At Electronic Drives and Controls (EDC), we know that great engineering starts with great people, so today we’re excited to shine the spotlight on one of our newest team members: Ben Ferrara! A Systems Design Engineer, Ben’s industry-specific experience and creative problem-solving mindset—paired with priorities that align perfectly with how EDC operates—are already making him a valuable addition to the Systems Team.
From Hands-On Manufacturing to Front-End Design
Ben earned his Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh and has worked in roles spanning small electronics R&D, vacuum-controlled induction melting, and laminating and converting manufacturing. He’s also no stranger to field work, having traveled with an OEM to install and start up equipment on-site—giving him firsthand insight into how systems operate in real-world conditions.
“I’ve worked with equipment both large and small, mechanical and electrical, and in a variety of manufacturing settings,” Ben explains. “I hope that having seen these systems from so many angles will help me design better solutions and bring real value to the projects I work on for EDC’s clients.”
As a Systems Design Engineer, Ben plays a key role in the early stages of project development—creating first-pass designs and technical proposals that serve as the foundation for client solutions. He’s currently working on integrating a conveyor system in a pasta factory and upgrading rewind controls for a company that manufactures industrial rubber mats—two very different projects that reflect the variety of work EDC takes on, something Ben says drew him to the company in the first place.
Designing with the End in Mind
When asked what attracted him to EDC, Ben pointed to the diversity of industries and technologies, and the opportunity to keep learning. But more than that, it was about designing systems that provide ongoing value to clients.
“When I design systems, I focus on maintenance and lasting value for the customer,” Ben says. “Having worked on the manufacturing side, I know how important it is to choose reliable vendors with long-term support and great service. I also prioritize ease of use for the operators. The best systems are the ones that just work—you don’t have to think about them.”
This approach makes Ben a natural fit at EDC, where customer success and system longevity are our top priorities. As a systems integrator, much of the work EDC does happens behind the scenes—but when done right, it leads to seamless, reliable performance for years to come. Ben’s focus on usability, maintainability, and value directly reflects the standards EDC is known for—and ensures clients benefit from both thoughtful design and dependable execution.
Ben’s client-focused approach stood out right away to his supervisor, Bob Pusateri, Director of Business Development:
“Ben’s previous employer was a company in coating and laminating—one of EDC’s key industries. So right off the bat, he had a strong grasp of the kinds of applications we encounter, the control components involved, and the work that goes into modernizing those systems,” Bob says. “That understanding, combined with his focus on what customers really need from their systems, has helped him contribute to proposal efforts right away. Plus, he’s just a terrific guy with an easy, approachable communication style—something our customers (and our team!) really appreciate.”
Ben After Hours: Cats, Cards, and Competition
Ben’s creativity doesn’t stop at system design. As you might expect from someone who loves to build things and solve problems, he’s taken that curiosity outside of work and into the world of 3D printing, where he’s been crafting custom gifts for friends and family.
But Ben’s not all gears and gadgets—he’s got a competitive side, too. A fan of strategy and high-level play, he’s a regular in Magic: The Gathering and Super Smash Bros. Melee tournaments.
It’s clear that Ben has always prioritized family. He’s made it a point to stay close to home, living in Montclair, NJ, just a short drive from both his hometown of Bernardsville, NJ and EDC’s office. His parents still live nearby, and he’s remained close with his two sisters—one of whom he recently visited on a memorable trip to Alaska.
Ben even credits his family with inspiring the career path he’s on today.
“My dad has his PhD in chemical engineering and was my physics teacher in high school,” Ben shares. “He was the biggest inspiration for me to pursue engineering”
That early exposure planted the seed for a lifelong curiosity—and today, it’s what motivates him most in his work.
“I love solving problems for people and collaborating with my team to offer the best solution possible.”
And if starting a new job wasn’t exciting enough, Ben has even more big news—not long after joining EDC, he proposed to his girlfriend, Kayla—and she said yes! With a new role, new projects, and a new chapter of life just beginning, there’s plenty to celebrate.
Ben’s strength lies in how he connects the dots—between disciplines, between design and operations, and between what a system does and how people use it. His background spans both mechanical and electrical systems, with time spent on shop floors, in R&D labs, and out in the field. That kind of well-rounded experience is hard enough to find—but to also have deep familiarity with industries like coating, laminating, and converting? That’s a rare combination, and one that makes Ben an especially valuable addition to EDC’s team. His firsthand understanding of how systems actually run helps him design smarter, more intuitive solutions that work not just on paper, but in practice.
With engineers like Ben on board, EDC plans to keep delivering high-performance solutions that stand the test of time. We’re proud to have him on the team—and excited to see what’s next.
Welcome to the team, Ben!
