Engineering Perfectly Balanced
In four fast-paced years at ZF, Antonio Uscanga's roles and responsibilities have evolved and changed. As a FutureStarter, he wants to inspire others to get involved in the industry transition to electrified mobility.
Raised in the heart of Mexico, Antonio Uscanga always wanted to design bicycles, boats or planes. His engineering path pivoted in high school when he earned a technical diploma in automotive systems. He followed that up with a dual degree in mechanical and electrical engineering from the Monterrey Institute of Technology. Antonio is excited by advancements in engineering and design efficiency. He was inspired to join ZF as a hardware validation engineer after investigating the company’s highly regarded and technologically advanced eight-speed transmissions. He is part of a team that has worked together for years, honing and fine-tuning their experience along the way.
As a hardware validation engineer Antonio Uscanga works with a team that analyzes torque converter design, components and assemblies.
ZF offered him an opportunity to participate in an international trainee program where he gained work experience and perspective on diverse cultures. Antonio Uscanga reflected: “About 20 trainees worked together for a year. I had never heard of a company doing that.” A week of multinational team building in Germany included Chinese, Indian, German, American and Mexican trainees hiking in the mountains, kayaking and playing games together. “It was amazing, and it actually worked — we are all still friends,” he exclaimed. “I knew ZF was an excellent company because they care for their employees.”
Everything Moves
Last year, Antonio moved to the United States to work on the current transformation of the automotive industry. Initially, he and his team his team worked on a Level 5 fully autonomous shuttle concept designed to get people and products to their destinations efficiently and in any traffic conditions. The goal of the team-based project was to create a revolutionary way of thinking about mobility and logistics – including design processes, component suppliers and manufacturing. As a hardware validation engineer in Northville, Michigan, Antonio works with a team that analyzes torque converter design, components and assemblies to ensure the parts function correctly and are durable enough to last 300,000 miles. Antonio Uscanga adds: “ZF torque converters often last longer than other components of the drivetrain, including the axles and the engine.”
Antonio is invested in the current automotive transformation and excited by advancements in engineering.
Like a Family
“Prior to my joining, my team had been working together for many years,” Antonio said. “I love it. Everyone has been very welcoming since I joined. It’s a friendship, so we are not only coworkers, but also part of a small family.” He observed that employee opinions are always taken into account and that everyone’s voice is heard, whether suggesting new methods or analyzing failures. While none of Antonio’s friends and family were familiar with ZF before he joined, he loves explaining how the company and team are a perfect fit:“ZF is a hidden jewel in the automotive world,” he said. The team is currently working on generation four of the 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission and is in the planning stages of transitioning mechanical torque converters to electric. Antonio is excited to apply his electrical engineering knowledge to this effort and eager to make the change.
Antonio takes considerable pride in the fact that the team was able to achieve their goals by resolving problems, completing the project correctly and on time. “A torque converter is perfect when you don’t even know it’s there. The drivetrain in emergency vehicles must be reliable. ZF transmissions are designed to last the life of the vehicle and we provide more information than is typical in the industry. Our customers choose ZF knowing they are getting quality products backed by the best engineering support,” he added.
Balance in his personal life is essential for Antonio as he is convinced that it creates equilibrium and better performance at work.
One of the most exciting opportunities for Antonio is leveraging the experience of the company to develop the entire system for electric cars, including the motor, gear reducer, inverters and even the axles. As ZF transitions to electrified mobility, Antonio plans to be at the forefront of the design and testing, helping electric motors become the industry standard. He believes autonomous driving and rapid battery charging will revolutionize mobility, changing the need to move into moving in comfort. He expects that in a few years, manufacturers will provide the chassis and while ZF will connect batteries to electrified axles. “We investigate failures, adapt, and learn to do things better,” he said.
Antonio believes creating balance in his personal life creates equilibrium and better performance at work. After an eight-hour workday, he likes to go climbing with friends. Antonio offered advice he received when he started at ZF: “Always strive for your goals, learn from every experience and mistake. Leave a legacy not only on the company but on the people that surround you. Practice balance and wellness throughout every area of your career.”
The hardware validation engineer is convinced that technical proficiency, creative thinking and adaptability are essential for driving innovation, and a company-wide balance of these three tenets will enable ZF to spearhead next-generation mobility. The contribution of each employee is fundamental to making that a reality. Everything is aligning toward the same goal: a safer, cleaner, higher performing and sustainable future.
