BROOKLYN PARK, MN USA – September 19, 2025 – Most interviews don’t take place at a dog park, but that’s how Jon Menke got his start. Jon went from studying robotics to being a leader in ASIC design four years later. “Jon is an exceptional talent,” says the CEO of TSS, Al Hurst.
What drew you into this highly specialized career path? What did you study in school?
“My path into ASIC design was completely unexpected. I studied integrated engineering in school, focusing on robotics—digital logic wasn’t really on my radar. On my first day, the team immediately began teaching me ASIC design, and now, several years later, I’m a design expert working on several concurrent ASIC projects. I never would have imagined this career trajectory, but my education gave me the critical foundation I needed. The programming skills I developed during my degree remain essential to my daily work, and more importantly, the critical thinking skills I gained have proven transferable to any technical challenge. That’s the real value of education—learning how to think, not just what to think.”
What is your average day at TSS?
“There’s really no “average” day here—my work follows a project-based rhythm that evolves month by month. For the past six months, my work has been split between two major parallel projects. Each project moves through distinct phases: we begin with understanding customer needs and defining implementation approaches, with contract boundaries providing the framework while mission requirements drive the actual design. My favorite phase is when the silicon returns for testing. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the designs I’ve worked on successfully delivering on the mission requirements. That moment when theory becomes reality never gets old.”
How do you spend your time when not at TSS?
“I’m truly passionate about my work, so I dedicate a lot of my time to it. When I do unplug, my biggest joy is simple: spending quality time with my dog.”
What’s your favorite thing about working at TSS?
“My favorite thing is the diversity of projects. It’s a constant and exciting challenge. Each project is usually brought to life on a different technology node dictated by the mission requirements, so this variety forces you to keep learning and adapting. It’s a fantastic environment for growth, supported by a team with deep design expertise, and it’s exciting to be part of a company that is expanding so quickly.”
What impact does your job have on Minnesota? What about the United States?
“I have deep roots here—I was born in Minnesota and completed my education here. It’s meaningful to work for a company headquartered right in our state, providing high-tech jobs and contributing to the local economy.
On a larger scale, TSS is a part of the global innovation driven by the microelectronics industry. We are defining the future. I believe strengthening this industry at home is vital, and I would love to see more silicon foundries built right here in Minnesota and across the United States to secure that future.”
What’s your favorite thing about working in the space industry?
“My favorite thing is the direct connection between my lifelong passion and my daily work. Space exploration and rocketry have always been a huge part of my life. In fact, that fascination is what inspired me to study robotics—I saw it as a direct path into the industry.
It feels like I’ve come full circle. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be designing the essential components that go into the very rockets I’ve always been passionate about. I get to help build the future of space exploration, and that’s a dream come true.”
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