Matt Price helps develop next-generation scientific instruments

“What can physicists do? ” is an interview series that profiles physicists who opted for careers outside of academia.

What was your research focus?

I studied epitaxial growth in thin films of high-temperature superconductors. It was a mix of theory, applied math, instrument building, and computation.

What were you looking for in a job?

From the beginning, I thought I’d become an industrial physicist. But I was open to many directions.

How did you get into technical R&D?

In my original job hunt, I leaned toward laser–material interactions. I started as an applications engineer in lithography systems. I was promoted to run sales in North America. In sales, you have to understand what makes the business healthy and successful. That was a new dimension for me.

When traveling over 100 days a year became too intense, I looked for something else. Working in lithography, I had spent time on active optics and lasers, and I wanted to explore complementary automation aspects. I was hired as a product specialist on a marketing team. Later, I was put in charge of business development for laser-processing systems.

In 2017, I moved to my third job in industry, at PI (Physik Instrumente), which makes equipment for precision-automation components and systems. I manage a team that brings new technology to strategic growth areas. One exciting area where we’re on the forefront is probing and testing integrated photonics. Another project involved developing techniques for DNA sequencing. I’ve worked on projects that will end up on Mars.

How do you spend your time?

I spend a lot of time leading and consulting on technical programs and projects. I present at conferences, direct teams on engineering actions, and advise on what we need technically to succeed in our strategic markets. I do technical review: What do we need to do next? How do we coordinate R&D activities with the production folks in the company?

What do you like about your job?

The high degree of creativity. And there are always new problems to work on.

How does your physics background come into your work?

It’s laced through everything I do. The ability to swim in optics, electrical aspects of automation systems, applied math, and coding has been critical, and it rests on my physics foundation.