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KT AnnouncingNewHires2

07 Dec Welcome Key Tech New Hires

Posted at 20:35h in Careers, Culture, Staff by

Key Tech would like to welcome our Summer 2021 new hires! Learn more about the newest additions to our crew below.

Name: Heather Ailinger (pictured with her dog Scotch)
Graduated from: University of Maryland, College Park
Hometown: Laurel, MD

Why did you pick Key Tech?
I chose Key Tech because I wanted to use my engineering skills to have a tangible positive impact on the world around me. I was drawn to Key Tech because their focus on medical and pharmaceutical device design aligned with my desire to help people and make a difference. Also, I enjoy the mental stimulation of learning new things, and the diversity of Key Tech’s design work provides a unique set of topics to learn about with each new project. The inviting workplace culture and dog-friendly office were the cherry on top!
What do you like best about Key Tech so far?
I’ve really enjoyed the balance of independent and collaborative work. All of my colleagues have been extremely friendly and helpful, and I appreciate that there’s always someone willing to bounce ideas around with me when I hit a sticking point.
Favorite project work so far?
My favorite project work so far has been exploratory testing with magnetic beads to learn more about their behavior and how we can influence it to make them more efficient.
What are you excited about in the next year?
In the next year, I’m excited to get some more design experience under my belt, and hopefully see some of my designs implemented in a final deliverable.
If you could have an unlimited supply of something what would that be?
Craft supplies – I love making personalized gifts and DIY projects, so I would love to have an unlimited supply of materials to work with.

Name: Liz Leininger (top left in square)
Graduated from: Thomas Edison State University
Hometown: Baltimore City!

Why did you pick Key Tech?
They seemed more sincere, honest, and upfront about the job and what they had to offer than other places I interviewed.
What do you like best about Key Tech so far?
Well, they are definitely sincere, honest, and upfront about what they offer which is pretty great. But they are also a lot of fun, there’s a lot of genuine laughter and camaraderie which makes even a bad workday a pleasant experience.
Favorite project work so far?
Color coding the tea box. Very satisfying.
What are you excited about in the next year?
Organizing different areas of the office.
If you could have an unlimited supply of something what would that be?
Books. I can never have enough.

Name: Kelly Parker (bottom left in square)
Graduated from: University of Maryland, College Park
Hometown: Severna Park, MD

Why did you pick Key Tech?
I picked Key Tech because of its amazing culture. Key Tech takes care of its people! The space is unlike any other office (engineering or otherwise) I’ve ever set foot in. The people love the work they do and they really enjoy the people they work with – it’s a very positive and inclusive environment. The work is fun, interesting, and important, which is essential for keeping people happy and engaged. And on top of that, it’s dog-friendly!
What do you like best about Key Tech so far?
So far I’ve really enjoyed learning about the breadth of work that Key Tech does – the healthcare industry has always been fascinating to me and Key Tech does work at the cutting edge of the industry. Every day is different, which keeps work fresh, and I have the opportunity to help people on a daily basis. I get to help identify exciting work opportunities for the company, while also finding ways to add value for clients. Plus, the people I work with are awesome!
Favorite project work so far?
I’m in the business development department, so I don’t participate in projects in the same way that project engineers do, but I really enjoy meeting with clients and getting a better understanding of their needs during content meetings in order to put together proposals. I get exposure to so many different types of markets and products, which is very cool!
What are you excited about in the next year?
I am excited to see existing projects come to fruition, Key Tech to expand into new markets, the team continue to grow, and face-to-face engagements become a regular occurrence again!
If you could have an unlimited supply of something what would that be?
Ice cream

Name: Chris DeFrancisci (bottom right in square)
Graduated from: University of Maryland, B.S. in Electrical Engineering; Johns Hopkins University, M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Hometown: Frederick, MD

Why did you pick Key Tech?
I was attracted by the opportunity to work on designing a device from start to finish, knowing that the end product would have a very positive impact. Additionally, I wanted to work in Baltimore, the city that I call home.
What do you like best about Key Tech so far?
I’ve really enjoyed learning from all of my coworkers. Each person has such a wide range of knowledge, far beyond their core discipline.
Favorite project work so far?
My latest project has only just begun, but I’ve really enjoyed working on a small, four-person team. It’s exciting to help to define the requirements of a new project.
What are you excited about in the next year?
I’m excited to work on interdisciplinary projects with knowledgeable individuals where I can directly see how the work I’m doing contributes to accomplishing the end goal.
If you could have an unlimited supply of something what would that be?
Fresh doughnuts! What could be better?

Name: Patrick Brinza (top right in square)
Graduated from: Virginia Tech
Hometown: Falls Church, VA

Why did you pick Key Tech?
Key Tech first stood out to me because I liked how they were making a positive impact in the world with their medical devices. As I did more research, I found more reasons why they would be a good fit for me. I liked how they worked with cutting-edge technology. I felt that their consulting work would give me an opportunity to explore different fields within my discipline and grow. Finally, I liked how they were a smaller employee-owned company, so I could get a chance to know everybody and understand everybody’s role within the company.
With all that in mind, I decided to intern with Key Tech last summer. While it wasn’t the most conventional internship due to the pandemic, I still had a great experience and wanted to come back for more! I figured if a company could make me feel welcome and significant during a short remote internship, then working full time and in person would be even better. Turns out, I was right!
What do you like best about Key Tech so far?
The people! No question. Key Tech makes sure to put its people first, which really shows since everybody that works here is incredibly nice and intelligent. They encourage me to do my best and support my growth. They’re always more than happy to help me out. And it doesn’t hurt that I truly like being around them, which makes work fun!
The office dogs are a close second. While maybe not quite as smart as the people, they’ve still managed to convince me to give them treats and pets every day.
Favorite project work so far?
I am working on a communication protocol that we hope will expand beyond its current project and apply to several more projects going forward. It was fun working through several different head-scratching edge cases and trying to break the protocol at every step. It meant that what we ended up settling on was robust. I liked that within my first couple of months my work would already have a lasting impact, and I’m excited to see its application!
What are you excited about in the next year?
I’m excited to see the projects I work on come together and see my efforts come to life!
I’m also looking forward to exploring Baltimore, especially once the pandemic dies down! I’ve enjoyed my time here already, with the great food, easy access to baseball games, and little nooks that surprise me every time I walk through the city.
If you could have an unlimited supply of something what would that be?
Donuts! It helps that there are two amazing donut shops by my apartment and work.

Alexis McKenzie
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