RM 143: A Candid Conversation with Doug Pauls

We’ve discussed the silver tsunami on the show numerous times, the unprecedented rate of which employees are retiring. When engineers and other employees retire from companies, they take with them more than a set of gold cufflinks or an engraved plaque. In many cases, they also take with them wisdom and knowledge.

Perhaps this is never truer than in the case of Mike Konrad's guest today. And who is that? Doug Pauls.

Pauls holds a B.A. in chemistry and physics from Carthage College, and a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He worked nine years for the Navy, eight years as technical director of Contamination Studies Labs, and more than 20 years at Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace), in the Advanced Operations Engineering group where he is a technical fellow and, a principal materials and process engineer. He was awarded the Rockwell Collins Arthur A. Collins Engineer of the Year Award in 2004 as well as numerous other awards.

Paul is a longtime (well over 30 years) IPC chairman and was awarded the IPC’s Hall of Fame Award in 2017. Most notably, he is known for his expertise in surface insulation resistance testing, cleaning and cleanliness assessment, conformal coatings, and how to investigate and qualify manufacturing processes. He has been a U.S. representative to ISO and IEC working groups on SIR, electromigration, and cleanliness reliability standards. He has participated in numerous national and international consortia on electronics manufacturing materials and processes. He recently led a team of SMEs to redefine the cleanliness provisions of J-STD-001, culminating in what is presently J-STD-001H.

To take liberties with a famous Mark Twain quote “rumors of my retirement have been greatly exaggerated”. For several years now, I’ve heard rumors of Pauls' retirement. Well, that day has finally come. 

Konrad talks with Pauls about his long career within the electronics assembly industry: his triumphs and challenges, and his journey in this ever-changing, dynamic, and challenging industry.

If you’re new to this industry, stick around listen to Doug's advice to young people entering our world, the world of electronics assembly.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Doug Pauls' Career in the Electronic Assembly Industry

00:02:57 - Reliability Matters Podcast Introduction

00:06:04 - Sharing wisdom with early career individuals

00:09:34 - Hobbies Outside of Work

00:12:44 - The Minions and World Domination

00:16:23 - Overcoming Shyness through Theater and Public Speaking Lessons

00:19:41 - Lessons Learned from Skilled Trades People

00:23:03 - Working in the Department of the Navy

00:26:21 - Learning from Asking Questions and Trying New Things

00:29:38 - Learning from the Old Guys

00:33:05 - Participating in Standards Development

00:36:32 - The Power of Networking and Technical Committees

00:40:01 - The Value of Leadership Skills in Collaborative Industries

00:43:15 - Collaboration in the Electronics Industry

00:46:18 - Developing Valuable Skills in Problem-Solving

00:49:39 - Transitioning to Rockwell Collins

00:52:59 - The Four Pillars of Career Advancement at Collins Aerospace

00:56:32 - Finding Resources for Personal Growth

01:00:01 - Industry Updates and Resources

01:03:26 - The Value of Old Guy Stories

01:06:46 - The Importance of Understanding How Things are Made

01:10:08 - Retirement Plans, Consulting, and the Future

01:13:10 - An Unconventional Industry Presentation

01:15:59 - Thank You for Listening to the Reliability Matters Podcast