Who We Are

A whiteboard is an indispensable tool for an engineer. But for several n^th engineers, it’s an area to share their wit and wisdom.  This is their space and their thoughts. First up: a brief background.

Scott, Director of Engineering and Manufacturing:

Right out of college I started assembling circuit boards, then wiring and programming control panels.  I had the opportunity to be around machinists and taught myself how to work metal with their help.  I began to build and install the machines, and soon I was programming.  I traveled around the United States and as far as Canada and England installing the equipment we built.  Years later I became interested in printed circuit design due to necessity of the surroundings I was in and with the help of an engineer and some books, learned the techniques needed to design printed circuit boards, even before computers were widely used to aid in design.  Since circuit boards fit into product enclosures, it seemed fitting to learn more about mechanical design.  I taught myself AutoCAD and mechanical drawing.  I have been on several design teams and managed production floors.

Blogger’s Comment: The company owners will tell you that he’s the sharpest jack-of-all-trade engineer they’ve ever known.  Scott can create and build anything, from inception right through production.  His biggest asset, who occasionally accompanies him to work: Auggie, his Jack Russell Terrier puppy.

A.J., production manager:

I have always been interested in how things work, as well as how they are made, so this challenging business has been right up my alley.  I was offered a job at n^th Solutions and I have been soaking up as much knowledge about product design and manufacturing as I can.  I program, implement, and maintain robotic and pneumatic pick-and-place machines that populate printed circuit boards, build single prototype circuits – for instance, hand-soldering surface mount and through-hole parts – as well as repair existing circuits.  I enjoy using the metal lathe and vertical mill center, and I oversee production of all our products.

I was born in Virginia but raised in Chester County, Pa.  My hobbies include snowboarding, fishing, and woodworking.  I have been happily married for 5 years to my high school sweetheart.

Blogger’s Comment: Like Scott, A.J. can build anything.  He designs, maintains and optimizes our production lines to keep things running smoothly and efficiently.

Jim, Secret Weapon:

When I first graduated with a BS in mechanical engineering, I was directed to obtain some sort of specialty.  Since some of my early co-op assignments had involved experimental stress analysis, I spent several years after graduation and in my first job with Westinghouse in this field.  However, Westinghouse was just entering the jet engine business and I was attracted to the engine test activity.  I accepted a transfer to Kansas City where the company was setting up an engine production and test plant.  Since I had some engine test experience I was offered a supervisor position and was in management for the rest of my career.

Blogger’s Comment: Jim is coy about his work on government projects, but he was instrumental in the development of the F-4 Phantom and the Minuteman and MX missiles.  More on his background here.