NTS-Group

‘High-tech system development is not all about technology’

Rens van den Braber has been working as a System Architect at the NTS Campus in Eindhoven for over five years. He leads the development of cutting-edge modules and systems. Typically, this requires orchestrating multidisciplinary fields such as precision mechanics, mechatronics, dynamics and control, electronics, optics, cleanliness design, software and manufacturability/DfX. He is working with multiple customers to translate their sometimes conflicting or even unknown requirements in functionality, timing, and budget into agreed specifications to realize concept, design and prototype, before moving on to pilot and volume production.

NTS is a strongly vertically integrated first tier high-tech supplier with a global presence. It is a one-stop-shop for development and engineering, component manufacturing and assembly for leading international machine builders. NTS typically works in high complexity, low volume and high mix markets. Rens: ‘As a system architect I focus on new systems development; the conversion of functionality, technical requirements and interfaces in a concrete and verifiable design. Next to that I am involved in translating this design into qualitative and cost efficient production.’

As an important part of its service, NTS takes the lead in introducing the new design into the manufacturing organization. For the most complex new modules, a system architect supports this introduction by reviewing the translation of the module’s functions to requirements and the development of the tooling required for the product qualificatin. Smaller companies however - who typically have a new technology and idea, but not the means nor expertise to rapidly create a machine - usually also use our capabilities and experiences that are needed to develop a new system from scratch into a system with critical industrial quality.

‘In my job you have to be able to understand the complex physics and designs of the products of customers, discuss requirements (which are sometimes conflicting or even unknown at the start), and come up with pragmatic solutions and alternatives. Simultaneously, there is an importance in balancing the technical risks, the time to market and

commercial goals. Next to that, my work for example entails proposing a system architecture that enables the integration of technological, market and business strategy of customers, but also interfaces to the customer’s current core technology.

At the same time it is not all about technology. To make codevelopment across business boundaries a success, mutual understanding and a high level of trust is required. In practice, that means working closely together with customers, with project and sales managers, and playing my part in manufacturing teams to drive products into series production. And all those dimensions makes working at NTS very rewarding for me, especially when I see an idea being transformed in concrete and successful product, and subsequent customer’s success! Our colleagues play a pivotal role in the success of NTS. They truly make the difference for our customers with tremendous expertise and knowledge, passion for technology, ambition and pride. Both during and after your studies, you are able to work on projects which contribute to the technology of the future.

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NTS: Accelerating the future

NTS develops, produces, assembles and tests complex (opto-)mechatronic systems and mechanical modules, which helps accelerating her customers’ innovations and hence contributes to a more sustainable, healthy and future-proof world. As a first-tier system supplier, NTS provides just that extra bit of know-how on production that enables cost-effective manufacturing. NTS is the partner of choice for modules and systems in which precise motion and positioning are key. NTS has extensive knowledge and know-how of systems and modules for the handling, transfer and positioning in machines that are deployed in the semiconductor, life sciences & analytical and digital printing markets.