By Michael Watkins

Photo by Paul Marlow,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Hands-on experience — David Goldberg discovered his passion for engineering during his senior year at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa. Now a systems engineer at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Goldberg was a member of the school’s initial Robotics program.

David Goldberg was a Rockwell Collins success story long before his first day on the job.

As a senior at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa, the current systems engineer began applying what he learned in his mechanical and architectural drawing classes to real-life situations as a member of the school's initial FIRST Robotics team.

A self-described late bloomer in math and science, the 2002 graduate decided his involvement with the Robotics program would help him learn more about technology and allow him to explore engineering as a potential career option.

"I thought the Robotics program would be a great way to get some hands-on engineering experience, and to gain an understanding of what engineering was all about," said Goldberg, who admittedly struggled with math and science in grade school. "I liked problem-solving, and I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to use that skill. At the same time, I wasn't sure what that profession might be."

Professional calling

As part of the FIRST Robotics team, Goldberg was primarily responsible for designing and building a mechanical robotic arm used to lift and drag items during competition. Prior to actually building the arm, Goldberg worked with his teammates to create several prototype drawings of the piece that ultimately helped his team score points during competition. It was that participation that prompted him to start thinking about a career in electronics.

Photo by Paul Marlow,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Robot 967 — The Robotics team at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa, was assigned the number 967 prior to competition in its initial FIRST Robotics competition. Rockwell Collins Systems Engineer David Goldberg was a member of the team that built and programmed this robot.

"Robotics introduced me to many mechanical, electrical and computer engineering ideas," said Goldberg, who also learned how teams function on large-scale projects. "It gave me my first real idea of what engineering actually involved, and is the reason I decided to pursue it in college."

Following graduation, Goldberg entered the College of Engineering at Iowa State University. Uncertain at first about the area in which he wanted to concentrate, he signed up for a general engineering course that discussed all of the disciplines and ultimately led him to the choice he practices today.

"I always had an interest in electronics and technology, so I figured electrical engineering was the best option for me," said Goldberg, who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 2006. "My experiences with electronics during the Robotics competition in high school taught me a lot of about my strengths. After that, I knew pretty quickly what I wanted to study."

Shortly after graduating from college, Goldberg returned to the Cedar Rapids area. He began working at Rockwell Collins on July 10, 2006, as a systems engineer in Navy Systems. Today, he is responsible for outlining requirements, preparing supporting documents, and testing avionics software for the U.S. Coast Guard HH-65 and MH-60T helicopters.

He also has made it a priority to serve as a judge for FIRST LEGO League and Future City Competition, and he helps with Design Squad activities at Hiawatha Elementary School in Hiawatha, and Taft Middle School in Cedar Rapids.

"I think it helps immensely to give kids a view of how math and science can be applied in a practical setting," said Goldberg, who also mentors the Robotics team at Linn-Mar. "It's very important for Rockwell Collins to remain involved in programs for kids, especially young kids. The earlier they are introduced to engineering, the better chance they will pursue it in college as a career."

Linn-Mar Robotics Program Advisor Ken Lough saw something special in Goldberg when he was a member of the Robotics team, and he continues to be impressed with the young engineer's commitment to mentoring the very program that sparked his interest in engineering.

"David was always very good at problem-solving, and he had a very energetic, positive attitude about figuring things out, no matter how difficult they might have been," said Lough, who has directed the program at Linn-Mar since its inception in 2002. "We often had to share him with his other commitments - like jazz band and show choir - but when he was here, he was completely dedicated to the project. He's always been a team player in every way."

Not only did his involvement with the Robotics program give Goldberg the inspiration and information for his career path, it also introduced him to his wife. A structural engineer in Cedar Rapids, Katie met David while working on the Robotics team at Linn-Mar. The two continued their relationship while attending Iowa State University, and were married in July 2007.

"Many of the people I was in the Robotics program with are now engineers, and many of those who joined the Robotics team after I graduated are also engineers," said Goldberg, who will receive his master's degree in systems engineering from Iowa State University in December. "It just goes to show that these programs work and should definitely be continued in the future."

- Michael Watkins is a freelance writer.