Robert Kiely, Applications Engineer (Precision ADC Group), Analog Devices

Name Robert Kiely
Job Applications Engineer (Precision ADC Group), Analog Devices
Education BEng in Electronic Engineering, University of Limerick; MEng in VLSI Systems, University of Limerick

When I finished my Leaving Certificate, I studied Sound Engineering for two years in Dublin. I became very interested in the studio equipment we were using and decided to return to UL to study electronic engineering.

Cooperative placement is part of the degree course in UL and mine was spent working in Analog Devices, an international company that designs and manufacture integrated circuits. These are used in all market segments including consumer AV, automotive, healthcare, communications/wireless infrastructure and industrial applications.

This was a great experience and showed me what it was like to work for an international company. It was for this reason that, when it came towards the end of my time in college, I decided to apply for a position with Analog.

After completing an online application, I was offered a technical interview and then a job. I believe my previous placement with them had given me an edge over other candidates, which is why I would recommend making the most of any placement or internship.

My current position is Applications Engineer in our precision ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) group. I work closely with the design team through an entire product lifecycle from initial conception until eventual obsolescence.

Throughout this I work to ensure that the product is designed to meet the customer’s expectations and to support the end product design both with the hardware and software design. It is a varied role that calls on a lot of different skills. On a daily basis, I work with engineers from the US, Ireland, India, Philippines and Japan.

In my time here, I’ve been involved in several key projects. After only six months, I was asked to do a demonstration for the company co-founder and chairman, Ray Stata. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to meet customers and provide training in Germany and Boston, with more trips planned for the EU and US in the coming months.

Advice for graduates

In my time here, I’ve been involved in several key projects. After only six months, I was asked to do a demonstration for the company co-founder and chairman, Ray Stata. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to meet customers and provide training in Germany and Boston, with more trips planned for the EU and US in the coming months.

Robert was interviewed for gradireland Engineering 2013