Meet Andrew McCarty, a longtime member of the AMT staff whose broad knowledge of the company, clients, and technologies earns him the title of "Renaissance man."
At AMT, we pride ourselves on the diverse talents and accomplishments of our team members. Today, we shine the spotlight on Andrew McCarty, a jack-of-all-trades, whose contributions span multiple disciplines and multiple decades within our organization. Andrew's career journey embodies both his technical expertise and his adaptability at AMT, making him an invaluable member of the team.
Andrew's Journey Through AMT
Andrew’s career at AMT started in robot programming, specifically on the Chevy Astro minivan project circa 1998. He quickly became essential to the project, as he became the lead programmer for approximately fifty robots when some unexpected changes affected staffing on the project. His whole-hearted embrace of this challenge speaks to his adaptability and willingness to lead. Over the years, he has navigated through various departments at the company, from robotics to simulation, and automotive paint.Currently thriving in the simulation group, Andrew's expertise is not confined to a single area. He has been instrumental in projects across automotive, aerospace, food and beverage, medical industries, and research. One particularly memorable project involved working on enormous rolls of duct tape, where he humorously noted, "You could practically build a bridge or tape a friend's car to the ceiling with it!"
"Andrew's ability to transition seamlessly between roles and his deep commitment to every project are what make him such an asset to our team," commented Craig Salvalaggio, President at AMT. "He not only advances our technical capabilities but also fosters a spirit of innovation and resilience that is crucial to our success."
“Andrew has such a rich history at AMT, I’m thrilled that he is being recognized as a spotlight employee,” said Chief Knowledge Officer Diane Haig. “He is very talented and has spent time working in just about all the groups at the company. Andrew is a fantastic mentor, not only for AMT employees but he has also been guest lecturer on machine vision for the engineering students at Oakland University. His ability to lend a hand in any area while keeping everyone smiling with his great sense of humor, including his knack for crafting hilarious nameplates for his office, makes him an indispensable part of our team.”
Outside of the Office
When not solving complex problems at AMT, Andrew pursues a variety of hobbies with a common theme: learning and mastering something he’s never tried before. Whether building medieval armor with his sons, making furniture, crafting jewelry, or carving wood, Andrew embodies the spirit of continuous improvement and curiosity.
“Basically, I pick something to learn about, fail at it for a while; then, when I start to get not-so-terrible at it, I get bored and learn about the next thing,” he quipped.
Andrew enjoys a morning routine that often involves feeding the curious squirrels in his yard and watching his cat explore the floral scents in their transformed chicken coop, now a charming mini Zen garden.
Why AMT
Reflecting on his time at AMT, Andrew appreciates the diverse challenges and opportunities he’s had. "What I love most about AMT is the variety. Every day is different and every project is a new adventure. It’s exciting to be part of a team that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible," he says.
Andrew McCarty's role at AMT goes beyond that of just a typical employee; he is a mentor, an innovator, and an essential figure in driving the company forward. His story is a testament to the impact of embracing a variety of challenges and the joy of continuous learning.