Learning the Roles at Navus — How Our Team Works Together

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