One of the biggest rewards for an engineer is to see ideas come to life. Over the years I've had the privilege of working alongside and leading teams that feel the same way. I'm currently employed by Monitor Technologies, LLC in Elburn, IL. as engineering manager. Most of the equipment that goes into the markets we serve have been entirely designed by my team. My role is a dual one. I am both the department head and mechanical engineer. My role as mechanical engineer is what brings me the most satisfaction because being an inventor is what lies at the core of why I became and remain involved in product design. I enjoy bringing my creativity alongside that of the electronic engineers as we develop a new product or enhance an existing one. Our common objective is to design level control devices that bring complete value to the end-user and do it in such a way that it makes practical sense to choose ours over that of another company. The most recent example is a wireless means to set up and calibrate our level control devices at minimal cost. The solution became the challenge to develop a smart phone app and integrate a Bluetooth radio in our devices providing the two-way communication necessary. This wasn't an idea generated by a sales and marketing study or discovery that a competitor already offers this as a solution. This idea came together in our engineering library during a design meeting and we simply asked the question, "is there a better way?" Bluetooth is a practical solution to a common, expensive (and wired I might add) handheld input device alternative because almost everyone has a smart phone these days (no accessory to purchase) and those that don't can simply buy one for $50 at a retail store (practical solution). This is a great example of the reward that comes from this job. Thinking something into reality and hearing customers ask, "when can we get that" is a great feeling.Contact me at:Email: jeffrey.s.cole@gmail.com