July 22

Andrei Basalai 

Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer,
Luxembourg office

In my role, I'm deeply involved in both developing new products for our company and upgrading our existing ones. My responsibilities extend to constructing test benches for prototype testing, debugging, and ensuring the quality of specific components. However, the focal point of my work lies within the realm of optics and opto-mechanics.

One noteworthy project that exemplifies this is the comprehensive modernization of the projector used in our latest innovation, the Spider 2 scanner. My passion lies in finding optimal optical design solutions that best suit our unique needs. And it's great to be able to draw on my past experience in this position, as I've been involved in eye-safe laser rangefinders and forward looking infrared systems for over 10 years.

What truly distinguishes Artec 3D for me is the strong technical background shared by nearly every team member. The collective wealth of knowledge ensures that there's always something to learn from everyone, resulting in continuous improvements to our products.

Outside of work, my interests include snowboarding and cycling, both of which contribute to my preference for an active lifestyle. Montenegro's diverse climate zones, where you can swim and witness snowfall within a single year, make it an ideal location for this lifestyle choice.

Luxembourg has a natural beauty and it’s nice that various countries can be effortlessly explored within a few hours by train or bus. The landscapes here, in certain aspects, remind me of my homeland, Belarus.

One book that has deeply resonated with me is "Thanatonauts" by the French fiction writer Bernard Werber. This thought-provoking work delves into themes of the world order, the mysteries of life, and the enigma of what occurs after death. Additionally, I highly recommend the lectures of mycologist Paul Stamets. Through his insights, I discovered fascinating facts, like how the simplest mold can recreate the subway map of Tokyo!

Blitz

1/ Cats or dogs?

In my opinion, cats win the day, as their friendly nature appeals to those who seek affection, whereas dogs might suit those who prefer independence. I'm firmly in the cat camp.

2/ If you would like to pick up any famous person to have a drink in a bar, who would it be?

Quentin Tarantino would be the top choice, as his creative genius and storytelling prowess are truly captivating.

3/ If not working as an engineer, what would you like to do?

I'd consider pursuing a career as a snowboarding instructor or exploring opportunities in the automobile industry.