DSO National Laboratories

Sianlin assists the radio frequency circuit designers in the transition from schematic designs in simulations to actual implementation and layout of the ship and its components. She also works with internal and external parties to ensure the accuracy of the measurement equipment in the laboratories. This process is important because all measuring devices change characteristics over time; thus, frequent calibration would ensure higher reliability.

Before joining DSO, Sianlin thought that it was a no-nonsense organisation with very serious people. However, she was pleasantly surprised to discover that DSO is like a big family where people are vibrant and fun to be with! “On top of that, there will always be helping hands to guide you should you find any task too difficult to handle,” says Sianlin. Cheng Hui adds to her sentiment, saying, “There is also a drive among staff to share and learn from each other and strive for excellence!”

Cheng Hui works in the Advanced Electronics Laboratory, where he assembles microelectronics and related wire harnesses for Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs). PCBAs are extremely important in any of DSO’s prototypes as they help to support and connect the electronic components. He is also in charge of quality management and facilities in the laboratory.

At DSO, each employee is given a wide range of opportunities to develop professionally and personally. These include courses which hone their soft skills and allow them to gain more insights in their field of work. Recently, Cheng Hui even had the opportunity to conduct his own in-house training programme for new staff. “DSO provides us with an environment to explore in our field, innovate and share our knowledge amongst like-minded people. Also, what I appreciate most about DSO is its focus on work-life balance initiatives like flexible work arrangements and lifestyle benefits, which I have personally benefitted from,” shares Cheng Hui.

Upon joining DSO, Sianlin was involved in various hands-on work to acclimatise to the working environment. Then, she progressed to the task of maintaining quality qualification. More recently, she gleaned a new skill which would allow her to assist the circuit designers in translating simulated circuits into actual fabricated circuit boards. She says, “DSO has a strong emphasis on staff development and career facilitation dialogues are done annually to better frame our career advancement route based on our interest and feedback.”

The high-powered work at DSO is something that Sianlin and Cheng Hui look forward to every day. This is why tenacity and enthusiasm are important when working at DSO. “In R&D, we deal with issues that might not always have a solution at that point of time. Thus, it is important to be innovative and embrace such challenges,” says Sianlin.