Spirit: Behind the Screen

Hosted by Marti McCurdy

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Sep 2025

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Spirit Electronics CEO Marti McCurdy talks with aerospace and defense experts about high-reliability components and industry-rocking topics affecting the supply chain.

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September 9, 2025Episode 6833 min

Ep. 68: Growing Semiconductor Talent Pipelines with Dr. Marcia Ballinger of LCCC

Marti McCurdy, CEO of Spirit Electronics, welcomes Dr. Marcia Ballinger, President of Lorain County Community College (LCCC), for a conversation about workforce development, advanced manufacturing, and the future of the semiconductor industry. Dr. Ballinger shares insights into how LCCC built its nationally recognized programs in MEMS and advanced manufacturing to meet industry needs, which led to the creation of its state-of-the-art facilities and SMART Microsystems. Marti and Dr. Ballinger explore how partnerships between industry and education are helping to inspire and prepare the next generation of talent. Together, Spirit Electronics and LCCC are laying the foundation for a resilient, innovation-driven semiconductor future. #SpiritElectronics #BehindTheScreen #Semiconductors #MEMS #AdvancedManufacturing #SmartMicrosystems #WorkforceDevelopment #LorainCountyCommunityCollege #STEMCareers #CHIPSAct #Innovation #Technology

March 25, 2025Episode 6716 min

Ep. 67: High-Rel Crystal Oscillators for Space and Military Applications with Q-Tech’s Fred Wolff

In this episode, Marti speaks with Fred Wolff, Business Development Manager at Q-Tech, to discuss their industry heritage and advanced product roadmap as a leading U.S. manufacturer of high-reliability crystal oscillators for military and space applications. Q-Tech was the first company to commercially manufacture hybrid crystal oscillators for the MIL-PRF-55310 QPL in 1972. Since then, Q-Tech has created a wide range of high-reliability oscillators used in multiple space and satellite missions, as well as defense avionics. Hybrid crystal oscillators combine a quartz crystal with semiconductor devices for superior frequency control and timing. Q-Tech’s product manufacturing and testing support reliability with radiation testing, temperature testing, shock and vibe, and more. With its impressive anti-obsolescence policy and supply chain security, Q-Tech offers long-term programs the support and stability they need for continued access to mission-critical parts, averting typical EOL concerns in the industry. You can learn more about Spirit’s partnership with Q-Tech and their high-rel crystal oscillators at spiritelectronics.com/linecard/q-tech/.

February 13, 2025Episode 6633 min

Ep. 66: Micro-SEL Detection for Power Reliability and Data Integrity with Zero-Error Systems

In this episode, Marti is joined by Rajan Rajgopal, CEO of Zero-Error Systems (ZES) to discuss their cutting-edge power reliability and data integrity products, including the Latchup Detection and Protection (LDAP) IC for unmatched micro-SEL protection, and how these solutions are revolutionizing the New Space industry. From its origins at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore and subsequent founding in 2019, to flight heritage with a series of launches 2021–2023 and three upcoming missions in 2025 with NASA, Kyutech, and COSPAR, ZES’ meteoric rise in the world of New Space can be characterized by two words: market disruptor. At the heart of Zero-Error Systems lies an innovative portfolio of patents, each one presenting groundbreaking advancements in the fields of power management, error rate reduction in computing, and radiation protection for Commercial Off the Shelves (COTS) semiconductor devices for Space, Automotive and Power Management industries. You can learn more about Spirit’s partnership with ZES and their innovative solutions at spiritelectronics.com/linecard/zero-errorsystems/.

January 28, 2025Episode 6515 min

Ep. 65: Spirit's Expanded CCA Line with SMT Engineering Manager Brendan Courtney

In this episode, Marti sits down with Spirit SMT Engineering Manager Brendan Courtney to discuss the newly expanded CCA line. Brendan brings over 30 years of experience in the field and has been instrumental in Spirit’s push to become a leader in high-quality, custom board builds for aerospace and defense. The newly updated automated CCA line opens the door to more challenging and complicated processes. Listen in on Marti and Brendan as they discuss the line’s new production capabilities and challenges, and the many exciting opportunities and projects Spirit is now ready to tackle. To learn more about Spirit’s CCA line and service offerings, visit https://spiritelectronics.com/services/.

December 11, 2024Episode 6439 min

Ep. 64: NOVI Space-Edge Onboard Computing Solutions for DOD & New Space

In this episode, Marti sits down with NOVI President and Co-Founder Amit Mehra and CEO Michael Bartholomeusz to discuss how NOVI onboard edge computing modules streamline satellite data analysis and transmission. NOVI’s innovative computing solutions leverage advanced artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms to analyze and relay only essential and relevant data from the satellite to the ground user. On-board processing reduces massive data exchanges and streamlines data applications. NOVI is Spirit’s first franchised module and subsystem line dedicated to advancing space and satellite programs. Spirit’s tailored engineering services support space customers from foundry to chip packaging to qualification (including radiation testing). For more information about NOVI @ Spirit, visit SpiritElectronics.com/linecard/NOVI.

December 4, 2024Episode 6325 min

Ep. 63: EPC's Alex Lidow: GaN Applications and Reliability from Ground to Space

EPC's Gallium Nitride (GaN) products have transformed the industry since Spirit first partnered with EPC on franchised distribution 6 years ago. EPC CEO Alex Lidow returns to the podcast to talk with Marti about GaN's growth in space, automotive, and AI. With space flight heritage and active products in all orbits from LEO to GEO to Mars, GaN has superior radiation resilience for satellites, data gathering, and exploration. For more info on EPC @ Spirit Electronics, visit SpiritElectronics.com/linecard/epc.

October 23, 2024Episode 6233 min

Ep. 62: The Next Chapter in New Space: Jim Cantrell and the Phantom Space Story

In this episode, Marti interviews Co-Founder and CEO Jim Cantrell on his history in the space industry and the trajectory of satellite and launch vehicle builder Phantom Space. Jim's backstory connects the industry's government space age heritage with the shift to Low-Earth orbit satellite launches and data collection applications among private and commercial launch companies. Jim and Marti also discuss the value of the Arizona workforce, technology ecosystem and space industry. Phantom Space is headquartered in Tucson, AZ, making space more accessible through satellite manufacturing, their Daytona launch system, and space-data applications. Find out more at PhantomSpace.com. Spirit Electronics is an end-to-end supply chain partner, offering engineering services, MIL-STD testing, assembly, and franchised component distribution to the New Space market. Learn more about New Space at SpiritElectronics.com/New-Space.

September 18, 2024Episode 6118 min

Ep. 61: State of the Semiconductor Industry with Spirit Electronics VP Zef Malik

In this episode, Spirit VP Zef Malik joins Marti for a conversation about the driving forces and trends to watch in the semiconductor industry. Zef and Marti discuss: Geopolitical influences on semiconductor manufacturing in the US Domestic manufacturing goals & local impacts Workforce & resources for semiconductor manufacturing Manufacturing automation & impact of AI For more information about Spirit's OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly & Test) solutions, including foundry services, visit SpiritElectronics.com.

August 21, 2024Episode 6019 min

Ep. 60: ISOCOM Optoelectronics and Solid-State Relays for Space Applications with Thomas Bayat

In this episode, ISOCOM CEO and Managing Director Thomas Bayat shares background on the company's product offerings for commercial space and satellites. From solid state relays that replace mechanical relays to optocouplers, ISOCOM products have a long running space heritage, including some products still functional on the International Space Station today. Marti and Thomas discuss product design, radiation testing, and ISOCOM's innovative flexibility when it comes to designing products, including custom LED assemblies with nuclear energy and space applications. ISOCOM is an optoelectronics and microelectronics design and manufacturing company based in the UK. Spirit Electronics is bringing ISOCOM products to the US aerospace and defense market as a franchised distributor. For more information, visit SpiritElectronics.com/ISOCOM.

March 20, 2024Episode 5911 min

Ep. 59: Field Applications for High-Reliability Electronics with Purchasing Coordinator Travis Ireland

Spirit's Purchasing Coordinator Travis Ireland has been a soldier in the Army National Guard for 11 years. In this episode, Travis talks with Marti about seeing components and end applications for microelectronics in the field. As a veteran-owned company, Spirit is often in touch with the impact our products have on our national defense missions and service members in the field. Travis's experience makes our supply chain logistics a personal connection to the mission, while purchasing and logistics work in the supply chain lets him offer a unique skill and perspective in the National Guard. Learn more about Spirit's end-to-end services for aerospace and defense.