Adi Diner - 2017 SPIE Women in Optics Planner
Engineering Project Manager
Spectra-Physics, USA
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Country of Birth: Israel |
Since I was young, I have wanted to understand how things work. I wondered why natural phenomena occurred and invented new devices. In high school, I did research in a real lab at a research institute. I was so excited when the theory I learned in class came to life in the lab.
I started my career designing lasers, and now I work as a project manager at Spectra-Physics. I lead a team of engineers from different disciplines and together we turn an idea into a product: high-end lasers that are used in leading physics, chemistry, and biology research labs.
There is a constant conflict between ‘perfect’ and ‘good enough’ when developing new products. But as an engineer and a manager, I have to aim for perfection while meeting practical demands with limited time and resources. I must balance the sometimes contradictory input of different team members. In most cases, an open discussion brings all team members to understand the limitations and to prioritize correctly.
When I started in the industry, I felt I was supposed to have answers to everything. I wish I learned earlier that even after many years in the industry you do not need to know everything. Asking other team members and brainstorming as a team has proven to be an amazing way for all of us to learn and find innovative solutions.
Being successful in any career requires hard work, but most of all it requires that you enjoy what you are doing. If you enjoy your work you can succeed and overcome challenges. Finding mentors and role models is helpful. Learn how to choose and combine the advice and support you receive from colleagues, managers, friends and family. They can all be part of the support system which enables you to get where you want to go.