FUTEK: A Legacy of Innovation, Resilience, and Quality in Advanced Sensor Technology
Since its inception in 1988, FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc. has been a leader in providing custom sensor solutions for industries demanding high precision and quality, such as Aerospace, Medical, MedTech, and advanced automated digital manufacturing. Javad Mokhbery, the company’s President and CEO, has built FUTEK with a leadership style grounded in communication, listening, humility, and a bold vision for innovation.
The Art of Communication and Leadership
Javad's commitment to communication is evident in his daily routine. Since August 2003, he has met with his key employees at 6:59 a.m. each business day to check their energy levels and determine who needs additional support. His hiring philosophy centers on surrounding himself with highly intelligent people, stating, “I hire people who are much more intelligent than I am.” In addition to his roles as President and CEO, Javad proudly serves as the company’s Chief Listening Officer (CLO), ensuring that listening and understanding are at the core of FUTEK’s operations.
“I believe in digging the wells before getting too thirsty,” says Javad, a mindset that has been key to FUTEK’s success. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and research, ensuring that his team fully understands the customer’s challenges and needs before creating a solution. This forward-thinking approach has allowed FUTEK to stay ahead of the curve and consistently provide exceptional products tailored to its clients’ exact specifications.
Innovation in Sensor Technology
FUTEK’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by its custom-designed sensors, including those developed for NASA’s Mars Rover Curiosity Robot. “We need to focus on predictive maintenance instead of preventive maintenance,” Javad explains, emphasizing the company’s dedication to developing custom solutions for complex applications where off-the-shelf products simply won’t suffice.
From aerospace to medical applications, FUTEK has become known for its ability to design and manufacture highly reliable sensors that meet the most demanding specifications. One such case involved designing a miniaturized advanced sensor for an autopilot product used in avionic applications. After months of collaboration, FUTEK successfully helped its client launch the product with a record of 100% on-time delivery and zero field failures. This commitment to quality has earned FUTEK a reputation as a "dream supplier," with several long-term contracts, including one running through 2025.
Quality Culture: The Foundation of Success
At FUTEK, quality is not just a buzzword—it is the company’s defining philosophy. Javad explains that "QC" stands for “Quality Culture,” not just “quality control.” This culture permeates every aspect of the company, from product design to customer support. “It’s not about ‘what,’ it’s about ‘why,’” says Javad. “Whatever we manufacture, it has to meet or exceed market standards in regard to quality, on-time delivery, and customer support.”
FUTEK’s success in maintaining a quality-driven culture has translated into outstanding customer relationships. For example, FUTEK has delivered over 6,000 custom sensors annually for a key client in the avionics industry, with a perfect track record of on-time delivery and quality. As a result, FUTEK is the go-to supplier for critical projects in the aerospace and medical sectors.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
FUTEK’s ability to weather external challenges has been tested in recent times, particularly during the global health crisis. In mid-February, Javad reassured customers that FUTEK’s production and supply chain would remain unaffected, thanks to the company’s strategic buffer stock and ability to quickly transition employees to remote work. “We’re a resilient company,” Javad says, noting that FUTEK has maintained stable business activities and retention rates with zero layoffs since its founding.
This resilience is also reflected in FUTEK’s adaptability, allowing the company to meet the ever-evolving demands of its customers. As the medical and MedTech industries grow, FUTEK continues to push the boundaries of sensor technology, developing advanced products like nanosensors and custom embedded instrumentation.
Looking to the Future
As FUTEK looks to the future, the company’s expansion into emerging markets is underway, with a focus on advanced technologies such as nanosensors and thin-film capabilities. Javad believes that FUTEK’s combination of advanced manufacturing capabilities and automated inspection expertise positions the company for continued growth in the MedTech sector and other high-precision industries.
“We must always think: ‘Failure is not an option,’ but to grow, you can’t be afraid to fail,” Javad concludes. This philosophy drives FUTEK’s commitment to innovation and its unwavering belief in continuous improvement. “If humanity had settled for a mindset of ‘doing our best is good enough,’ we would still be living in caves.”