In this roundtable discussion, we hear from three engineers at CCTY—Pramod Francis, director of engineering at CCTY India; Andreas Krieger, application engineer at CCTY Europe; and Conner Hugunin, product engineer at CCTY USA—as they discuss engineering education, innovation and the future of motion control. With diverse expertise across various regions, they share how CCTY’s engineering-first culture drives collaboration, continuous learning and customer-focused solutions.
What does an engineering education look like in the country where you studied?
“In India, engineering is one of the most sought-after fields of study. Students can either pursue a four-year undergraduate program in engineering or opt for a three-year diploma in engineering. They can also pursue postgraduate engineering studies, which last two years. Competitive entrance exams are required for all of these paths.” – Pramod Francis, CCTY India
“To become an engineer in Germany, students must complete a bachelor’s degree. This can be followed by a master’s degree, if they wish to specialize further (but it is not obligatory). Admission requirements typically include a high school diploma with a strong emphasis on mathematics and science, proficiency in the German language, and a ‘preparatory internship’ where students acquire practical workshop experience.” – Andreas Krieger, CCTY Europe
“In the United States, you typically need a four-year degree in engineering. Success in this field requires a strong aptitude for physics and mathematics, coupled with a curiosity about mechanics and the creativity to enhance functionality. These qualities are especially important when designing systems to improve performance and efficiency.” – Conner Hugunin, CCTY USA
What is your engineering specialty, and why did you choose to pursue it?
“My specialty is mechanical engineering. While there were many emerging fields to choose from, I felt that foundational disciplines like mechanical, civil and electrical engineering would remain essential and relevant over time. I chose mechanical engineering because I was most interested in its subjects and the career opportunities it offered.” – Pramod Francis, CCTY India
“My engineering specialty is mechanical engineering. Initially, I was torn between IT and mechanical engineering, but I chose mechanical because it offers a more tangible, hands-on approach. I was drawn to the idea of creating something I could see and touch—whether it’s designing a new machine or improving an existing system. This practical aspect aligns with my interests and career goals, making it the perfect fit.” – Andreas Krieger, CCTY Europe
“I chose mechanical engineering because I’ve always enjoyed working on cars and anything mechanical. I love problem-solving, creativity and figuring out how things work. Engineering lets me turn that passion into real-world solutions.” – Conner Hugunin, CCTY USA
How is CCTY’s engineering-first culture a competitive advantage?
“When standard solutions no longer work, new developments are needed. Most companies shy away from this, trying to force standard solutions to minimize risks and costs. Flexibility and agility are at the heart of what we do at CCTY, allowing us to imagine new tribological solutions and take on uncharted challenges. This creates a fertile ground for engineers, where innovation and creativity come naturally—not by force.” – Pramod Francis, CCTY India
“At CCTY, our engineering mindset sets us apart because of our deep understanding of applications and our customer-centric approach. We balance customer requirements with our manufacturing capabilities to deliver practical and innovative solutions. Our quick response time and hands-on mentality allow us to rapidly build test rigs and validate proposals, ensuring we can address customer needs swiftly and efficiently. This combination gives us a clear competitive edge in the motion control industry.” – Andreas Krieger, CCTY Europe
“We focus on designing highly customized components rather than relying on off-the-shelf parts. Our ability to engineer precise, application-specific solutions gives our customers an edge in motion control and often leads to cost savings. For example, we help OEMs streamline their production by providing fully assembled components. By pre-installing the bearings in their housings and shipping them as a single unit, we simplify the process for on-site teams, eliminating the need for assembly and clearance control after installation.” – Conner Hugunin, CCTY USA
How does CCTY foster a culture of innovation within its engineering teams?
“CCTY’s culture of innovation encourages experimentation, risk-taking, learning from failures and collaboration. But more importantly, it creates an environment of trust and openness that prevents stagnation and fuels creativity. When engineers feel trusted and supported, they’re more willing to push boundaries and explore new ideas.” – Pramod Francis, CCTY India
“At CCTY, we foster innovation by promoting open communication, collaboration and continuous learning within our engineering teams. We create an environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas and explore new approaches. On a project that involved an off-road axle, for example, we identified through customer discussions an opportunity to integrate a deep groove ball bearing, a bushing and a special radial lip seal into a single module. This design simplified assembly, reduced costs and enhanced functionality.” – Andreas Krieger, CCTY Europe
“CCTY is a global company that really thrives on diverse perspectives and unique design solutions. When combined with our expertise in tribology and product R&D, it’s no surprise we’ve earned patents for some of our unique product innovations.” – Conner Hugunin, CCTY USA
What emerging trends/technologies do you see shaping the future of engineering in motion control, and how might they influence CCTY’s approach to innovation?
“One trend we’re seeing is the integration of sensors in motion control components, providing high-quality feedback directly from the source of actuation. Another is the simplification of parts by combining multiple components that were previously manufactured separately and then assembled. This is made possible by advancements in manufacturing methods and has the potential to reduce costs and complexity while improving reliability.” – Pramod Francis, CCTY India
“A few emerging trends include the demand for products with extended service life (such as self-lubricating and maintenance-free solutions), the integration of sensors to enhance precision and functionality (particularly in robotics), and the ongoing push to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. At CCTY, we’re focused on developing durable components, building expertise in electronics to meet future sensor-driven requirements, and optimizing manufacturing processes to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions.” – Andreas Krieger, CCTY Europe
What advice would you give to aspiring engineers about building a successful and rewarding career in the motion control space?
“Engineering comes with its challenges, given the vast syllabus and technical demands. But if you’re passionate about the subject, it becomes a fulfilling and enriching journey—equipping you with a problem-solving mindset to tackle any challenges that come your way. It’s equally important to build an attitude of continuous learning. The moment we stop learning, we risk stagnation. As Alvin Toffler wisely said, ‘The illiterate of the future are not those who can’t read or write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” – Pramod Francis, CCTY India
“Stay curious, and never stop learning. Engineering is always evolving, so staying on top of new technologies and methods is essential. Taking the time to really understand how things work ‘under the hood’ will make it easier to solve tough problems and come up with innovative solutions. Embrace challenges, be proactive in seeking hands-on experience and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Having a good network of mentors and peers can also make a big difference. Ultimately, a successful career in engineering is built on a passion for learning, a willingness to explore new ideas and a commitment to excellence.” – Andreas Krieger, CCTY Europe
“Join engineering clubs and immerse yourself in hands-on projects to gain real-world experience. For instance, my high school robotics team competed in an underwater drone contest and won first place. It was a great opportunity that emphasized the importance of teamwork, problem-solving and applying theory to practice. That experience sharpened my technical skills and gave me a deeper understanding of the engineering process.” – Conner Hugunin, CCTY USA
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