Igor Santos
Name: Igor Santos
Position: Metrology Technician
Years with the company: 6
1) What was your childhood like?
It was very calm once we moved from São Paulo’s big city to their country side when I was 6. I grew up in a very humble neighborhood and used to sing in a choral from Catholic church nearby my family house where I developed musical skills like playing guitar, keyboard and bass and built my first big friendships, that have lasted to today.
2) Who was a hero to you growing up? Why?
Ayrton Senna, the best Brazilian F1 racer of all times. Seeing where he came from and the support he had from his family, all the dedication to become a professional racer and how he cared about his country is my inspiration. He used to encourage people to fight for what they believe. He mentioned it in a lot of speeches. But even if he never spoke anything, he would still be a legendary person if you take look at his biography.
3) What are your hobbies?
Outdoor exercise like walking, jogging and cycling. Hanging out with my fiancé, family and friends, playing guitar and traveling.
4) How did you end up in metrology? Did you go to school for it?
I studied I.T. and Electronics after High School. My idea was to become an Electrical Engineer. But I ended up choosing Manufacturing Engineer, which I believe matches better my
professional and personal profile. It allows me to better understand customer needs and see the whole picture in whatever task I am doing.
5) How did you come to be at API?
While working for a beverage company, I was searching for a technical job for almost 3 years after finishing school. Brazil was in the middle of an economic crisis in 2014, and API was gathering a team to expand their operations in South America. Management was looking for someone who could speak and write English well and had Technical background courses. I started working at API in 2014 as Laboratory Assistant.
6) What are your roles and responsibilities with API?
Prior/Post Technical Support and Quality Management System. It summarizes all the technical roles I have supervising Repair and Calibration tasks at our API Office. I support the team internally with information related to product specifications and the customers by making sure they are satisfied with our products. If they have a problem, they can feel free calling me, and I am glad to help them.
7) What sets API apart from other metrology companies in your mind?
First, API was born from a real need for improving robot accuracy and has made these improvements since, not only to robots, but to companies by offering complete solutions. Second, the main value of API is the ability to always innovate and provide consistent solutions to customers. High quality products and qualified Services Personnel differs API from other metrology companies.
8) What API Product or Service are you most excited to tell people about?
Radian Laser Tracker is the top one. It is interesting and funny trying to make someone who never dealt with 3D Measurement/Solutions understand how it works and why it is largely used in industry.
9) What about API’s future excites you?
The continuous ability to innovate. Can’t wait for the new solutions API will be able to provide.
10) What does “Nothing Beyond Measure” mean to you?
API’s slogan introduces what API can offer and addresses it to what our main Products can do. If you can measure something, you can improve it. API provides nothing beyond “tools” of improvement.
