Manager Software Engineering

This section of our website is where we focus on the various different career disciplines that make up the Geomatics industry. This is good for young people who may be thinking about getting involved in the Geomatics business, for someone thinking of a career change or for those that just want to learn more about Geomatics.

Dan Eslinger of NavCom Technology Inc was kind enough to talk with GoGeomatics to help better explain and define what a Manager Software Engineering role could be.

So welcome Mr. Eslinger to GoGeomatics …
What organization do you work for?
NavCom Technology Inc, A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Deere & Company
What is your title and how long have you been in that position?
Manager Software Engineering, two years.
What was your previous position?
GPS Product Software Manager, same company
Where did you acquire your geomatics skills?

I acquired my Geomatics skills through formal education and hands on work experience. I hold a BSc in Geomatics Engineering from the University of Calgary and have twelve years of work experience in Geomatics. Over the past ten years I have experience in a variety of Geomatics disciplines including remote sensing, GNSS, GIS and Location based services such as asset tracking.

Can you tell us what a typical day for you is like?

As a department manager, my position involves equal parts technical and personnel. A typical work day involves monitoring development and verification activities in our design centers in North America, Europe and Australia. My position requires that I work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that NavCom’s products continue to evolve and stay relevant to our customers.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I enjoy creating compelling products based on Geomatics technology. My current position allows me to contribute throughout our product life cycle from inception to customer support and end of life.

Where would you like to be in your career 5 years from now and how will you make that happen?

In five years I would like to be the Engineering Manager for a technology oriented company. I continue to develop my managerial skill set through regular review of leadership publications and attend relevant trade shows and conferences to keep abreast of technology trends.

What skill set do you use the most in your job?
Estimation theory, satellite navigation and geodesy are my “go to” Geomatics skill sets.
Is there a skill set you looking at expanding or learning in the future?
Distributed data networks and systems are a key infrastructure that Geomatics will benefit from. The ability to seamlessly transition from the office to the field and back will benefit a variety of industries and create widespread innovations within the Geomatics industry.
Is there a project that you’re particularly proud of that you can tell us about? Specifically what was your role and how did the project succeed??
I oversaw NavCom’s SF-3050 project from inception through to delivery and worked with a cross disciplinary team to deliver the first major product refresh of NavCom’s GNSS technology in five years.
How do you feel about the future of our industry today?

Geomatics is increasingly relevant to the public, looking at applications like Google Maps through to Open Source GIS and commercial GIS packages. The key to future opportunities is developing relevant technology and delivering it in the most accessible form possible. Advances in telecommunication and computing are supporting a golden age for Geomatics in which skilled professionals have a bright future.

Do you have any advice for someone interested in becoming a “Manager Software Engineering”

Be a self-starter and be prepared to learn. GNSS is at the cross roads of Electronics, Physics, Mathematics, Manufacturing, and customer usability. It is a true cross functional discipline and requires that individuals within it are able to learn new technology quickly and adapt to rapidly changing trends.

We would also remind you that GoGeomatics is your best place to help you build and network your own professional Geomatics career and encourage you to get involved in the discussions on the GoGeomatics Forum.

If you or someone you know is involved in Geomatics and would like to share your experiences with us then we would love for you to contact us.