5 Questions for … Philipp Conrad

In our series “5 Questions for …” Ultisense employees give some insight into their daily work, tell us what drives them and how they see the future of technology. In this episode with Philipp Conrad, Head of Product Management. 

What is your area of responsibility at Safran Vectronix?

As Head of Product Management, I oversee the entire portfolio at Safran Vectronix AG, the handheld systems as well as the Ultisense Module business. It’s a dynamic role that involves juggling multiple aspects — defining pricing strategies, roadmaps, product lifecycle upgrades, and even phase-outs. But it’s not just about managing existing products; it’s also about shaping the future. Together with my team, we pursue new projects, ensuring our innovations continue to set industry standards.

A significant part of my job is ensuring that the features and capabilities of our products create the best possible synergies. It’s more than just individual products — it’s about crafting a seamless ecosystem of precision technology.

What made you start working at Safran Vectronix?

This moment is etched in my memory as if it happened yesterday. I was sitting in a university lecture, watching a presentation of Vectronix AG. The MOSKITO — a multifunctional handheld device packed with an image intensification tube, a laser rangefinder, a GNSS receiver, a digital magnetic compass, and direct-view optics.

As someone fascinated by complex systems, I was instantly captivated. This wasn’t just another device; it was a well-designed piece of engineering. At that moment, I realized this was a company I wanted to work for. !
So, when I completed my studies, I took a bold approach: I submitted just one application. No backup plans, no second options — Vectronix was where I wanted to be. And after some time, I got the call. That was back in 2008, and looking back, it was a decision that shaped my career in a meaningful way.

What are your challenges in your daily work?

Every day, I work with an incredibly talented and highly motivated team — people who don’t just go through the motions but actively seek opportunities to innovate. The challenge? Turning all these great ideas into reality while working within the constraints of resources, budgets, and development capacity.
We have to be strategic, ensuring that we channel our efforts into the projects with the highest impact. It’s a balancing act—maximizing success while keeping our teams inspired and driven. Because at the end of the day, innovation thrives not just on technical excellence, but on a motivated and passionate team behind it.

What can we find on your desk?

If you took a glance at my desk, you’d see a mix of high-tech and personal. Two large screens for efficiency, my Jabra headset for calls, a stack of business cards collected from trade shows, and a Cisco IP phone that’s now mostly a relic of the past.

Then there’s my laptop — resting on a rather unconventional stand: an empty cider keg. It might not be the most traditional setup, but it works! Alongside that, you’d find sticky notes with quick reminders, my cellphone always within reach, a printed calendar, and my Remarkable tablet, which I use for notes and ideas. It’s a workspace that reflects both structure and spontaneity—just like my job.

What fascinates you about the modules?

There’s something truly remarkable about what we develop here. Take the DMC-PICO, for example — a compact yet highly precise module that can measure the north direction with exceptional accuracy, no matter if banked or tilted. In my early days as an application engineer, I ran a test where I increased the refresh rate of the DMC. To my surprise, I detected the railway frequency (16 2/3 Hz) from 200 meters away. That moment made me realize just how precise and powerful our technology really is.

And then there’s our Laser Rangefinder (LRF). Every day, it still impresses me. Being able to measure distances of up to 30 kilometers (and soon even beyond) with a small fiber laser is nothing short of extraordinary. To put it into perspective, a typical home-use laser distance meter loses capability after just a few hundred meters.

One of our engineers once explained it to me in a way that stuck with me: when we fire a laser, we send out energy equivalent to an Olympic swimming pool towards the target. But when the signal returns, we’re dealing with something so faint it’s comparable to the ink in just two fountain pen cartridges. I never ran the math on it, but the analogy alone left an impression. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of our teams.

What fascinates me most, though, is the people behind the technology. Our engineers chase down the tiniest details, always striving for perfection. Even after years in the company, I’m still learning new things about LRFs and north finders. That’s what makes this field so exciting — there’s always more to discover.