The day began with a guided tour of DMC’s Chicago headquarters, where students visited each service area to hear directly from team members about their work, tools, clients, and favorite projects. The group also toured DMC’s fabrication studio to observe how custom control panels are designed and assembled, gaining insight into the hands-on manufacturing processes that support DMC’s automation solutions.

To give students meaningful technical exposure, DMC’s two largest service areas, Automation & Manufacturing Intelligence (Automation) and Test & Measurement Automation (T&M), each led an immersive lab experience modeled after real client projects. These activities showcased the distinct tools and workflows used by DMC engineers across disciplines. In the Automation lab, students worked with Siemens’ TIA Portal to program a PLC in Ladder Logic, designing and commissioning a two-way stoplight control system. The exercise reflected the complete project lifecycle followed by DMC automation engineers, from system design and code development to hardware integration and testing. Several externs described this activity as a highlight of the day, sharing that “I thought the activity was very engaging and fun, and I learned a lot about how PLCs work, ladder logic, and the process of problem-solving as a team.”

In the T&M lab, students were introduced to test automation and data acquisition tools that support DMC’s verification and validation projects. Using a NI cDAQ and LabVIEW with NI MAX, participants investigated a simulated stoplight malfunction, analyzed the system’s behavior, and identified the software as the source of the issue. Guided by DMC engineers, they implemented and verified code updates to restore proper function, gaining hands-on insight into DMC’s problem-solving process and collaborative engineering approach. One participant commented, “I liked the detective work and figuring out which lights corresponded to which outputs. The logic aspect was really fun—it felt like a puzzle to determine which output should connect to which light when we clicked the red or green light.”

Following the lab sessions, externs had the opportunity to connect with some of the women engineers at DMC over lunch for an open discussion about professional growth and experiences as women in STEM. These conversations provided valuable insight into the diverse career paths within engineering and fostered meaningful mentorship connections.

The afternoon continued with project highlights from DMC’s various service areas, including Automation & Manufacturing Intelligence, Application Development, Embedded Systems, and Test & Measurement Automation, showcasing the breadth of technical expertise across the company. One extern shared that they “loved seeing how DMC works on everything from large automatic overhead track systems to internal projects to test and measurement systems for the Artemis boosters,” adding that “each project was presented in a very engaging way.”

The event wrapped up with a Q&A session with DMC’s CEO, Frank Riordan, who shared his perspective on leadership, company culture, and the evolving engineering industry. Students were encouraged to ask questions about his career journey and the challenges and rewards of leading a growing engineering firm. One student shared, “I loved being able to meet Frank and hear his experience starting DMC and what direction he sees for the company in the future. I liked how open the Q&A session was, rather than a lecture.”

The externship was an engaging and rewarding experience for both the visiting students and DMC engineers. We were thrilled to share our work and culture with the next generation of engineers and look forward to hosting similar events in the future to continue connecting with emerging STEM talent.

Learn more about DMC’s company culture and check out our open positions!

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Inside the Castle 

This proved to be a popular event, with DMC’s royal entourage including 60 team members, families, and guests. We all entered the Medieval Times castle and stepped back in time to the 11th century.  

Those who arrived early had the opportunity to check out the castle, including a medieval torture device museum. While historians have since proved many “common” devices were not historically accurate, it was morbidly fascinating either way. Those without the taste for the macabre had the chance to check out the horses in their stable and see the care the Medieval Times team puts into their equine employees. 

Tales from the Tournament 

The main event had something for everyone to enjoy. Wearing paper crowns on our heads, we cheered on our knight in between feasting on turkey legs or “dragon blood” (tomato soup). Sparks flew and lances broke as knights clashed swords in combat. A falcon soared over the crowd. The athleticism of the performers and their horses impressed everyone in attendance. As someone who grew up riding horses, I had a blast admiring the horsemanship.  

Our team embodied another core value, “have fun,” all night at Medieval Times. In addition to working hard together in the office, it was a great reminder to let loose as a team for a few hours of fanfare, sword fights, and teambuilding. As a bonus, our knight even won the tournament! 

Learn more about DMC’s company culture and check out our open positions. 

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After growing the Fabrication Studio space last year to accommodate our custom control panel build shop and add significant capacity for contract manufacturing capabilities, we are expanding it again to double in size. These expansions reflect DMC’s growth in manufacturing operations complementing our manufacturing automation, test and measurement, and embedded development services.  

In addition to increased space, expanding our Fabrication Studio allows our manufacturing operations to leverage several new capabilities. We will have a wide range of power availability up to 100A 480V 3 phase service to test and run equipment. DMC has also upgraded its laser engraving, laser cutting, and 3D printing capabilities. Improved loading dock access will allow us to accommodate a greater variety of projects. 

DMC Chicago Fabrication Studio supports a wide range of projects, from small custom builds to volume contract manufacturing. DMC can handle everything from procurement and design to manufacturing and production line setup. Every system is fabricated with attention to detail and optimized for performance in real-world conditions. 

Learn more about DMC’s Chicago Fabrication Studio and contact us for your next project. 

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The event started with everyone grabbing the essentials: hot dogs, drinks, and all the ball game snacks you could ask for. There’s just something about a hot dog at Wrigley Field, and for a few of our attendees, this was their first taste of the experience!

One of our new hires shared that this was their first time ever at Wrigley Field. “I had never been to a baseball game and had really been meaning to, so I’m glad I had this excuse to go,” they said.

Between taking in the views of the historic stadium and soaking up the energy of the crowd, it was a perfect introduction to Chicago’s baseball scene. Cubs catcher Carson Kelly and infielder Matt Shaw came out swinging with back-to-back homers in the second and third innings, giving fans a reason to celebrate early on.

But the game was more than just baseball; it was a chance for new and longtime DMCers to connect in a relaxed, fun setting.

“I really appreciate that DMC has welcome events like this,” another new hire said. “It gave me the chance to meet some people I hadn’t gotten more than a quick introduction from before.”

Whether it was chatting between innings or cheering on the Cubs, the afternoon was full of new experiences for some and fun for all.

While the Cubs didn’t end up winning, the atmosphere inside the stadium more than made up for it. From the crack of the bat to the sound of the crowd singing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame,’ it was the kind of day that perfectly captures summer in Chicago and a great way to welcome the newest additions to our team.

Learn more about DMC’s company culture and check out our open positions!   

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Organized by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, B.U.G. marks the beginning of the state’s Craft Beer Week and brings together breweries for a night of samples, snacks, and sunshine in Chicago.

A New Venue with a Stellar View

While B.U.G. has traditionally taken place at Union Station, this year’s event got a refreshing upgrade and was moved to the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace in Millennium Park. It was a big change, swapping the classic “under glass” theme for an open-air setting, but one that paid off in a big way. With perfect weather and clear skies, the rooftop offered panoramic views of the Chicago skyline, creating the best backdrop for the event. Longtime attendees joked that the new venue stretched the “glass” part of Beer Under Glass a little thin, but no one seemed to miss the echoing din of Union Station’s enclosed ceilings.

“The new space was a hit,” one DMCer shared. “It felt more relaxed, and the skyline view really made it feel like a Chicago summer moment.”

Tasting Highlights & Unexpected Finds

With over 100 participating breweries, there was something for everyone to enjoy. IPAs, lagers, sours, stouts, ciders, and everything in between.

“As someone who doesn’t enjoy traditional beer, it’s fun to find the beers/ciders/meads that I will like. Any cider or sour or fruited wheat tends to be up my alley, so it’s like a treasure hunt to find those,” our event organizer said.

Ciders and creative small-batch brews offered some standout favorites, and the open-air layout made it easy to hop between booths and compare notes with fellow DMCers. Bonus points for the sunshine that stuck around just long enough for some golden hour photos.

The B.U.G Attendees

Over 50 DMCers and their partners were in attendance, making this one of the largest DMC Activities we’ve hosted recently. This year, our group included a few DMCers visiting from our regional offices, making it a great opportunity for cross-office mingling and welcoming out-of-towners to one of Chicago’s favorite beer events.

Whether you’re a long-time B.U.G. attendee or new to the scene, the atmosphere was inclusive and fun, with everyone chatting, sampling, and battling each other in UNO the night.

Learn more about DMC’s company culture and check out our open positions!

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Beating the Cold

I didn’t anticipate how cold it would be on the day of the event. I considered rescheduling when the temperature outside was a brisk -7°C! However, everyone in the office was committed to building together in the office despite the cold weather.  

A Full House

We hosted the event in the DMC Chicago office’s largest space, and the turnout was overwhelming—more than 80 people showed up! With such a large crowd, we were at capacity, and some teams had to spread out to other rooms to create a little more space. Attendees got cozy, huddling around whatever counter space they could find. Despite the crowded atmosphere, the room was full of excitement as people dove into the activity. 

Blockbuster Event

The event kicked off with a group picture in front of our massive pile of colorful Lego boxes. Afterward, everyone rummaged through the pile of boxes to find their kit. It was fun to see so many people building together and to watch the Lego kits come together in real time. The space and plant-themed Lego sets were popular, but I chose a car from the Fast and the Furious.  

Cross-Office Connections

Another highlight of the event was spending time with colleagues from other offices who were visiting Chicago for the Electrical Engineering Team Summit. It was fun to get to know them better by building Legos together and for them to be welcomed by the Chicago team. Looking around at the packed room, it was clear that this event had once again brought our team together. 

Learn more about DMC’s company culture and check out our open positions.

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In 2024, Mia and I have coordinated with ND SWE to present at their general meeting, host them at DMC's Chicago office, and attend the ND SWE Networking Reception. Each of these events has provided opportunities for SWE members to learn more about DMC and the industry. Building connections with students and sharing our experiences has been a privilege. 

DMC Presents at ND SWE's General Meeting

In February, Mia and I drove to South Bend and attended the ND SWE General Meeting on campus. Our presentation included a brief introduction to DMC and what we do in our various service areas, as well as an overview of engineering consulting. We discussed how engineering consulting compares to traditional consulting, the consulting project process, and why we chose to work in engineering consulting. There was time for a discussion at the end, and ND SWE members had many insightful questions to ask us. 

ND SWE Visits DMC Chicago Office

DMC Attends ND SWE Networking Reception

This fall, Mia and I attended the SWE Networking Reception at Stepan Center on Notre Dame's campus. We brought informational flyers and complementary DMC swag and networked with students. We directed several seniors to our current entry level job application, and also had the opportunity to talk with underclassmen who were interested in staying in touch with DMC in the coming years through more events.

Future Collaborations between DMC and ND SWE

DMC is currently in communication with ND SWE, and there are several ideas in the works for how we can continue to foster our relationship with its members this academic year. We plan to present at an upcoming SWE General Meeting on campus and will share insights on a new topic. ND SWE has expressed interest in another visit to the DMC Chicago office in the spring. Mia and I are working to provide an opportunity for technical learning or hands-on experiences for the students, either during this visit or at an externship or workshop in the future. We look forward to further showcasing our company and sharing our successes with ND SWE, as well as answering questions and providing support and mentorship to members. 

Learn more about DMC’s company culture and check out our open positions!

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Tackling the Greens

Located in Chicago's bustling West Loop, Puttery provided the perfect backdrop for DMCers to practice their swings. With craft beer, house wine, and a spread of pizza and dips fueling them, they were prepared to tackle the greens with enthusiasm! 

“Puttery was a blast!” said Matt Schoessling. “We each got to play two games on the "Lodge" course, a Rocky Mountain-themed mini-golf course at Puttery. It was a fun way to kick off the weekend with great food, drinks, and friendly competition amongst coworkers!”  

Lodge-Themed Obstacles

The course featured a ski lodge theme, offering unique challenges at each hole. One standout was a towering polar bear statue positioned directly over the green, requiring players to navigate the ball up an incline and between the bear's paws for success. Another hole demanded players to maneuver their shots around the lower half of a snowboarder protruding from the turf, his legs and board obstructing the path to the hole. 

"My favorite part was definitely the banter between the teams as we played," said Giana Fallara. "It was fun to see everyone getting a bit competitive, and hearing all the cheers whenever someone scored a hole-in-one!”

Math Skills on the Links

DMC engineers showcased their math skills, getting inventive with angles and speed to aim for that elusive hole-in-one. While a few succeeded, others endured the dreaded "walk of shame," forced to advance to the next hole after reaching the six-stroke limit. 

While winners and losers emerged from the event, what truly mattered was our commitment to one of our core values: have fun! Even after the rounds of mini golf concluded, DMCers stuck around to chat and enjoy each other's company. 

Learn more about DMC’s company culture and check out our open positions! 

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DMC is proud to host this quarter’s Chicago LabVIEW User Group (CLUG) meeting on June 26, 2024! The CLUG is a group of LabVIEW users that meet quarterly to discuss new programming techniques, design choices, updates, and share stories about programming experiences or lessons learned. Due to the pandemic, the meetings have been hosted online for the past few years, but we are kicking off the summer season with a long-awaited in person meeting hosted at DMC Chicago! Back in 2019, DMC hosted a CLUG meeting, and we are so excited to invite everyone to this event again.  

This will be a fantastic opportunity to learn, get updates regarding NI and NI Software, network with other professionals in the Chicago area and have fun! Food and drink will be provided, and after the presentations you will have a chance to relax on the DMC rooftop deck. If you are interested in coming please register here.

This quarter’s user group will consist of some exciting presentations and discussions!

Agenda:

• 3:00-3:30 Arrive and settle in
• 3:30-5:30 Welcome & Presentations
  • Inspirations from NI Connect – Kevin Shirey, LabVIEW Champion and DMC Project Engineer
  • NI Software Roadmap – Eli Kerry, NI Software Director
  • Little LabVIEW Stories – Jeff DeBuhr, Staff Engineer at Chamberlain Group
  • Challenge of Champions – Eli Kerry
• 5:30-6:00 Networking and roof time

Event Logistics:

Location: DMC Chicago – 2222 N Elston Ave Ste 200 Chicago, IL 60614

Date/Time: Wednesday, June 26 from 3:30-5:30pm

Arrival: Please try to arrive and get settled in before 3:30pm so we can start on time

Parking: There is a parking lot adjacent to the north side of our building for DMC visitors. If it is full, there’s free street parking in the surrounding area on Elston, Honore, Lister, and Webster. 

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The Design
Activity fund events at DMC are monthly budgets for employees to plan fun teambuilding events. For this event, we purchased supplies for 30 people to attend in addition to our four Fabrication Studio staff. After hours of driver selection and audio engineering I had a design. I put together a two-way reference speaker kit including drivers, crossover components, screws, nuts, nails, glue, and wood. 
 
I designed the build around the Dayton Audio TCP-115-8 4” woofer. It has high excursion, and I wanted this thing to thump. In my opinion, it’s not worth doing without bass so the entire design had to hit low. My plan was to deliver and show off what I was capable of. 
 
Choosing the tweeter was difficult. Finding something within the budget that would play nice with the woofer turned out to be a challenge. I went through eight tweeters before eventually landing on the Dayton Audio ND25FA-4 1” tweeter. Supposedly this thing punches way above its price range, and we were not disappointed.   
 
I designed the box around the woofer. My main goal was to get it down to 40 Hz. I wanted the bass. As you can see from this graph, I got all the bass. This Dayton 4” woofer is quite impressive. I lost control of the cone a bit, but I think it was worth it.

The box itself had to be designed so that it could be easily, and quickly, slapped together where a router could clean up the edges in short order. I laid it out in this fashion.

This design required a very large and long, port which I 3D printed out of ASA filament. We ran a set before leaving the shop each day and let them print overnight.

Building the crossover was its own challenge. I am used to using higher-end drivers and having a larger selection that comes with a larger budget. I quickly realized that I had to limit the number of inductors used. An inductor costs $5-8. Multiply that by 35 units and you’ve taken a $250 chunk out of your budget. Capacitors and resistors on the other hand, only cost $1 so I could go crazy with those. 
 
The resulting crossover ended up looking like this along with this frequency response. This is version eight actually.  Let’s not talk about those other seven versions…

Then, I needed some help. My impedance was going crazy, and I had no way to compensate for the baffle. After 30 hours of engineering, I went to the DIYAUDIO.com forums where some very kind people helped me out. I modified my crossover a bit and fixed up my driver frequency responses to compensate for the baffle. Huge shoutout to those who helped! This design would never have been as polished without them. The internet is a kind place if you know where to look. 
 
After all of that my crossover and frequency response looked much better.

It looked great except for impedance rise at the low end, but I would rather have the bass and lose control of it than not have it at all. 
 
The last thing I had to find was a cost-effective amplifier. The requirements were 20-watt output at the impedance load of the drivers, Bluetooth, an AUX port, and a power supply. I didn’t have much money left in the budget, but I found some on Amazon. Incredibly, they performed flawlessly and put out their rated power. 

I had a bit of money left for some feet. I knew these were going to hit low, so I ordered some sticky feet so the speakers wouldn’t vibrate.

The Assembly
The next step was explaining to my activity fund event attendees how all of this worked. I made a PowerPoint presentation but that didn’t explain it all—people need to actually hear the difference. I wired up my speaker with a switch so I could switch the music to just the woofer, then just the tweeter, then the tweeter and woofer run full range, and finally ran the signal through the crossover which balances the system. This turned out to be a fun way to demonstrate how different drivers perform and what the crossover does. 

We wanted to make the workshop easy on our attendees, who had little experience with soldering, wiring, and woodwork. Before the event, we timed how long it took each of the shop staff to put together a crossover We knew their ten-minute result was biased so we had an employee with no soldering experience make one. It took him over 40 minutes. We simplified the process by laser engraving the backs of the crossover board and printed out pictures. We also precut the wires and made wire labels for everyone. 

On the day of our activity fund event, attendees started by attaching their components to the back panel & soldering them together. The shop staff was around to show people how to solder and help them along with the process. 

After attaching foam to the side panels to help with reverb, attendees glued their boxes together using templates that the Fabrication Studio designed and 3D printed to keep the panels square. Our shop staff nailed the box together. 

Ozzie Santillan routered the edges and Marcus Williams sanded the boxes down for a smooth, professional finish. They were covered in sawdust but were very good sports about it. 

Some people chose to stain their speakers while others moved on to the final steps of installing the drivers, port, amplifier, power supply, and feet.  

 
At this point we started hearing music pop up from the speakers all over. This was really fun to hear. The diversity in music choice was super interesting to hear as just about every genre of music was on display.   

 
The assembly took two nights and was a huge undertaking, but it was really fun and it showcased the ability of the Fabrication Studio to everyone involved. We utilized a lot of manufacturing tenets and processes, from 3D printing to wood working. The kitting of the parts and the workflow layout was an exercise in manufacturing assembly line timing. It was a blast to share one of my hobbies with my colleagues and to learn and build together!

Learn more about DMC’s company culture and check out our open positions!

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