Innovation today rarely lives in a single discipline. The breakthrough product, the elegant solution, the thing that finally works—more often than not, it sits at the intersection of mechanical systems, electronics, and software. A clever mechanism is only as useful as the sensors that guide it; a brilliant circuit needs a physical form that can survive the real world.
That's why electromechanical engineers like Calvin Schlau are so essential to the work we do as PCDworks. For the past eight years, Calvin has been bridging hardware and code on projects ranging from autonomous boats to smart tie-down systems for transporting and securing heavy equipment. We sat down with him to talk about how he got into innovation, what's keeping him curious right now, and why follow-through matters more than the spark of an idea.
How did you get into innovation?
I’ve always been interested in making things, which led me to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Tyler. I graduated in 2018, and in my last semester, a team member of my robotics competition group was working for PCDworks as an intern. He mentioned the Chief Engineer (Bert) needed someone with electronics and software experience to assist with SecureLoad. I’ve been working here since.
What drew you to PCDworks?
The company has a great mindset and culture—of momentum, flexibility, and continuous learning.
In my eight years here, I have yet to be told, “You can’t do that” or “That isn’t your role.” I have a broad set of interests, and as long as you show that you’ve put the time and work into building a skill, PCDworks is open to you contributing to areas outside of your academic background. This has allowed me to build practical experience in many different fields and bring a wider perspective to the problems we solve. Intellectual pursuits are treated as just as important as the financial aspects of the business, which prevents stagnation.
What are your greatest strengths?
I see myself as a lifetime learner and a global thinker. I’m also proactive in developing structured workflows, as I see them as a necessary tool for completing certain types of efforts efficiently.
What are you most fascinated by right now?
Lots of things. Probably too many things. Right now I’m especially interested in the pre-seed to early-stage start-up scene in Texas.
What’s your favorite project you worked on and why?
The WASP boat project, because I was able to do some fishing while testing out autonomous navigation features. Jokes aside, I try to enjoy any project I work on, but these projects do take real time and energy to complete. Any that end in success are my favorites by default of them feeling like time well spent.
What do you think is most important to innovation?
Being serious about follow-through. As fun as coming up with new ideas can be, it can take a lot of work for an innovative idea to become an innovative product or solution. I’ve spent a significant amount of time thinking about ways to minimize the effort and time it takes to abridge it.
What is your favorite quote related to innovation?
“So, in the face of overwhelming odds, I’m left with only one option: I’m gonna have to science the shit out of this.”
—Andy Weir, The Martian