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Meet the Valence Tek Team!

About Our Mission: To provide competitive and innovative solutions to difficult design challenges.
Let's chat about your design!

Meet the Valence Tek Team!

About Our Mission: To provide competitive and innovative solutions to difficult design challenges.
Let's chat about your design!

Our Passionate Team & Our Missions: Meet our venerated team of Engineers.

About Our Mission - Michael Trovato

Michael R. Trovato

Owner/Director of Engineering

Michael studied Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina State University. He specializes in mechanical drafting services. After university, he worked for proprietary robotic development companies focused on automating manual tasks for various Fortune 500 companies like Rx Medic & CASI. Along with automation, Michael has designed products for the everyday inventor and consumer electronics for large manufacturers.  

About Michael’s Mission: To create lifelong relationships with our customers that exceed expectations.

Chris Miller

Senior Embedded Engineer

Chris Miller is a Montana-based and multi-faced engineer with 25+ years professional experience and a passion for creating across the full spectrum of hardware, firmware, and software. His work encompasses a unique blend of requirements gathering, system architecture, prototype assembly, low-level firmware development, user interface programming, testing, and manufacture. He brings it all together to create rapid prototypes and finished products with software tools like KiCAD, C++, Python, JTAG, RTOS, and hardware tools like microscopes, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, reflow soldering equipment, and CNC and laser cutters.

About Chris’ Mission: To ask the right questions and deliver requirements-based, effective designs at a rapid pace.

About Our Mission - Michael Trovato
About Our Mission - Michael Trovato

Jovan Aleksic

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Jovan studied Mechanical Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology. He specializes in industrial end-of-line automation. After college, he worked on integrating big names like Fanuc and Kuka for custom-tailored solutions and then expanded his expertise with packaging machines like case packers and cartoners, successfully completing projects for companies such as Kimberly Clark and Stryker. Over the years, Jovan has also developed various consumer goods and electronics for industries ranging from food & beverage to retail.

About Jovan’s Mission: To achieve simple, straightforward solutions for even the most complex problems.

Chris Freetage

Senior Electrical Engineer

Chris Freetage is an Oregon-based electronics professional with over 22 years of comprehensive experience designing, troubleshooting, and developing custom electronic solutions. He leverages deep expertise in PCB design using Altium Designer, 3D modeling using Fusion 360, and programming in C++, Python, JS, and HTML. Chris possesses a unique ability to solve complex real-world challenges by effectively bridging advanced technical engineering with practical business objectives across diverse industries including industrial controls, automotive systems, and environmental monitoring.

About Chris’ Mission: To deliver cutting-edge, reliable electronic designs that meet both technical demands and client objectives.

About Our Mission - Michael Trovato
About Our Mission - Michael Trovato

Jennifer Clark

Project Manager

Jennifer Clark is highly experienced in the project management industry. Jennifer ensures everything related to Valence projects are executed. From preparation to day-of logistics. Charged with creating experiences and bringing visions to life, she is adept at juggling many tasks. Managing vendor relationships and client communications, creating and negotiating contracts, and managing budgets are all typical functions. 

About Jennifer’s Mission: To ensure the client has the best experience possible with Valence Tek.

About Our Mission - Michael Trovato

Michael R. Trovato

Owner/Director of Engineering

Michael studied Mechanical Engineering at North Carolina State University. After university, he worked for proprietary robotic development companies focused on automating manual tasks for various Fortune 500 companies like Rx Medic & CASI. Along with automation, Michael has designed products for the everyday inventor and consumer electronics for large manufacturers. 

About Michael’s Mission: To create lifelong relationships with our customers that exceed expectations.

About Our Mission - Michael Trovato

Chris Miller

Senior Embedded Engineer

Chris Miller is a Montana-based and multi-faced engineer with 25+ years professional experience and a passion for creating across the full spectrum of hardware, firmware, and software. His work encompasses a unique blend of requirements gathering, system architecture, prototype assembly, low-level firmware development, user interface programming, testing, and manufacture. He brings it all together to create rapid prototypes and finished products with software tools like KiCAD, C++, Python, JTAG, RTOS, and hardware tools like microscopes, oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, reflow soldering equipment, and CNC and laser cutters.

About Chris’ Mission: To ask the right questions and deliver requirements-based, effective designs at a rapid pace.

About Our Mission - Jovan Aleksic

Jovan Aleksic

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Jovan studied Mechanical Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology. He specializes in industrial end-of-line automation. After college, he worked on integrating big names like Fanuc and Kuka for custom-tailored solutions and then expanded his expertise with packaging machines like case packers and cartoners, successfully completing projects for companies such as Kimberly Clark and Stryker. Over the years, Jovan has also developed various consumer goods and electronics for industries ranging from food & beverage to retail.

About Jovan’s Mission: To achieve simple, straightforward solutions for even the most complex problems.

About Our Mission - Michael Trovato

Chris Freetage

Senior Electrical Engineer

Chris Freetage is an Oregon-based electronics professional with over 22 years of comprehensive experience designing, troubleshooting, and developing custom electronic solutions. He leverages deep expertise in PCB design using Altium Designer, 3D modeling using Fusion 360, and programming in C++, Python, JS, and HTML. Chris possesses a unique ability to solve complex real-world challenges by effectively bridging advanced technical engineering with practical business objectives across diverse industries including industrial controls, automotive systems, and environmental monitoring.

About Chris’ Mission: To deliver cutting-edge, reliable electronic designs that meet both technical demands and client objectives.

About Our Mission - Michael Trovato

Jennifer Clark

Project Manager

Jennifer Clark is highly experienced in the project management industry. Jennifer ensures everything related to Valence projects are executed. From preparation to day-of logistics. Charged with creating experiences and bringing visions to life, she is adept at juggling many tasks. Managing vendor relationships and client communications, creating and negotiating contracts, and managing budgets are all typical functions.

About Jennifer’s Mission: To ensure the client has the best experience possible with Valence Tek.

Mechanical Engineer with over 20 years of seasoned and successful professional experience. He has designed many different products moving these designs from concept to production for innovators, startups and established companies. Professional degreed mechanical design engineer with an MBA. Experienced as a technical lead with in house designs, ODM, and OEM, as well as partnership designs. Todd’s experience includes high volume production design, concept designs, reference designs, and validation tool design.
Mechanical Engineer with over 20 years of seasoned and successful professional experience. He has designed many different products moving these designs from concept to production for innovators, startups and established companies. Professional degreed mechanical design engineer with an MBA. Experienced as a technical lead with in house designs, ODM, and OEM, as well as partnership designs. Todd’s experience includes high volume production design, concept designs, reference designs, and validation tool design.

 

Todd S.

Designer

Areas of expertise are medical devices, DFM, tooling and fixturing, automotive power trains & manufacturing automation. Top designs are fixation devices (patented). Retro-reaming device for knee repairs. Auto advancing fixation tool for cranial repairs. Neo-natal IV needle system. Endoscopic stomach suturing device and implants. Gel ink writing instrument development (patented). Fountain pen ink delivery system.
Areas of expertise are medical devices, DFM, tooling and fixturing, automotive power trains & manufacturing automation. Top designs are fixation devices (patented). Retro-reaming device for knee repairs. Auto advancing fixation tool for cranial repairs. Neo-natal IV needle system. Endoscopic stomach suturing device and implants. Gel ink writing instrument development (patented). Fountain pen ink delivery system.

 

Bill S.

Designer

Ron is a multiple patent holding innovator with over 25 years of experience in developing low and high volume electromechanical systems across numerous industries. He has led development teams in semiconductor capital equipment, consumer electronic device security, and renewable energy solutions. He has extensive in-country experience through years of development and production in Asia and is able to leverage his strong design for manufacturing capabilities to produce cost effective and reliable products. Ron earned his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo California.
Ron is a multiple patent holding innovator with over 25 years of experience in developing low and high volume electromechanical systems across numerous industries. He has led development teams in semiconductor capital equipment, consumer electronic device security, and renewable energy solutions. He has extensive in-country experience through years of development and production in Asia and is able to leverage his strong design for manufacturing capabilities to produce cost effective and reliable products. Ron earned his Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo California.

 

Ron P.

Designer

Contract Engineering

We provide flexible, project-based engineering services that give you instant access to specialized skills without the overhead of a full-time hire. From concept development and CAD modeling to prototyping, testing, and production support, we deliver solutions tailored to your technical and business goals. Our multi-disciplinary expertise in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering ensures your project moves from idea to implementation—on time, on budget, and on spec.

In-House Design

We handle every stage of your project—design, engineering, manufacturing, and integration—so you can focus on your business while we deliver a ready-to-use solution. Our end-to-end approach ensures seamless coordination, reduced risk, and faster time-to-market. Whether it’s a custom machine, IoT system, or automated process, we provide a fully functional, tested, and optimized solution that’s ready to perform from day one.

Product Development

We turn ideas into reality through a seamless product development process that blends creativity, engineering, and market insight. From concept design and prototyping to testing, refinement, and production launch, we ensure your product is innovative, functional, and ready for success. Our multidisciplinary team handles mechanical, electrical, and software integration—delivering solutions that are as manufacturable as they are marketable.

Robotics & Automation

We design and integrate custom robotics and automation systems that streamline production, reduce costs, and increase precision. From concept to commissioning, our expertise covers controls engineering, motion systems, machine vision, and industrial robotics. Whether you need a single automated station or a fully networked production line, we deliver turnkey solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability, and ROI.

IoT Design

We develop custom Internet of Things solutions that bring your products to life with seamless connectivity, intelligent control, and real-time data insights. From hardware architecture and PCB design to firmware development and cloud integration, we deliver end-to-end IoT systems tailored to your needs. Our designs optimize performance, security, and scalability—empowering your devices to communicate, adapt, and excel in today’s connected world.

PCB Design

We specialize in custom PCB design that balances performance, manufacturability, and cost. From schematic capture and multi-layer board layout to signal integrity optimization and DFM checks, we ensure your boards meet exacting standards. Whether for IoT devices, industrial controls, or complex embedded systems, our designs deliver the reliability and efficiency your products demand—ready for seamless production.

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