From Cube Satellites to Career Launch: Bryson Fossati’s Path into Embedded Systems Engineering
For many engineering students, the transition from classroom learning to a full-time career can feel like a leap into the unknown. For Bryson Fossati, that leap has been shaped by hands-on innovation, meaningful mentorship, and immersive industry experiences. A recent Computer Engineering graduate from Utah Tech University, Bryson has already made his mark through complex projects like developing firmware and custom multi-MCU PCBs for a university Cube Satellite.
Through his participation in the Emerging Engineer Program and experience at APEX EXPO, Bryson gained more than just technical knowledge—he built a network, explored career pathways, and developed a deeper understanding of the electronics manufacturing ecosystem. In this interview, Bryson shares how mentorship, real-world exposure, and a passion for embedded systems are guiding his next steps as he pursues a career in aerospace and beyond.
Charlene: Share a little background on yourself and maybe something about the next steps, future plans, and aspirations.
Bryson: My name is Bryson Fossati, and I am a new grad with a degree in Computer Engineering with an emphasis in Embedded Systems. I am originally from New Orleans and went to school at Utah Tech University. I have previously worked on all kinds of engineering projects, but my capstone project is the one that I am the proudest of. It is a university Cube Satellite where I worked closely with Electrical Engineers to develop custom multi MCU PCBs. I have also been developing the firmware to run on these boards. I hope to work in embedded systems engineering post-graduation.
Charlene: Briefly explain why you were interested in the Emerging Engineer Program?
Bryson: The emerging engineer program stuck out to me mainly because it seemed like a great networking and learning opportunity. I liked the idea of being paired up with a mentor as well.
Charlene: What are the most valuable aspects of the Emerging Engineer Program?
Bryson: The most valuable aspects of the emerging engineer program to me are the networking opportunities allowed to you, the broad range of engineers you get to meet, and getting the chance to sit in on standards development meetings.
Charlene: How important is mentorship in developing talent? What did you enjoy from the mentorship experience? What was difficult during the process?
Bryson: I think mentorship is a crucial part of the emerging engineer program. I enjoyed the opportunity to have a dedicated person to ask questions and to provide guidance on completing the passport. I also liked that the mentor already has industry connections and can help introduce you to people that will be beneficial for your career. I would say the only difficulty arising from having a mentor is maybe that a mentor already has a lot of responsibilities generally and so it might be tough for them to take on mentees especially if its more than say 3 mentees I would say its hard to dedicate appropriate time and effort to each one.
Charlene: Do you feel that the experience at APEX EXPO provided you with knowledge that can be valuable for your career progressions?
Bryson: I do think that learning about the entire manufacturing process made me a more well-rounded and knowledgeable engineer and I think that knowledge is valuable when it comes to career progression.
Charlene: Did you meet any prospective employers? What are you looking for in an employer? What role or position would you pursue?
Bryson: I met quite a few prospective employers, pretty much all major US defense and aerospace companies were present. As well as all the companies involved in PCB manufacturing including board shops and suppliers/distributors for those shops. In an employer I would say that I want them to be invested in my growth as an engineer and to obviously offer a competitive salary. My ideal position would be as an Embedded Systems Engineer.
Charlene: What’s your next step(s) in terms of professional growth and/or career aspirations?
Bryson: Currently I am looking for my first job coming out of college and ideally, I want an entry level Embedded Systems Engineering position. I want to eventually become a subject matter expert in that niche; the aerospace industry is interesting to me because of my experience with my satellite capstone project. I also professionally want to expand my network and meet more engineers.
Charlene: Why would you recommend students consider career paths in electronics manufacturing?
Bryson: Electronics manufacturing is a very important industry as electronics now permeate every aspect of daily life; any direction you look you will find electronics and the industry needs young engineers to develop the best processes and technologies to keep up with increased production.
Charlene: How did you benefit from the student chapter program? Any advice for students?
Bryson: My advice for students would be to diversify your knowledge and expand your network, and the student chapter program is a great way to do that.
Charlene: What has been the highlight of the APEX EXPO?
Bryson: The highlight of the APEX EXPO for me was the show floor and the networking opportunities both during and after the conference.
Charlene: Please share three new things you’ve learned during your time at APEX EXPO?
Bryson: I learned so much about all the processes and different types of engineers needed in the manufacturing of PCBs. I got to learn a significant amount about standards development and what it takes to organize teams of different sizes to accomplish their goals. I also got to learn a lot more about networking and how to best approach other people and be able to talk to them.
Charlene: Please share a few sentences on what this experience meant to you personally?
Bryson: This experience was such a great learning opportunity for me to expand a myriad of skills and learn from once again so many different kinds of people involved in so many different areas of engineering.
