Gerald DeJean, Senior Engineering Manager/Site Lead, RTX
I AM...a Microwave engineer, I am a teacher, I am a manager, I am enthusiastic about helping people in any capacity, I am feeling older by the minute, but like fine wine, I think I’m getting better with age. I am happy for the opportunity to attend IMS another year.
What made you want to work in this industry?
I wanted to work in this industry because it was amazing to me to see phenomena occurred without physically touching a part or device. The fact that you could send energy across miles without a physical cable was amazing. I wanted to learn more about it, and now I’m been in this industry for almost 30 years, loving every minute of it.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Initially, working closely with this technology in a laboratory and field environment was the highlight of my day about my job. It’s one thing to read textbook and articles that describe electromagnetic phenomena, but actually seeing it up close and in the field brought me great joy. Now that I have moved into the management side of the industry, my favorite part of my job is interfacing and helping people every day. Whether it’s mentoring new engineers on the expectations and performance of their roles or helping colleagues advance to new exciting roles, helping people grow moves the company to new heights, and I’m thrilled to be a part of that.
What are you most excited about for IMS2026?
I’m always excited about the new implementations of technology that students present at the oral and poster sessions as well as the exhibition floor where companies present unique insights into their advances. Most importantly, I’m most excited about simply seeing the familiar faces of people I have met throughout the community and catching up with them on work, life and all else in between.