After retiring from his 35-year career as a Senior Technical Fellow at Boeing, Jim Underbrink joined IC2 in 2019 to guide our company and product strategy by leveraging his expert end-user experience. What started as a brief tenure turned into a successful five-year endeavor as our guiding influence. IC2 is profoundly grateful for Jim’s dedication and contributions, which have significantly enhanced our standards across the board. Since 2019, Jim has been instrumental in IC2 winning numerous SBIR awards, developing and launching several innovative products, implementing strategic initiatives, and significantly advancing our microphone technology.
Throughout his career, Underbrink, a world leader in phased-array technologies, earned 13 patents in phased-array applications, authored 35 publications, and is an Associate Fellow at AIAA.
Reflecting on his time at IC2, Jim stated:
“It was about 25 years ago that I identified a need for an aeroacoustic microphone for aeroacoustic phased arrays with capabilities exceeding what was on the market at the time. A few years later I started actively pursuing technology development to fulfill that need. Since I joined IC2 in 2019, I continued to pursue that technology need, and that has resulted in the release (or upcoming release) of multiple new products including MHzPressure sensors, DynaMic (an aeroacoustic microphone and fluctuating pressure sensor), fuselage microphones, and aeroacoustic phased arrays. This made for a rewarding conclusion to my 40+ year career in aerospace where I have specialized in developing test and measurement capabilities for use in the research and product development phases of flight vehicles.”
Jim Underbrink: An Imprint of Innovation and Excellence
Among the numerous projects Jim has contributed to during his tenure, his work on our microphones and phased arrays is particularly noteworthy. His expertise and innovative approach in these areas have significantly enhanced our products and motivated us to continually push the boundaries of our capabilities.
Jim’s legacy at IC2 is evident. His work, especially on these technologies, will continue to influence our future projects and innovations. By focusing on precision and performance, Jim has made a lasting impact that will endure for many years.
As we bid farewell to Jim Underbrink and celebrate his remarkable contributions to IC2, our Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, Mark Sheplak, shares his thoughts on Jim’s impact and legacy:
“During his time at IC2, Jim was able see through the completion of the development and commercialization of instrumentation-grade aeroacoustic microphones and fuselage pressure sensors – a project that we started together in 2005 during his career at Boeing. He had tremendous impact both technically as well as administratively through strategic planning and overall corporate vision. We are grateful for his contributions, aim to continue his legacy, and wish him the best in his retirement.”
Jim’s Precision Beyond Technology
One of Jim’s most remarkable skills is his ability to reread documents with fresh eyes, as if he is encountering the information for the very first time. This unique talent has allowed him to consistently identify opportunities for improvement and innovation, ensuring that no detail is overlooked, and no statement is made without data and reasoning to back it up. His keen attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence have been pivotal in driving IC2’s success.
Regarding Jim’s impact on my personal career:
“In addition to his technical prowess, Jim has been an exceptional mentor to me personally. His patience, wisdom, and willingness to share his vast knowledge have been invaluable in my professional growth. Jim’s mentorship goes beyond just imparting technical skills; he has taught me the importance of strategic thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His ability to listen, provide thoughtful feedback, and encourage innovative ideas has greatly influenced my approach to problem-solving and leadership. I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support Jim has provided, and his mentorship will continue to inspire me as I navigate my career.”
Moving Forward: Building on Jim’s Contributions
As we look forward to the years to come, IC2 will continue to launch new products in the areas of phased arrays, fuselage microphones, dynamic pressure sensors, and application-driven wireless data acquisition systems building on the foundation Jim laid in understanding and meeting customer’s needs.
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Jim will additionally be featured in a video interview with NI about our microphones and other products, set to be released in early January. This interview will delve into the innovative solutions IC2 has developed, especially focusing on our DynaMic® and related technologies.
