team. 90% of our jobs are being good detectives. We’re trying to find the right parts for the right solutions. Our team is so intelligent. They can see things that I can’t, even with my 20+ years of experience. 

Some of our best solutions have come from the most unexpected places on our team. We all collaborate. Sometimes I overhear problems the mechanical engineering team is facing that I can help with, but then the team helps me out when I run into challenges too!

Our team does an excellent job of developing succinct and simple solutions that look elegant. If you have the opportunity to make something that looks really good, but also functions very well, you have to take that opportunity. If you had an end tool that could just be welded to a plate with some grippers on it, why not take the opportunity to make it look amazing and include some unique design elements? 

I’m proud that we always deliver solutions like that to our clients. This sets Navus apart from our competitors. We conceive solutions that stay simple and functional, but it looks like a finished product from the beginning of the process to the delivered solution. 

Teamwork and a Team That Works

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges.

Bill: We had a customer we were building a whole bunch of equipment for, and one challenge was this material handling system —  a conveyor. We had to make some really odd moves to get rejected parts out of the system (e.g. if the system was overflowing). The mechanical engineering department came up with a solution for it, and we analyzed their solution together and came up with an even simpler solution through the analysis process. 

Instead of making all of these twists and turns, we cut back one of the conveyors we had originally by 10 inches and gave ourselves room to do a simple reject chute with a conveyor to move these parts to a more accessible ergonomic area without all of the twists and turns we had previously in our solution. It was simple, and it works.

Navus: What have been your favorite projects to work on?

Bill: My favorite project personally is a high-speed assembly machine we built for the manufacturing of small parts. I love high-speed assembly projects. They are super fast, and the machines have to be so well built. 

This machine, in particular, has a 4-axis delta robot hung way up high, and then another 6-axis robot right next to it to handle the parts. Once the machine’s up and running, it doesn’t shake or vibrate. Everything’s moving really fast and flawlessly. It looks fantastic, and it’s everything you want a machine to be. It created 98% uptime in the last 3 years for our client. It’s a crazy efficient machine, and faster than what the end user required of Navus’ solution.

Navus: What do you hope for your future at Navus?

Bill: Not only do I want us to expand on our welding, additive manufacturing, and subtractive manufacturing capabilities. I also want to expand our material handling, and high speed assembly elements. With these expansions, we can be a more complete solution for many of the manufacturers in East Tennessee and beyond.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication with Unique Manufacturing Solutions

Our team at Navus is invested in every solution we provide to clients. With our intelligent team and all of the years of experience they have, we develop simple solutions that fit your unique needs, and look sleek and elegant at the same time. Dedicated team members like Bill are a part of the reason our company succeeds in helping our clients overcome complex challenges, and forge new possibilities for their manufacturing needs!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com.

The Team at Navus: Pioneers of Custom Automation

Navus

Navus has a reputation for providing custom solutions for unique challenges. Our team’s dedication to doing the new and unexpected has proven time and again that we’re pioneers in the world of custom automation for manufacturing. From design to the finished product, collaboration across our company delivers the solutions our clients have come to expect.

Meet Jon: Automated Robotics Technician

Jon R. has been with Navus for 7 years. He’s done a little bit of everything — fabrication, welding, installation, and even customer support and education after install. We recently asked Jon to share his Navus story.

Custom Automation Solutions with Continued Support

Navus: Describe what you do in your role at Navus.

Jon: I fabricate, weld, and assemble automated equipment. I also install, test run, and provide customer support and education on their new equipment. I’ve spent years doing that with the robotic solutions that Navus provides. It’s been a great experience so far.

Navus: How did you end up in this career, and ultimately at Navus?

Jon: I was actually born a fifth generation carpenter just outside of Chicago. I grew up in Northern Wisconsin, worked at my father’s side for five years, until he told me one day to ditch carpentry. Then I got into a welding facility without knowing anything about welding. After 13 years of welding, traveling in 38 different states installing equipment, I moved to Tennessee.

I found an ad in the newspaper for mechanized welders and I applied. I passed my hand-welding test with flying colors. After hiring me they took me into a booth they were working on and told me what the robot was going to do. I laughed at them and told them that was impossible. My now supervisor told me to stick it out and see, and that was the project that eventually sent me overseas for a few years for installation.

Navus: What’s your favorite part about your job and working at Navus?

Jon: I would say the creative flexibility is my favorite part of the job. You can’t find what we make on the shelves of any store. Everything is different. It’s all one-of-a-kind. We only had to compete against one other company for some of the biggest projects we’ve had. We’re like pioneers with the stuff we build.

But I also love the people I work with. That’s another favorite part of my job at Navus.

Advancing with Our Clients, One Solution at a Time

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges.

Jon: You just described the entire 7 years I’ve worked at Navus. Everything we do is custom for our customers. Obviously, when you’re doing things no one else has ever done before, they come with their own little hiccups and challenges. But with the wide variety of talent we have under this roof, there’s somebody here that knows how to solve whatever challenge we face.

Navus: What have been your favorite projects to work on?

Jon: There are a couple of projects that I’ve worked on from start to finish. One of the projects in particular I’ve taken apart and put back together multiple times. Our client just keeps advancing in what they’re doing, which lets us continue to advance our solutions for them.

Navus: What do you hope for your future at Navus?

Jon: One day I would love to learn more about the programming and program design side of what we do for our clients. I already do so much with fabrication and installation, that programming would add the final piece to the full picture of each project.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

The team at Navus brings a wealth of expertise to every single project. We pride ourselves on an environment where our team can learn and grow in areas they’re interested in. Every single step of our work includes opportunities to collaborate and enjoy new perspectives of what we do for our clients. Dedicated team members like Jon who have worked with us for years are a part of the reason that our high standards for the solutions and products we deliver are possible!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com

The Team at Navus: The Ever-Changing Nature of Custom Automation

Navus

With the advancement of technology, custom automation is a field that’s constantly evolving. That’s why the development of our team is so important to all of us at Navus. We’ve created a team of creative individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences that collaborate on a daily basis to solve challenges for our clients.

Meet Aaron: Shop Lead

Aaron M. has worked at Navus for 10 years. Intrigued with Navus by the kind of work and projects we do, he had always been interested in welding work. Now he’s an irreplaceable part of our team. We recently sat down and asked Aaron to share his Navus story.

New Things Every Day

Navus: Describe what you do in your role at Navus.

Aaron: I come in first thing in the morning, go through drawings, get with the guys in the shop to get everyone going in the right direction. I do a little bit of robotic programming. What initially got me started was the fabrication and welding side of things. Really, I do just a little bit of everything across the board.

Navus: How did you end up in this career and ultimately at Navus?

Aaron: I was always interested in this line of work, in the welding industry. I think when I interviewed here I was dealing with a long commute from home at my previous job and was looking for something closer. I came in for an interview, but the type of work is what attracted me most to the job. At the time they were starting a project that we’re still working on today. Those kinds of projects are what lured me to Navus.

Navus: What’s your favorite part about your job and working at Navus?

Aaron: I love getting to do so many different things on a daily basis. It never gets boring. I’ve been here long enough, worked with most of the guys on our team for many years, and I just enjoy working with everyone on the team.

I just think we deal with so many cool projects. Our work is always changing. We’re a smaller company, which makes the environment more laid back and creative. Navus isn’t a sweatshop like some workplaces can be. We work on so many amazing things and we’re encouraged to work together and find unique solutions.

Collaboration Never Stops

Navus: Describe some of the ways you’ve seen the team at Navus work together to overcome challenges.

Aaron: Every project we do comes with its own challenges. We run across roadblocks along the way, and here recently we’ve worked on a project where everyone has pitched in and thrown out ideas. It’s just one of those things where we’re very good at working together to solve these issues we have on any project we bring in the door. 

There’s a lot of guys here who are very smart and very good at what they do. Between that and our capabilities we have out on the floor with our equipment, it makes it easier for us to solve these challenges for our clients.

Navus: What have been your favorite projects to work on?

Aaron: Some of my favorite projects have involved traveling. I love getting to see some of the facilities our projects are installed in. Some of the local projects are cool, simply because they’re so close to home, and it’s exciting to be a part of what our clients are doing for the world. But that’s true beyond the local projects. It’s been so exciting to be a part of the advancement of technology through custom automation.

Navus: What do you hope for your future at Navus?

Aaron: The new technology that’s being released every year is exciting. Personally, I enjoy getting to learn about it and keep growing in my role. Navus is getting busier and busier and growing every year. I can’t wait for us to keep growing and help even more clients.

Forging the Future & Clarifying the Complex in Custom Automation & Fabrication

Our team at Navus brings a variety of experience and background to their roles here. We’ve developed our team intentionally to provide an endless amount of creativity and collaboration to ensure that we overcome all obstacles for our clients. Dedicated team members like Aaron who have worked with us for so long are a part of the reason that our high standards for the solutions and products we deliver are possible!

Are you interested in joining the Navus family? Reach out to us today. We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team of engineers and technicians. Learn more by emailing us at info@navusinc.com.