Steven Devore, Senior Electrical Engineer, Leonardo DRS Signal Solutions
Steve received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 2012 from the Pennsylvania State University. His undergraduate studies focused on research programs within the Student Space Programs Laboratory (SSPL) along with initiating a collaborative project with MIT Lincoln Laboratory, using his satellite radio design for first responders. His time at TE Connectivity culminated with a patent for a novel RF interconnect design before joining Leonardo DRS Signal Solutions in 2012. Steve has been an instrumental architect of the system design for the DRS VPX product line and building trusted relationships with customers.
Work with VITA
1. Explain some of the work you’re doing with VITA & its related standards.
I initiated the VITA 67.3 standard effort in 2012 with a focus in resolving the blind mate coax issues that were forthcoming. After chairing that standard for several years, I shifted my attention to integrating these modules with the VITA 65 standard. After that began successful adoptions, I started a new standard, VITA 66.5, to address the same concerns DRS had with coax, but now in the optical interface space, five years later.
2. How has being involved in an effort like the CMOSS initiative affected your view of the embedded computing industry?
The CMOSS, SOSA, and HOST standards initiative are the extensions of VITA standards that VSO members had anticipated. Government customers are collecting information throughout industry that is the result of past and present collaboration efforts, and applying it to solve recent needs. I’m encouraged by their openness to industry suggestions, and the willingness of competitors to compromise. It’s been very rewarding to see the standards that I have contributed to, VITA 65, 66.5, and 67.3, being adopted in the next generation of embedded systems.
Why Engineering?
1. Did you always want to be an engineer? If so, why? If not, how’d you wind up here?
Yes, since early childhood.
2. What has surprised you the most about the work you do with embedded computing? (or engineering in general)
The biggest surprise is how many niches exist within the MIL AERO marketspace. Within these niche markets, there’s a strong community where knowledge is shared, but once you go beyond those bounds, everything can change. From the terminology used, to the design process itself, it can be difficult to communicate and effectively collaborate as programs incorporate a wider variance of target applications.
3. What is one of the biggest issue currently facing engineers?
The largest issue RF engineers are facing today is the consolidation of component vendors. This has forced large obsolescence efforts and limited the breadth of available components for new designs. The positive outlook is that this process creates an opportunity for new, small companies to fill the void with innovative offerings.
4. What advice would you give to someone looking into this field of engineering?
Don’t be afraid to try multiple specialties early in your schooling and career. It’s key to success in any career choice to determine what you’re passionate about and focus your career to support those passions.
Off the cuff: Tell us your favorite joke.
If God isn't a Penn State Fan, why is the sky blue and white?
