Profile

Photo:

Dominic Margitan

    • About Me:

      I live with my Wife and 14 year old daughter.  I work as an Engineering Manager for a research lab that tests catalyst technology.  When I am not working I love to spend time on the lakes and working out, lifting weights.

    • Read more

      The career I have satisfies my need for ‘troubleshooting’.  I like to fix things and make things better.  In the world of testing, there are many chances to make things better, so that part of the job is satisfying.

      I am also a licensed builder, meaning I can build houses or make repairs or renovate houses for people.

      Many years ago, I also played guitar in a band.  Our CD was sold in stores and we used to play concerts throughout Michigan.

    • My Work:

      We run tests on engines to help develop technologies that keep the air we breath clean and safe. The work we do prevents the dangerous gasses that come from cars and trucks from getting into the air.

    • Read more

      My role as Engineering Manager is to make sure the people are safe and the equipment we use is in good condition.

      One department is in charge of the computer programming and collecting data from the tests.

      Another is responsible for the equipment that measures the gasses from the engines and how well we are reducing them.

      We all play a key part in the testing process.

    • My Typical Day:

      I wake up by 5:45 am to get ready for work and drink a protein shake on the way in.

      I am at work by 6:45 am and I follow up with all my teams to make sure we know what we need to do for the day.

      At 8:00 am, we have a meeting to follow up on the events of the previous day.

      The rest of the day is filled with planning improvements and working on automation projects as well as fixing things that may be broken.

      I leave for home between 4:00 pm-5:00 pm.

       

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      My daughter won a few STEM contests when she was in grade school.  I would look into if I could contribute to the local program to ensure the STEM fairs continue for other kids.

    Work History

    • Education:

      Wayne State University. Detroit, MI

      Henry Ford College.  Dearborn, MI

    • Work History:

      I hired into this job in 1995 washing test cars.

      I was promoted to be the driver for picking up materials.

      Soon after that, I was promoted to Purchasing Agent.

      The company was sold so I left and went to the new company (Johnson Matthey) where I was the Component Testing Coordinator.

      I was then asked to be the Sales Person, which eventually led to being the Technical Sales Engineer.

      After nearly 10-years, I was then promoted to Operations Supervisor.

      Then, I was promoted to Testing Manager.

      After that, I was promoted to Engineering Manager.

    • Current Job:

      Engineering Manager is my current role.

      I am in charge of several departments:

      • Data Acquisition & Control
      • Emissions
      • Fabrication
      • Facilities / Maintenance
      • Shipping & Receiving / Inventory Management

    • Employer:

      Johnson Matthey Testing

      Taylor, MI

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        Dedicated, Honest, Bald.

        What's the best thing you've done in your career?

        Increased Safety Culture for the employees. Making processes and jobs safer.

        What or who inspired you to follow your career?

        Nick Dufour. He taught me innovation could be fun.

        What was your favorite subject at school?

        Art Class

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Graphic Designer

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Nope. Never. Not even once...ok maybe a few times.

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        Police Detective

        Who is your favorite singer or band?

        Dream Theater

        What's your favorite food?

        Peanut Butter

        What is the most fun thing you've done?

        Played guitar live in front of thousands of people.

        If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!

        For my Daughter to be happy and successful. A content retirement before I get too old. Hair.

Ask me a question!

Questions answered by Dominic

View all Dominic's answered questions

My Comments

What’s happening in I’m a Scientist

View older news items and announcements