Lisa Åstrand
Embedded Software Team Manager
CrossControl, part of the CentroMotion family of brands
Lisa’s early career aspirations had nothing to do with engineering. Early on, she wanted to become an eye surgeon, but her plans changed when she realized the high academic requirements she’d need to meet. Although she had nurtured a broad interest in the nature sciences and technology, she eventually got hooked on electronics and software thanks to some very good teachers. Additionally, Lisa’s father was an engineer and was fluent in fixing and repairing things. She believes this really contributed to her interest in technology.
In college, she was one of very few women in the engineering program. “I noticed that as a woman, you always have to be at your best, as there is no way to hide in the crowd,” she said. “This is a situation many women deal with when pursuing careers in areas traditionally dominated by men.” Today, Lisa has seen many changes in her chosen field and believes it is due to a more modern culture.
Recalling some of the greatest challenges in her career, Lisa remembers a project where she was asked to develop software for embedded devices as well as a desktop visualization application. The algorithms required deep math skills, and she had to learn a totally new software framework. “It was a lot of learning on a compressed schedule, but I had been trained to learn fast,” she said.
Considering her top achievements, Lisa recalled a project from her first year at CrossControl. “In partnership with three other engineers, I had to develop different parts of the core software for a new product,” she said. “With my holistic system view, I took the role as sub-project manager, coordinating the different parts and encouraging the team to work towards a common goal. I think my natural curiosity and belief in teamwork really helped us succeed.”
CentroMotion designs and delivers systems and solutions that are critical to the safety and reliability of our customers’ Industrial and Transportation products. Our technologies and subject matter expertise in the areas of motion, actuation, control, and friction and braking, coupled with our compelling customer value proposition, position us as a leading supplier to the markets we serve. Our well-known brands include Power-Packer for hydraulic motion control and stabilization systems; CrossControl and maximatecc for operator information and human-machine interface systems; Elliott Manufacturing and Weasler Engineering for power and force transmission through flexible and rigid driveline systems; Carlisle Brake and Friction for complete brake systems, brake components, wet and dry friction materials for brake, and clutch and transmission applications and Gits Manufacturing for high-performance engine thermal and emission control solutions. CentroMotion’s Global Headquarters are in Waukesha, WI and we sell into over 70+ countries around the world. We have 22 manufacturing facilities, and our 3,500 employees are the source of our innovation, performance, and the reason for our success. Learn more about CentroMotion by visiting our website at www.centromotion.com.
Filed Under: Women in Engineering
