At Ophir, our strength lies in our incredible team, and today we’re thrilled to spotlight Yaakov Pechman, our Director of Engineering. With a career marked by innovation and dedication, Yaakov has been instrumental in steering our engineering efforts toward success. Let’s go over his journey, achievements, and what fuels his passion for both his work and life outside the office and see what he had to share with us.
You’ve had a very broad career history. How did you go from firmware to becoming an engineering director?
My career at Ophir began over 30 years ago after a meeting with Ephraim Greenfield at a social gathering. He mentioned that Ophir is launching a new product line and that the Firmware Engineer will be transitioning to that project. When I got home that evening I told my wife, I’m a Firmware guy, I should give it a try. Intrigued by the opportunity to develop new product lines and with a background in firmware engineering, I joined Ophir as a Firmware Engineer, initially working on embedded software development for our “LaserStar” power meters. Soon, my role expanded, and I began managing a team of software and firmware developers.
Disciplines outside of software such as Electronics and Mechanics piqued my interest as well and at some point, my role morphed from Software Management into Software and Project Management. When the decision was made to build a Beam Analysis team in Jerusalem, I accepted the offer to lead the R&D efforts.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Currently, I’m focused on providing cutting-edge analysis solutions for challenging applications in fields ranging from scientific research to automotive and additive manufacturing. These projects involve tackling technological challenges associated with higher power lasers, integration into large scale systems, and more — a task that I find exhilarating.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
When not leading breakthroughs in laser measurement, I immerse myself in the study of Jewish scholarly texts, primarily the Babylonian Talmud and Codified Jewish Law and Practices. I find profound relevance and continuity in these ancient traditions, appreciating how they remain pertinent in our modern, technology-driven world.
What’s next for you?
I am excited about the potential of integrating more advanced technologies into Ophir’s products. I am committed to further enhancing the precision and utility of our laser measurement tools, ensuring they continue to set industry standards. My vision includes not only advancing product features but also fostering a collaborative environment that bridges various technical disciplines for holistic innovation.
Keep an eye on our blog for more updates and stories from our team as we continue pushing the boundaries of laser measurement technology.
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