2021 Engineering Leader Under 40: Matthew Fether, 37

Department Manager, Matrix Technologies, Maumee, OH, United States, BS Electronics Engineering Technology, University of Toledo, MBA, Bowling Green State University

By CFE Media September 8, 2021
Matthew Fether, 37, Department Manager, Matrix Technologies, Maumee, OH, United States, BS Electronics Engineering Technology, University of Toledo, MBA, Bowling Green State University

Matthew Fether, 37
Department Manager
Matrix Technologies
Maumee, OH, United States
BS Electronics Engineering Technology, University of Toledo
MBA, Bowling Green State University

Why should this person be recognized for this award?

Since joining Matrix, Matt has taken a strong initiative to rapidly advance his career to becoming a leader within the organization. While maintaining his fulltime employment as well as his fulltime role as husband and father, Matt went back to college and received his MBA in 2019. Watching individuals he works with succeed at their career goals has helped him to better define his goals. One of his ultimate goals would be for his success to be an inspiration for others. Matt’s commitment to his employees and the customer’s needs are always of the highest priority.

Achievements, Advancement & Career-related Industry Contributions

Matt has been with Matrix for 11 years and promoted five times. His last promotion was in 2018 to the role of Department Manager. Matt has excelled in his career and made a very positive impact within Matrix and with some of our best customers. Matt has been the technical lead on multiple Burner Management Systems, as well as multiple Allen-Bradley PLC5 to Rockwell Automation ControlLogix conversion projects where he has been required to develop the installation plan and provide construction assistance. Recently he oversaw the automation development and assisted with the execution for a project that doubled our client’s capacity to produce household cleaning products during a worldwide pandemic. Matt’s been actively mentoring new employees since 2013. He’s currently managing one of our highest used departments in the company. He’s been responsible for ensuring that his employees adapt to Matrix’s Quality System Procedures, answering any and all project related questions, reviewing projects prior to startups, and ensuring that his employees are setting and following through with their goals. Matt also plays an active role in maintaining our CSIA and ISO certified quality system, as well as the development of continuous improvement initiatives within the company.

Non-work-related Activities & Hobbies

In his spare time, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and three young children. He stays busy volunteering with his kids’ present sports teams and helping them develop their skills and learn the fundamentals. Matt also enjoys spending time with his family on the lake in the summer teaching his kids water sports and on the slopes in the winter teaching his children how to ski.

Interesting Details

  • Matt was a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT). He joined during college and served his community on the department for 8 years.
  • In his spare time, Matt is an avid runner and has a lifetime goal to run in all 50 states. To date he has run in 32 states.

Why did they choose this career?

“I have always enjoyed the challenges of problem solving and mathematics, which led me down the engineering path. At a young age I developed a strong interest in computers and technology and being a controls engineer keeps me involved with the rapidly developing world of technology. As I have transitioned to a Department Manager, I enjoy helping my team in any way that I can to ensure that they endure a successful career. As it is their success that attributes to the company’s overall success.”

Original content can be found at Control Engineering.


Author Bio: Since its founding in 2010, CFE Media and Technology has provided engineers in manufacturing, commercial and industrial buildings, and manufacturing control systems with the knowledge they need to improve their operational efficiency. CFE delivers the right information at the right time around the world through a variety of platforms.