Eunice K. Esguerra of Allegro discusses technical skills, mentoring teams, and project management.
Eunice K. Esguerra
Manufacturing Product Engineering Section Manager
Allegro MicroSystems
Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering • Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan
What is your background?
In 2009, my career in the semiconductor industry started as a new college graduate (NCG) trained in product engineering, circuit design and applications where I grew from a line-sustaining engineer of a range of high-precision amplifiers and converters to high-speed RF products and eventually transitioned to a pioneering team of product applications engineers developing full turn-key applications from ideation to circuit design, PCB layout and the evaluation hardware and software.
I then spent eight years in another company as an automotive product engineer supporting safe launch, yield sustaining and yield improvement projects, especially on ultrasonic park assist devices. My key contributions were record-breaking safe launch releases as well as cycle time. Joining Allegro Microsystems in 2023, the newest challenge in my career is my current position as a section manager, with 32 highly competent, talented and enthusiastic engineers in the Manufacturing Product Engineering team where I strive to develop not only the technical competence of my team but also to mentor and foster personal development, sharing my advocacies on project management, lean manufacturing, 5S and financial education.
Talk about the culture at your company.
Being a new mom and a woman in a male-dominated industry, I had concerns that my current situation might be perceived negatively. But even from the beginning, during my interviews with Allegro, my apprehensions subsided when I realized the value they place on family and even how supportive they were of me in my plan to have a second child. With a little over a year at Allegro, I have seen several women and leaders in engineering and executive positions who started with the company as operators or technicians and moved through the ranks. I believe this is a true testament to the inclusive culture at Allegro, not only regarding gender but also to Allegro’s diverse backgrounds as well.
From programs celebrating Women in Allegro to events recognizing diversity, it feels great to be a part of a company that not only supports but also nurtures DEI.
Describe a recent company project (in which you were involved) that went particularly well.
One of the KPIs of the manufacturing product engineering team is “holding lots performance” – the team needs to review and provide timely and quality disposition for any lot that goes on hold. When I joined the team, the holds KPI was crimson red. The team dissected the root causes – from the responsible group to the underlying nature of the reasons it went on hold and streamlined the process by identifying hold codes, reasonable cycle times for each and corresponding delegations for the actions needed.
The support of all the teams involved as well as regular reviews and follow-ups to the compliance of the improved business process led to the success of the project. The holds KPI is now neon green and sustained. But on top of achieving the performance metric, is being able to synergize with multifunctional teams to a common goal and serve as a catalyst of positive change.
What first drew you to engineering?
My earliest influence in engineering was my father. He is a civil engineer and as early as I can remember, I would always be amazed at how he fixed and built things. He also introduced me to technology at an early age via a home computer as well as inkjet printers. I remember enjoying the typing test application and eventually, loving Excel and how it makes data and computing so elegant.
My friends and relatives would always go to me whenever they needed to create documents, spreadsheets, or even print stuff and I would happily oblige. It was a joy to be able to help “engineer” things that would make life easier or better. Even now in my current role, whatever work I need to do, I engineer ways to make life (for my internal and external customers) easier and better.
Describe your biggest career challenge. How did you solve it?
My biggest career challenge would be the one that I have today – how to be a good manager (of engineers). With 14 years as an engineer, I have always managed issues (or my boss), but not other people (especially not engineers). I know how to improve KPIs, but it’s a different ball game to improve a team. I think I could never say that I’ve solved this challenge, but one of the most important lessons I have learned so far (or I’m applying right now), is to be the leader I always wanted to have and emphasize the importance of not just working as a manager but also serving as a mentor and life coach.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
Excellent metrics are good for a year. But kind words or gestures can last a lifetime. It’s always better to be kind than right. But if you insist on giving your two cents, the right tone makes all the difference.
