Meet CTI's Software Engineers: Zac Mimlitz

How long have you worked at CTI and what is your role?

I’ve been with CTI for a little over 2 years now. I’m a software engineer specializing in cybersecurity, networking, and cyber-physical devices.

How long have you been a Software Engineer? What initially led you into this field?

My interest in software started early. I took my first programming jobs in high school, though I wouldn’t say anything I did at that time constituted as “engineering.” I would go on to major in physics in college, but study computer science on the side. After my graduation in 2017, I began working full-time as a software engineer.

What is your favorite part about being a Software Engineer?

There’s an element of near-wizardry to it that’s captivating. In software, I can encode thoughts and intentions into words that measurably impact the world. Outside of art, I don’t think there’s another form of creature so pure. Plus (not to diminish art) there’s a level of functionality I can achieve in software that just feels satisfying. It allows me to make a difference.

What is the hardest part about being a Software Engineer?

It’s not specific to software, but engineering in general is built on assumptions. And when those assumptions are proven wrong, or at least not always right, it can be a really bad day. But there’s a level of challenge that comes with that to try and plan for the things you don’t know or don’t understand and when you can be successful in that planning and the mitigation, it’s a good feeling.

Do you have any non-work related engineering projects you work on in your free time?

I’ve contributed in the past to some open-source projects related to various hobbies of mine, but that’s been eclipsed recently by a DIY home remodel. I hope to get back to it one day.

Why CTI?

It would be easy to say “culture”, but more specifically it's about trust and passion. This is company that cares about what it produces. That our products have value and support those who use them. This is place where management trusts and empowers engineers to bring forth their best and brings end users into the development process and listens to what they have to say. There’s simply not a lot of places with that kind of attitude and it’s amazing.