“My work deals with increasing the robust response of our active safety products in varied driving environments.”
Molly
MEET OUR PEOPLE
Molly, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Engineer, United States
What does your role as an ADAS engineer entail?
As an advanced driver assistance systems engineer (ADAS) on our engineering team, I work on active safety technology systems that specifically relate to our development of stereo cameras to ensure driver safety. Our vehicle-mounted cameras help detect objects in front of the vehicle, measuring the depth and distance accurately to alert drivers to potential obstacles. My primary role is to prepare prototype cameras for installation in experimental vehicles and to validate safety functions.
Sustainability and advanced mobility are key aspects of active safety technologies. At Astemo we are constantly working to develop active safety products that can support full autonomy and contribute to a safer, more sustainable and more comfortable vision of the automotive future. My daily work deals with increasing the robust response of our active safety products in varied driving environments.
“ At Astemo we are constantly working to develop active safety products that can support full autonomy and contribute to a safer, more sustainable and more comfortable vision of the automotive future. My daily work deals with increasing the robust response of our active safety products in varied driving environments. ”
How did you find your way to Astemo?
While growing up in the State of Ohio in the United States, I loved reading Pokémon comics, especially the translator notes that explained the jokes and culture. I begged my mother to let me take Japanese lessons in high school and continued my language studies in college. I had an internship with Toyota while studying at the University of Michigan, which led to a job at Astemo four years ago. We have a Japanese tutor at our Michigan technology center which allows me to continue learning. My Japanese language skills, while not critical to my engineering role, have helped me throughout my career.
A highlight of my career was a business trip to Japan. After working with my colleagues at a test track event for customers, I was asked if I could translate a press release into English. At that moment I realized that I was doing what I have always wanted to do – to work at a Japanese company and to use both my language and engineering skills.
The automotive industry is exciting and competitive. While Astemo offers the benefits and security of working in a large global company, our U.S. team is like a family. We have a supportive and collaborative culture. I have formed great relationships with my colleagues and continue to learn.
How do you contribute to the company’s diverse and inclusive environment?
There are several aspects how I am contributing to the team because of my culture background. For example, I am supporting my team to make sure that things go easily for them, ensuring that no one gets left behind because of language or culture issues. Through my foreign language studies I’ve frequently been put in situations where I am the odd one out and have to rely on the good will of the people surrounding me. Since Astemo is a global environment, I try to remember my own experiences and approach others with patience and understanding. The same applies for me in reverse - when I am on an international business trip and meet my colleagues around the world I am always warmly welcomed and supported with any need which may arise – both have provided important learning experiences.
