Join us as we meet the Leadership Team of Cimetrix in our “Meet the Team” series.
David Warren is the Director of Software Engineering for Cimetrix where he manages a team of software engineers that develop the company’s product line and improve and maintain existing products. David has over 20 years of total experience and expertise as a software developer. He started with Cimetrix in 1994 and has also worked at Design Synthesis and Philips. David has helped create, develop, and maintain software products for factory automation for many different industries including semiconductor, packaging, surface-mount technology, assembly, and CNC machining. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University.
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What brought you to Cimetrix originally?
Cimetrix was a robotics company when I joined, almost fresh out of school. For me, working with robots was a dream job, combining my passions for mechanical engineering and computers. Today’s emphasis on connectivity and equipment control is just as fascinating!
What's your favorite thing about working here?
I can’t narrow it down to just a single favorite thing. I love the industry we are in, being able to make a difference in the world, and definitely the people.
What do you think makes a great Director of Software Engineering?
That’s a good question. The mission of Software Engineering is to make great products—and there is a lot that goes into making that possible. I believe the vast majority of software engineers have a desire or even a need to create great products, so it’s probably more accurate to reverse that—what is preventing us from making great products? A great Director of Software Engineering can recognize and remove impediments, whether that is getting better requirements, changing processes, making sure there is adequate time, training, or anything else. In short, like great point guards and quarterbacks, they make everyone around them better. That’s the kind of person I want to be.
Do you have a favorite quote or saying? Why?
K.I.S.S., or Keep It Simple, Stupid. For whatever reason, getting the right level of simplicity is never simple and seemingly undervalued. If you have something simple and are thinking about adding some complexity or have something complex that might be simplified with a little more work, it is good to have a reminder of the value of simplicity.
How do you deal with challenges that come up in your work life?
A brief moment of panic followed by a flurry of hard work—just kidding. Though difficult in the moment, taking the time to understand the challenge, going beyond the initial presentation and discovering the underlying problem often can turn a challenge into an opportunity.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My family knows whenever I’m asked, “what did you like most about …”, my answer is always “spending time with my family”. It’s absolutely true, though. Whether we are camping, four-wheeling, hiking, working in the yard, or just hanging out, I like spending time with my family!
What's the best thing that's happened to you in your time working at Cimetrix?
I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in many amazing technological achievements here at Cimetrix, but the very best thing is the people. I can’t count the number of times someone has taken the time to help me grow both professionally and personally. The mentoring I’ve received is without question the best thing that’s happened to me.
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