(ROSENBERG, Texas) – For five years, Eduardo Gonzalez watched the automated systems on the Amazon production floor with a sense of wonder.
That fascination led Gonzalez to a promotion as a mechanical and robotics maintenance engineer with the same company.
“It was the simplicity of how efficient the robots were, and the safety aspect,” Gonzalez said. “I wanted to study robotics and automation systems.”
The new interest led to him wanting to learn more.
“It helped me understand how automated systems worked,” he said. “My goal was to learn how to design and improve robotic systems so people could do their jobs more safely and efficiently. I did an online search and saw the Robotics and Industrial Controls program at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus.”
Gonzalez, who is on track to graduate with an associate degree later this month, enrolled at TSTC while also working fulltime.
“I have enjoyed learning how electricity, mechanical and pneumatic components work together,” he said. “I understand how electricity is involved in everything.”
Aron Guajardo is one of Gonzalez’s instructors.
“Eduardo’s understanding of how automation is used in the lab allowed him to comprehend why we approach a task a certain way,” he said.
Near the end of his fourth semester, Gonzalez transitioned to a position as a mechanical and robotics maintenance engineer with Jones Lang LaSalle Inc., a global professional services firm specializing in real estate and investment management. The company is contracted to maintain the automation systems at the Amazon facility where Gonzalez worked.
“This new job taught me about automation, pneumatic and mechanical systems,” he said.
Gonzalez credits his drive for excellence to his parents.
“My parents had high expectations for me when I was growing up,” Gonzalez said. “I set those expectations for myself. It taught me responsibility and discipline.”
Robotics and Industrial Controls is available at TSTC’s Fort Bend County and Waco campuses. The program offers an associate degree and a certificate of completion.
Registration for the summer and fall semesters is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.