Name: Ronan McGale
Role: Embedded Engineer
Bio: Following an MEng in Electrical and Electronic engineering at Queens University Belfast, I began a job as a PLC Software System Engineer in TES Group in Cookstown. After this, when looking for a role working on more of an embedded systems level, I joined Angoka as a Firmware Engineer, working on securing M2M communications.
Favourite Quote: “Debugging” is like being the detective in a crime drama where you are also the murderer.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day changes depending on the project we are working on, which will either be automotive, IOT or industrial related. It usually means programming and debugging the embedded software on our custom-made circuit boards, as well as testing and documenting the software or researching a new communication method we are trying to use. And then there’s meetings involving the implementation of our current projects.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on the practical implementation of our software, which is designed to secure the communications within a vehicle. This also involves the desktop testing of this software, which we will soon be testing on a moving vehicle.
What inspired you to join this company in particular?
It was one of the few companies focusing on cybersecurity at the embedded system level.
Did you always want to work in this industry (tech)?
Yes, as the tech industry is constantly changing. There’s always something new coming up or some new application of technology. The research and development of these new technologies has always interested me.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
The fast-paced nature of the company means there is always something new to work on. The range of applications for the technology we are developing is very wide ranging, so it’s always interesting to see all the accelerator programs the company is applying for and getting accepted into. The fact we can come in one day and have a new project with a deadline means we’re always on our toes.
What would you say to other people considering a job in this industry (tech)?
I would say if you can get into a smaller company then you receive a broader range of knowledge. Getting stuck in larger companies can mean you get stuck doing the same thing every day.
How do you see this technology impacting on our lives?
As more and more of our lives become digital and more of our devices are connected to the internet, the need to protect all these devices and networks becomes increasingly important.
Who inspired you to work in this field?
Q from James Bond, with all his cool gadgets. After that it was always going to be something with technology!
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
The Mr.Meeseeks box, which helped me lower my handicap in golf by 1 point.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
I’m a Type 1 Diabetic so the one thing I couldn’t live without is CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) which gives me a 24/7 rundown on my glucose levels. Definitely a massive upgrade from a finger-prick every couple hours. The data analytics run on the data is really helpful.
