Behind the Spec: Shaun Chen, VP Engineering
Please join us in welcoming our new VP of Engineering, Shaun Chen, to the Atonarp team! Shaun will lead the global engineering team, report to Chris Valcke, and will be based in our Fremont office.
Please share a bit about your training and professional background prior to Atonarp.
My training was centered around medical imaging. I did my PhD on ultrasonic imaging at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor almost20 years ago. Prior to joining Atonarp, I have worked extensively on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) ophthalmic devices with Carl Zeiss and Optovue. At my last position with Optovue, I led a cross-functional product development team consisting of optics, electronics, mechanics, systems, software, algorithms, NPI and clinical applications. I started off my career as advanced development scientist and performed early-stage feasibility studies for new products. Later, I assumed managerial positions in various functions including R&D, product management, clinical affairs, and production transfer.
What drew you to join Atonarp?
As VP of Engineering, my focus will be on product engineering and leading a cross-functional team to make the ATON System a commercially successful product. One of my career aspirations is always to make advanced technology more accessible to patients and health professionals. This matches very well with Atonarp’s mission of “Unlocking Molecular Insights.” We aim to make real-time molecular information accessible and affordable. That is exciting to me.
What kind of challenges do you face as a technical leader?
It is always a challenge when you start a new job because you face a new environment, new technology, new product, and new markets. I attack those challenges by keeping an open-mind and gathering as much information as possible from various sources. Then, by working closely with other functions, I will do a good gap assessment and come up with an action plan to make sure the ATON engineering team has adequate resources, technical know-how, and process to support the Company in achieving its business goals. I am passionate about turning brilliant ideas into real, successful products. Closing the gap between research, technology and commercial products is most rewarding to me.
What qualities does a person in your position need to possess? What do you look for in a team member?
To ensure the delivery of products that will be successful commercially, a technical leader needs to be strategically focused and commercially aware, technically competent, trustworthy and dependable. My colleagues need to trust me, from senior management to the members of the cross-functional team. I want my team to be professional, demonstrate mutual respect for their colleagues, and approach their work with enthusiasm and team spirit.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and hiking most.
Welcome, Shaun!
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