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IEEE Buenaventura
January 2020 Newsletter

In This Issue

Local IEEE Events

•  Jan 7: Sustainability through Creative Transformation — Engineering & Business Series — Hub101
•  Jan 16: The X-15 Rocket Plane, Flying the First Wings into SpaceHub101
•  Jan 21: THz Transistors and Their ApplicationSkyworks, Lawrence Drive
•  Jan 29: AI-based Multi-modal Human-robot InteractionLa Reina, Library

Other IEEE Announcements

•  Volunteers Welcome for Buenaventura Section Activities
•  IEEE-USA Webinars
•  There is Still Time to Renew for 2020

Job Opportunities and Sponsors

•  Advanced Personnel ProfilesStaffing & Recruiting Since 1995
•  AstranisGetting the next four billion people online by building next-generation telecoms satellites
•  Syntesis GlobalManagement Consulting

Local IEEE Events

January 7, 2020
Sustainability through Creative Transformation — Engineering & Business Series
6:30 PM

Facilitator: Johann Wolf
Meetings are free and open to the public. Register at www.ieee-bv.org/meet/2020-01-ent

Overview

IEEE ushers in 2020, the new decade with cultural creative, Johann Wolf. An advertising creative director a serial entrepreneur and commercial filmmaker, he's the founder of Radioaktivefilm, Spacemonkey, and The Department of Wow.

Let's locate the unique energy source we call inspiration. It’s the essential driver powering all creative endeavor. Inspiration is a uniquely self-generating fuel source: things born of inspiration always inspire others, thus, creating even more fuel.

How do we leverage our relationship with technology? Engage in contributing to shape culture that prioritizes the human experience while rejecting the fast-coming future built on de-humanizing tactics. We will discuss strategic & creative problem solving, unique ideation methods, insightful decision-making, and impeccable products/services delivery. Real-world applicable creativity!

About the Facilitator

As an ad man, Johann Wolf is fascinated by human behavior, psychology and how we adapt to technology, storytelling and messaging. He is definitively anti-interruption and in favor of projects that compel and improve the human experience.

"His intuitive insight is unimpeachable. When paired with his extraordinary creative mind, that consistently generates simple, unexpected, outstanding, and always shining concepts; he defines his high value as an effective film director and unique intellectual talent as a creative director." – Morgan Boardman | CEO Morningstar

"Johann Wolf is my first choice for Commercial Direction and Creative Vision. His work is of the highest professional quality and integrity. Thanks Johann" – Jacqueline Beaudette, Producer at Nelson Mandela: Legacy of Hope Concert

Location

Hub101
Cal Lutheran Center for Entrepreneurship
31416 Agoura Road
Westlake Village, CA 91361
(map)

Presented by: IEEE Buenaventura Entrepreneurship Group


January 16, 2020
The X-15 Rocket Plane, Flying the First Wings into Space

Pizza/Networking: 6:30 PM
Presentation: 7:00 PM
Speaker: Michelle Evans
Meetings are free and open to the public. Register at www.ieee-bv.org/meet/2020-01-aes

Overview

With the Soviet Union’s launch of the first Sputnik satellite in 1957, the Cold War soared to new heights as Americans feared losing the race into space. This presentation tells the enthralling yet little-known story of the hypersonic X-15, the winged rocket ship that met this challenge and opened the way into human- controlled spaceflight.

This remarkable research aircraft held the world’s altitude record for 41 years, and still has no equal to match or better its speed of more than 4,500 mph. Beyond the X-15 are the stories of the 12 men who guided it into space, and all the people who kept the rocket plane flying for nearly a decade. This is the story that has never been told of the vehicle that was the true precursor to the Space Shuttle by being the first piloted and winged vehicle to exit Earth’s atmosphere, and make a controlled reentry to a landing on hard-packed dry desert lakebeds.

In her research, Ms. Evans interviewed nearly 70 people, including 9 of the 12 pilots, including Neil Armstrong, Scott Crossfield, and Robert White, with family representatives for the remaining pilots. Others she spoke with include managers, flight planners, and the technicians and engineers who made the X-15 ready to fly its next research mission at high altitude and high Mach.

About the Speaker

Michelle Evans is the founder and president of Mach 25 Media (www.Mach25Media.com) and is a writer, photographer, and communications specialist in aerospace. She has written the bestselling book “The X-15 Rocket Plane, Flying the First Wings into Space” which was published by the University of Nebraska Press as part of their “Outward Odyssey, People's History of Spaceflight” series.

Michelle's background in aerospace engineering includes serving in the US Air Force working on missile systems, and later in private industry accomplishing environmental testing for systems used in airliners and spacecraft. Her current work with Mach 25 Media provides education and display services for astronaut appearances and other space-related events at government facilities, science centers, schools, and other venues across the country and overseas.

Michelle is a Distinguished Lecturer with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and her book on the X-15 was a finalist for the Eugene M. Emme Award for Astronautical Literature. Michelle received the Diverse Community Leader Award from Orange County Human Relations, and was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Orange County. She has appeared in numerous publications, including Air & Space Smithsonian, Ad Astra, Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, and New York Times. Michelle was also a technical consultant on the Neil Armstrong biopic “First Man.”

Location

Hub101
Cal Lutheran Center for Entrepreneurship
31416 Agoura Road
Westlake Village, CA 91361
(map)

Presented by: IEEE Buenaventura Section Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society

Flyer (PDF)


January 21, 2020
THz Transistors and Their Application

Reception and Networking: 6:30 PM
Presentation: 7:00 PM
Speaker: Bill Deal
Meetings are free and open to the public.

Overview

Transistors fabricated in the Indium Phosphide (InP) material systems have proven capable of reaching fMAX greater than 1 THz.  This talk describes InP HEMT capabilities at Northrop Grumman.  The talk starts with a technology overview, and then describes different applications at submillimeter and THz frequencies.  The talk completes with an overview of MMIC, component and sub-system results at these frequencies.

About the Speaker

Dr. Bill Deal is a Consulting Engineer at Northrop Grumman, where he leads the development of high frequency electronics.  His group is involved with state of the art low noise transistor development, and is currently developing receivers to as high as 850 GHz for a variety of applications.  Dr. Deal is a Fellow of the IEEE, and has published more than 150 conference and journal papers.

Location

Skyworks Solutions
649 Lawrence Drive
Newbury Park, CA  91320
(Not the main building; please use map to arrow that pinpoints building)

Presented by: IEEE Buenaventura Microwave Theory and Techniques Society Chapter


January 29, 2020
AI-based Multi-modal Human-robot Interaction

Dinner (optional): Available at 6:00 PM for $12, payable at the door.
Presentation (free): 7:00 PM
Speaker: Bahareh Abbasi
Free admission to presentation. Register at www.ieee-bv.org/meet/2020-01-emb

Overview

There is a growing need for service robots that can support independent living of the elderly and people with disabilities, as well as robots that can assist human workers in a warehouse or on a factory floor. However, robots that collaborate with humans should act predictably and ensure that the interaction is safe and effective. Therefore, when humans and robots collaborate for example during Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), robots should be able to recognize human actions and intentions and produce appropriate responses. To do so, it is crucial to understand how two humans interact during a collaborative task and how they perform them. Humans employ multiple communication modalities when engaging in collaborative activities; similarly, service robots require information from multiple sensors to plan their actions based on the interaction and the task states.

Service robots for the elderly require information from multiple modalities to maintain active interaction with a human during performing interactive tasks. We study in detail the scenario where a human and a service robot collaborate to find an object (Find Task) in the kitchen so it can be used in a subsequent task such as cooking. Based on the data collected during human studies, we develop an Interaction Manager which allows the robot to actively participate in the interaction and plan its next action given human spoken utterances, observed manipulation actions, and gestures. We develop multiple modules for a robot in the Robot Operating System (ROS), including H-O action recognition using vision, gesture recognition using vision, speech recognition using the Google speech recognition API, a dialogue tool which includes a multimodal dialogue act (DA) classifier that determines the intention of the speaker, and the Interaction Manager itself. The proposed system is validated using two different robot platforms: a Baxter robot and a Nao robot. The preliminary user study provides the evidence that by using the developed multimodal Interaction Manager, the robot can successfully interact with the human in the Find Task.

About the Speaker

Dr. Bahareh Abbasi received her B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Tehran, Iran, in 2013. She received her Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of Illinois at Chicago, where she also completed her M.S. in ECE. She has joined CCC Information Services, Inc. as a research and development engineer intern since 2017. Her primary research interests include robotics, haptics, multimodal human-robot interaction, and machine learning. Her works have been published in prestigious conferences and journals such as TRO, ICRA, IROS, ROMAN, and ISMR.

Location

La Reina High School, Library
106 West Janss Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
(map)

Presented by: IEEE Buenaventura Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society Chapter

Visit the EMBS chapter web site for details on other upcoming events

Other IEEE Announcements

Volunteers Welcome for Buenaventura Section Activities

We are a team of officers and volunteers recognized internationally for its contributions to our technical community. Members who volunteer with us feel that they belong to a like-minded group, find that IEEE gives a greater sense of purpose, see their professional impact amplified, and find a place that gives them a network where they make friends and develop professional connections under the IEEE theme of advancing technology for humanity. We would love your participation in our activities. Two areas of involvement are listed below.

Please contact Nathalie Gosset at gosset@ieee.org if interested in volunteering your time.

1.   Technically Focused Volunteering with the Buenaventura Chapters

Volunteers will typically give 20 to 30 hours per year of their time. Your involvement would be based on your preferences and interests. Activities include creating a 2020 speaker program for the technical community, reaching out to speakers of interest, representing the face of IEEE at the talks, and filing attendees reports online (minor admin). New volunteers are welcomed into an active support system with hands-on help, tips & techniques shared, and facilities & funding made available.

  •  Aerospace (2+ officer needed)

  •  Communications (4+ officers needed)

  •  Electron Devices/Circuits and Systems (3+ officers needed)

  •  Engineering in Medicine and Biology (2+ officers needed)

  •  Entrepreneurship (2+ officers needed)

  •  Microwave (2+ officers needed)

  •  Photonics (4+ officers needed)

  •  Robotics/Industry Applications (3+ officers needed)

2.   Kids STEM Activities

The section will organize an agriculture-sustaining engineering event for 50 middle school age kids with the visit to a farm and learn the principles of soil and water conservation to achieve high producing crops. The event will be during a weekend, date not defined at this time. We may be able to arrange for a flyover of a precision agriculture drone. We welcome your participation in the design, planning and implementation of this initiative.


IEEE-USA Webinars

•  Jan 9, 10 AM PST: Five Action Steps to a Better, More Positive Work Culture
•  Jan 22, 11 AM PST: Networking Pro Tips: Come off as Confident, Not Cocky

Visit the IEEE-USA web site to learn about other upcoming events


There is Still Time to Renew for 2020

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. When you join IEEE, you join a community of over 420,000 technology and engineering professionals united by a common desire to continuously learn, interact, collaborate, and innovate.

You can renew your annual membership at www.ieee.org/renew.  If you have already renewed, we thank you for your support, and look forward to being your professional partner in 2020.

Please note that if you have retired or become unemployed, IEEE can help by discounting your annual membership dues. For more information, please visit IEEE Membership Services.

IEEE Benefits

Keeping Technically Current: Continue to advance your career and keep abreast of new and changing technologies. IEEE has the means for you to remain technically current through award winning publications, and technical societies.

Career Resources and Recognition: Leadership is a skill that must be crafted over time. Keep your career moving in the right direction with IEEE career benefits and resources.

Professional Networking: With other IEEE members who share similar interests, you can build a network revolving around your profession, industry or projects.

Continuing Education: Keep growing with IEEE continuing education benefits and other educational opportunities available to IEEE members. These resources allow you to acquire new skills and advance your professional development.

Discounts: IEEE members enjoy reduced rates on many proprietary products and services including IEEE books and eBooks, journals and articles, conferences and proceedings, standards, society memberships, and continuing education courses. In addition, members have access to a variety of affinity programs that offer savings.

Humanitarian Programs: Volunteering is a rewarding way to develop interpersonal skills, create new professional relationships, and apply your expertise to help others.

Job Opportunities and Sponsors

Advanced Personnel Profiles
Staffing & Recruiting Since 1995

Director, Regulatory Affairs for Latin America
Florida

The individual has division level influence and is generally considered a key opinion leader and an expert resource both within the company and externally on all Latin America Regulatory Affairs issues.  Will develop and supervise regulatory professionals for this medical device manufacturer.  Approximately 50% travel and must speak English and Spanish or Portuguese.

Company will provide relocation assistance.  10+ years in regulated industry with a degree in science, math engineering or medical field is preferred.

Contact Pat Jacobs — 805-579-0630 pat.jacobs@advancedpersonnelprofiles.com

Sr. Test Development Engineer
Second Sight (www.secondsight.com), Sylmar, CA

Do you have 1 to 3 years experience in the application of instrumentation usage in a testing environment?  Are you a quick thinker with a “go-getter” attitude and aptitude?  Do you have a basic understanding of measurement testing and analysis?

Development and support of manufacturing test systems (both hardware and software) for implantable medical products. Analyses production failures and takes corrective action.
•  National Instruments experience
•  2+ years C++ experience
•  Manufacturing test development experience
•  Medical device experience preferred

Contact Pat Jacobs — 805-579-0630 pat.jacobs@advancedpersonnelprofiles.com

Electrical Engineer - ASIC Layout
Second Sight (www.secondsight.com), Sylmar, CA

Working as the main layout engineer, collaborate with ASIC circuit design engineers on architectural design and floor planning, and carry out most of the chip circuit layout work.   Also responsible for PCB layout for chip testing circuits, and play a supporting role in chip testing.
•  EE BSc degree with at least four years of experience or MSc degree with at least two years of experience in comprehensive CMOS chip layout work that includes chip level layout, DRC and LVS
•  Good understanding of CMOS fabrication processes
•  Good understanding of principles of CMOS devices and circuits

Contact Pat Jacobs — 805-579-0630 pat.jacobs@advancedpersonnelprofiles.com

Electrical Engineer
Second Sight (www.secondsight.com), Sylmar, CA

Researches and develops systems, designs circuits, and tests electrical components, equipment, and systems.  Must have experience with:
•  design and simulation software (e.g. SPICE, VHDL or Verilog, Altium)
•  design control
•  verification and validation testing and documentation
•  medical device industry or pharmaceutical industry is critical
•  5 years related experience and/or training

Contact Pat Jacobs — 805-579-0630 pat.jacobs@advancedpersonnelprofiles.com

Mechanical Engineer
Second Sight (www.secondsight.com), Sylmar, CA

There are 3 positions for mechanical engineers – at the Principal, Senior and entry levels.  Must have medical device experience, able to develop engineering drawings using 2D and 3D CAD software (e.g. AutoCad and SolidWorks) and willing to work hands-on.  May have some supervisory responsibilities.

Contact Pat Jacobs — 805-579-0630 pat.jacobs@advancedpersonnelprofiles.com

Quality Engineer II
Second Sight (www.secondsight.com), Sylmar, CA

Provide quality engineering support to ensure that the products conform to established specifications and consistently meet or exceed the requirements of our customer and patients.

•  3 or more years experience as a Quality Engineer or in related field in the medical device industry.  ASQC CQE a plus.
•  BS degree in Engineering or related discipline preferably with Master in related engineering field.

Contact Pat Jacobs — 805-579-0630 pat.jacobs@advancedpersonnelprofiles.com

Director of Manufacturing
Second Sight (www.secondsight.com), Sylmar, CA

This position responsible for organization and direction of all resources needed as they relate to in-house manufacturing floor activities, for both commercial and development products.

Minimum of 10 years in a production leadership role, preferably in an FDA regulated industry.

Contact Pat Jacobs — 805-579-0630 pat.jacobs@advancedpersonnelprofiles.com

Manufacturing Engineer
Second Sight (www.secondsight.com), Sylmar, CA

Provide engineering support to the Implant and External product manufacturing operations, improving efficiency, addressing problems in-house and at suppliers, and maintaining compliance.
•  2 to 5 years’ experience in an engineering role.
•  Experience in medical device manufacturing a plus.

Contact Pat Jacobs — 805-579-0630 pat.jacobs@advancedpersonnelprofiles.com


Astranis
Getting the next four billion people online by building next-generation telecoms satellites

San Francisco, CA

Astranis is going to get the next four billion people online by building next-generation telecommunications satellites, and they need your help. They’re hiring senior electrical engineers to join their 60-person, San Francisco-based team of world-class engineers from SpaceX, Qualcomm, Google, Apple, Boeing, NASA, and more. Prior space experience is not necessary, but you have to be comfortable getting your hands dirty with real hardware.

Openings include
•  Senior Power Electronics Engineer
•  Senior Avionics Engineer

For more information, please reach out to Christian Keil, or visit their web site to check out all their open jobs.


Syntesis Global
Management Consulting

Syntesis Global introduces the “New Standard” for Creating a Culture of Excellence in Leadership Development, Organizational Dynamics, Career Transitions and Outplacement Services: Syntesis Global™. With over thirty years of business experience, Syntesis Global™ offers state-of-the-art Performance Consulting through Executive Coaching, Change Management, Team Building, Organizational and Career Management services. Contact Rick Hernandez, President and CEO at contactus@syntesisglobal.com  

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