We work hard to build a strong sense of community, recognizing that growth and success originate with our people and not the latest design. Daily, weekly and monthly meetings are held to identify opportunities, improve processes and to recognize achievement. Companywide as well as individual milestones are celebrated. SDP/SI consistently makes the Modern Machine Shop “TOP SHOPS” list, but in 2019 and again in 2023 we were named an honoree and presented an award at the annual Top Stops Conference in Cincinnati, OH. We have also been recognized by Newsday as a "Top Long Island Work Place" for years 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Keith has always been fascinated by the manufacturing process. From design and development to production and distribution, a career in manufacturing affords the opportunity to be present throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept to reality. After graduating from Quinnipiac University with a degree in mechanical engineering, Keith decided to pursue manufacturing because it presented a unique opportunity for innovation and problem solving. Constantly evolving technologies and techniques in product development keep him engaged and motivated.
One of Keith’s proudest moments came when his team of automation engineers succeeded in programming a UR Robot to tend a HAAS CNC mill, which tested the team’s ability to design, program, and work together. When asked what he would recommend about manufacturing as a career, Keith responded, “Manufacturing is a diverse field that includes everything from robotics and engineering to design and quality control. Seek educational opportunities in STEM programs and college degrees related to manufacturing. These will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed for a career in manufacturing. Stay curious and open to learning about new technologies.”
For Keith, manufacturing is more than just a job; it’s a chance to innovate, create, and bring ideas to life.
Megan joined SDP/SI with a passion for innovation and a desire to shape the future of engineering and manufacturing. A recent graduate of Fordham University, she was drawn to the field because it allows her to collaborate with others who share her curiosity and drive to create new solutions.
In her role, Megan models custom parts using 3D software, creates and edits technical drawings, and works directly with customers to ensure their designs meet expectations. She also examines products whenever manufacturing issues arise, helping to maintain quality and precision throughout the process.
For Megan, the most interesting part of her job is knowing that her work contributes to creating specific parts that customers rely on for their own applications. Megan was recently promoted to program manager, and she takes pride in making a positive impact on customer experience.
“I love how there are so many ways to help customers in this field,” Megan said of her new role. “Whether it’s designing a unique component or answering a question over the phone, it’s rewarding to know you’re making a difference.” Her advice to young people is to think creatively and take pride in contributing to innovation that shapes the world around us.
For Megan, manufacturing represents opportunity, creativity, and the satisfaction of seeing ideas become reality.
Ronald chose a career in manufacturing because he wanted to create parts that make a difference in the real world. He believes that the products made in this field have the power to change lives and contribute to a better society. A graduate of New York City College of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ronald takes pride in knowing his work has a lasting impact.
As a manufacturing engineer, Ronald works with customer drawings to develop custom and stock parts that meet specific needs. When challenges arise in production, such as dimensional or tolerance issues, he collaborates with his team to find solutions and keep projects moving forward.
For Ronald, one of the most interesting parts of the job is working with well-known companies around the world and helping them achieve their goals. He feels proud every time a drawing he worked on goes into production and he gets to see the finished part.
“You fall in love with the process when you see how many steps are involved in manufacturing a part or product,” Ronald said. “Working with different teams to create something that satisfies our customers is the best part of my job.” He encourages students to explore manufacturing early, adding, “This is a rewarding career with many opportunities for growth. Do internships and get hands-on experience—it will take you a long way.”
For Ronald, manufacturing is about teamwork, innovation, and the satisfaction of turning ideas into products that help people everywhere.
For John, manufacturing has always been part of life. Growing up in a family that worked in the industry, he saw firsthand the pride that comes from creating quality products. Over time, he developed that same appreciation for the process, the teamwork, and the problem-solving that make manufacturing so rewarding. Pursuing a career in the field felt like a natural fit and a chance to contribute while continuing to grow.
John holds a bachelor’s degree in business management, a master’s degree with a concentration in Business Management, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. His role blends purchasing responsibilities with process improvement initiatives. On the purchasing side, he manages supplier relationships, issues purchase orders, and ensures materials arrive on time to support production. On the process improvement side, he focuses on identifying inefficiencies and applying lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste, streamline workflows, and improve overall productivity.
What John finds most interesting about his work is identifying small inefficiencies, applying lean principles, and seeing measurable improvements in productivity and workflow. He takes pride in knowing that each change contributes to smoother operations and better results for the company.
“What I love about manufacturing is that it’s hands-on and results-driven,” John said. “You can see the impact of your work, whether it’s improving a process or watching a finished product roll off the line. It’s a team environment built around problem-solving and continuous improvement.” His advice to students is to explore manufacturing if they enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively, and seeing tangible results.
For John, manufacturing is about progress—working together to improve, innovate, and build something that lasts.
Jericho has always been fascinated by how ideas become real, tangible products. That curiosity led him to pursue a career in manufacturing, where creativity and precision come together to bring designs to life. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the New York Institute of Technology and joined Designatronics to apply his passion for design and problem-solving to real-world projects.
In his role, Jericho designs and analyzes mechanical components, primarily gears and custom gearboxes used across a variety of applications. He creates CAD models and engineering drawings, runs calculations, and collaborates with the manufacturing team to ensure that concepts are both functional and feasible to produce. He also works directly with customers to understand their needs, propose solutions, and optimize designs for performance and cost.
Jericho enjoys the problem-solving side of manufacturing, especially finding ways to make a design both precise and efficient to produce. His proudest moments come when a customer decides to move forward with a design he developed, knowing that his work directly contributes to their success.
“What I love about manufacturing is the creativity it demands,” Jericho said. “Every project is a balance between design intent, material properties, and process capability. You have to think like both an engineer and a craftsman.” His advice to young people is to keep building their imagination and creativity, since engineering is about turning ideas into reality.
For Jericho, manufacturing is where imagination meets craftsmanship, and every design is a chance to create something that truly works.
Brendan has always been interested in programming and setting up robots to assist people, and manufacturing gave him the perfect environment to turn that interest into real, practical work. Instead of programming robots to perform simple demonstration tasks, he now develops systems that load machines, move materials, and directly support production on the shop floor. With a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Hofstra University, Brendan joined Designatronics to focus on automation that makes manufacturing more efficient and reliable.
In his role, Brendan designs robotic machine cells, sets them up, and programs and tests the robot arms to ensure they can complete their tasks consistently. Much of his work centers on loading and unloading CNC machines, and he also looks for new ways to reduce costs and improve workflow across the manufacturing process.
Brendan finds the testing stage especially interesting, particularly after refining a robot’s code. His proudest moments happen when everything works exactly as intended and the robot performs its tasks smoothly and repeatably.
“What I love about manufacturing is seeing the entire process from raw material to finished product,” Brendan said. “Every step adds value and contributes to something a customer will use.” His advice to students is to explore the many different roles in manufacturing and identify what interests them most, whether it is automation, machining, quality, or something else. Once they find a direction, learning early and often makes a huge difference.
For Brendan, manufacturing is a chance to combine hands-on engineering, problem-solving, and cutting-edge automation to support real production every day.
