Time to read: 7 min
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re profiling a few of our Fictiv team members of Hispanic origin. Learn more about these amazing employees–where they began their careers; what drew them to Fictiv and what they value most about working here; what motivates them professionally; and how they spend their free time.
Ricardo Ortiz, International Logistics Lead
Years at Fictiv: 1
Role at Fictiv: As the International Logistics Lead, I am responsible for setting up the logistics chain to support Fictiv’s distribution network around the globe and set up the proper logistics functions to ensure customers receive their parts as quickly as possible.
What drew you to Fictiv, and what helped you decide to join the company?
When I heard about how Fictiv was disrupting digital manufacturing as we knew it, I could not let the opportunity pass, and I had to join this company. Fictiv was rapidly expanding manufacturing overseas, and this position allowed me to contribute to Fictiv’s logistics and supply chain design.
What do you like most about working at Fictiv?
The people. Fictiv is full of very talented people, passionate about making a positive impact professionally and in their communities. At Fictiv, individuals are happy to pass their knowledge to others and to show you who they are as a person and where they come from.
What motivates you professionally?
Leading a team of success, finding a way to solve problems and overcome challenges. For me is all about making a positive impact on others.
Where did you work before Fictiv?
Prior to working for Fictiv, I worked for 5 and a half years as the Trade Operations and Compliance Leader for DMG MORI USA Inc., one of the largest manufacturers of metal cutting machine tools and a manufacturer of CNC-controlled Lathes and Milling machines, where I was responsible for all the aspects of the operations and customs compliance in the U.S. of the importation and exportation of the raw materials and finished products.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I am passionate about road cycling, running, and I also love hiking to the top of mountains. I love spending time outdoors with my family and friends.
Jeronimo Mora, Senior Software Engineer
Years at Fictiv: 2+
Role at Fictiv: I’m on the computational geometry team, which is the team responsible for the manufacturing analysis of CAD files uploaded to our platform. I also work on our part pricing, automatic DFM algorithms, and support our 3D model viewer.
What drew you to Fictiv, and what helped you decide to join the company?
My graduate school advisor at UC Berkeley had worked with my current manager when he was studying at Berkeley. She invited me to an event hosted at Fictiv where I got to meet the team, and I was immediately drawn to the vision of democratizing access to manufacturing. The work seemed unique, in that I’d get to write software that would make extensive use of my manufacturing and mechanical engineering knowledge.
What do you like most about working at Fictiv?
The people here are incredible; they are passionate about what they do, empathetic, and an absolute joy to work with. I also really enjoy writing software that solves problems in an industry that I’m actually interested in.
What motivates you professionally?
I’d say that my main driver is an ambition to continue to grow as an engineer. I actively look for opportunities to learn new skills and apply them, whether that’s taking courses online or by obtaining professional training like the Professional Scrum Master I certification I earned.
Where did you work before Fictiv?
Before Fictiv, I was studying at UC Berkeley, getting my master’s degree in mechanical engineering. I spent 4 summers as an intern in the Materials Engineering Division at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where I was engaged in cutting edge additive manufacturing technology research.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like cooking, going on walks with my wife, spending time with my family, watching random things on YouTube, and I also have a second job as a teaching assistant at UC Berkeley’s coding bootcamp. I enjoy teaching because I get to help others achieve their goals and use my experiences to help pull others up.
Jose Del Angel, Director of Program Management
Years at Fictiv: 1+
Role at Fictiv: My team is responsible for managing all production orders in Fictiv; orders within the current service offerings; and services in development.
What drew you to Fictiv, and what helped you decide to join the company?
I have been working in product development for more than 10 years. After working for 5 years at Tesla on the New Product Introduction team, I saw first-hand the need to accelerate the speed of hardware manufacturing. Fictiv enabled me to contribute to the development of a platform based product aimed towards accelerating the product development process, while leveraging my experience in the industry.
What do you like most about working at Fictiv?
Fictiv is addressing a manufacturing need with a high potential impact across multiple industries. I can be involved in projects related to satellites, self-driving cars, toys, and consumer electronics at the same time. Fictiv’s culture and the team’s diversity promotes an environment to attack these challenging projects.
What motivates you professionally?
I believe that technology development is strongly correlated to improvement in our standard of living. I enjoy being able to contribute to the development of a product which enhances the technology development process. Over time, as a result of experience, I have been able to increase my contribution (scope of responsibility and ability to influence), which keeps me motivated to continue learning and take on new challenges.
Where did you work before Fictiv?
I have been working in the auto industry for 10+ years, the last 5 years working at Tesla, holding different positions within the New Product Introduction team. I managed a team responsible for vehicle technical programs for the Models S, X and 3.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy participating in endurance events like the Ironman 70.3/140.6 or swimming from Alcatraz to the Bay. I also enjoy travelling and learning about different cultures, which has enriched my experience when interacting with multicultural groups.
Danielle Barillas, Technical Project Manager
Years at Fictiv: 2.5
Role at Fictiv: I redistribute our customer’s 3D Printing work to the partners whose capabilities are the best fit for the ordered parts. I also manage orders that stray off our typical fulfillment path (e.g delays, manufacturing questions, etc.) by coordinating with our manufacturing partners, quality & logistics team, and our customer-facing individuals to bring the orders to completion.
What drew you to Fictiv, and what helped you decide to join the company?
I was excited about Fictiv’s wide array of manufacturing offerings. Coming straight out of college, I wanted to learn a little bit of everything. Even though we are not personally manufacturing parts, I still get hands-on experience evaluating machined, finished, or printed parts and learn about each manufacturing process.
What do you like most about working at Fictiv?
There’s an openness in the culture that makes anyone feel welcome and comfortable. It’s very easy to strike up a conversation with a Fictor, even on a completely different team, and talk about really anything. I’ve gotten into conversations about travel, metal and jazz music, meditation, running, and of course, machining or design. With this openness, professional collaboration is smoother, since it’s encouraged to both speak your mind and listen to others.
What motivates you professionally?
I’m the most content when I’m working cross-functionally on process-level projects and problems. When I work with folks from other teams, I have a learning opportunity to see what they work on and how they problem solve. I enjoy specifically process related problems because I love understanding systems and finding solutions to improve their efficiency.
Where did you work before Fictiv?
Fictiv was my first job out of college. Before then, I did internships at John Deere and Apple.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
With the start of quarantine, I dove really heavily into long distance running. It’s a great physical and mental challenge. It turned out to be more complicated than I anticipated, as I’m figuring out the balance between pushing my limits and keeping my leg joints healthy. I also play classical piano and am taking a stab at learning Japanese.
Fun fact: Last summer, Danielle had a hand in managing Fictiv’s first undergraduate student program and worked with the students to write papers that included a Wiimote teardown, a label maker teardown, a comparison of PLA and ABS-like material, an analysis of different types of conversion coatings, and an examination of how to 3D print a strain wave gear.
Emily Cruz, PeopleOps Coordinator
Years at Fictiv: 2
Role at Fictiv: My official title is PeopleOps Coordinator, but I have my mitts in many pots. I am a jill of all trades! I am a recruiting coordinator, facilities denizen, event coordinator, and even did some IT.
What drew you to Fictiv, and what helped you decide to join the company?
What drew me in was the people at Fictiv. They treated me with respect as a contractor. I appreciated their kindness.
What do you like most about working at Fictiv?
I like coordinating events and getting people together.
What motivates you professionally?
Being in service to others and building a positive working environment.
Where did you work before Fictiv?
I was a traveling barista! I worked at the Starbucks on Fox Plaza but loved traveling around to different stores.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy playing video games and creating sculpture and fiber art. I received my degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Photography and Textiles.
