Robotics and Automation Industry Insights Recap

For the Spring 2025 semester, the USC Career Center hosted a Robotics and Automation Panel as part of its Industry Insights series, a student-led initiative designed to help students explore career paths by hearing directly from industry professionals. On Tuesday, we welcomed 4 distinguished panelists: Ashleen Blaettler, Michael Quintana, Slava Ermolaev, and Neha VB. The panel was moderated by Ahona Karim, a USC student and Employer Engagement Intern.

Meet the Panelists:

• Ashleen Blaettler is an Operations & Design Specialist at Anyware Robotics, where she plays a key role in business operations and pilot logistics for general-purpose warehouse robots. With a background in design and entrepreneurship, she brings a unique perspective to the intersection of technology and business.
  
• Michael Quintana is an Automation Engineer at Bio-Techne, working with microfluidics platforms to automate immunoassay testing. With a background in biomedical and mechanical engineering from USC, he has navigated a diverse career, from field service engineering to automation and data analysis.
  
• Slava Ermolaev is an Automation Engineer at Amgen, specializing in automating biotechnological manufacturing processes. With a degree in chemical engineering from UCLA, he focuses on optimizing large-scale biotech production through distributed control systems.
  
• Neha VB is a Product Development Engineer at AMD, working on on-site verification tools and workflow automation for CPU and GPU production. With a background in robotics and electrical engineering, she is passionate about advancing hardware automation.
  

Key Insights from the Robotics and Automation Panel

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in robotics and automation?

• Slava Ermolaev: “I was always interested in coding and logical problem-solving. When a recruiter reached out about an automation role, I saw the connection between my background in chemical engineering and automation. It turned out to be a perfect fit.”
  
• Michael Quintana: “I thought I was going to pursue biomedical engineering, but I ended up working in biotech automation. I started as a field service engineer, fixing lab automation equipment, and that led me deeper into the field.”
  
• Ashleen Blaettler: “I have a non-technical background, I studied sculpture, but my interest in entrepreneurship and hardware startups led me into robotics. My experience shows you don’t have to take a direct path to get into this field.”
  

Q: What are the most exciting advancements in robotics and automation?

• Neha VB: “AI is definitely a huge driver, but the hardware side is just as important. Sensors, microcontrollers, and real-time computing capabilities are critical for advancing robotics.”
  
• Ashleen Blaettler: “Humanoid robots for warehouse applications are a fascinating trend. But we also need to consider where human-like designs are beneficial versus where we should prioritize functionality.”
  

Q: What skills and experiences helped you transition into your current roles?

• Michael Quintana: “Data analysis was a major factor. Even though I didn’t have direct automation experience, my skills in SQL, Power BI, and Python were valuable. Also, the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies made a difference.”
  
• Slava Ermolaev: “Having a strong resume with quantifiable achievements really helped me stand out. Companies look for people who understand their industry’s processes, even at a high level.”
  
• Neha VB: “System-level knowledge is key. Even though I work on hardware, understanding software and data analysis makes me a more valuable engineer.”
  
• Ashleen Blaettler: “For me, it was business skills – being able to pitch ideas, do financial analysis, and understand market needs has been crucial in a robotics startup environment.”
  

Advice for Students Pursuing Careers in Robotics and Automation

Q: What advice would you give to students building their resumes and portfolios?

• Ashleen Blaettler: “Make your resume visually clean and filled with specific examples. Highlight what you actually contributed to projects rather than listing generic team achievements.”
  
• Neha VB: “Get hands-on experience through robotics clubs, research labs, or hackathons. Employers value practical experience over coursework alone.”
  
• Michael Quintana: “Reach out to alumni and professionals. Networking can set you apart from the hundreds of applicants with similar degrees.”
  
• Slava Ermolaev: “Soft skills matter. You need to be able to communicate your ideas and work well in a team, especially in an industry where collaboration is key.”
  

View a recording of the session on our Youtube channel: Robotics & Automation Panel