Employee Interview
Embedded Control Engineer TOMPLA Inc. | Joined July 2025
◆ The free atmosphere and discretion that only a startup can offer
-Please tell us about your career history.
I joined a precision machinery manufacturer and was in charge of embedded control. My practical skills in circuit assembly and basic knowledge of control systems are directly related to my current work in embedded control of small drones.
Wanting to utilize my skills in a broader field, I left my job and became independent as a sole proprietor. I broadened the scope of my skills by working on a wide range of IT services for individual customers, including PC refurbishing, database services, and website creation.
In July 2025, I joined TOMPLA as an embedded control engineer, where I remain to this day.
-What made you decide to join TOMPLA?
After going independent, I worked as a freelancer, and in the process I learned about TOMPLA. I valued both "being able to utilize my embedded control technology" and "being able to work without being tied to a location," and TOMPLA was an environment where I could achieve both. That was the deciding factor, and I initially started working with them as a contract worker.
--What was it about TOMPLA that attracted you?
First of all, I was attracted to the free atmosphere that only a startup can offer, and the environment where you can work with discretion. It's not a top-down culture, but rather one where each individual's opinion is respected and technical challenges are welcomed.
Furthermore, TOMPLA is working on drones that are specialized for indoor flight, which is a relatively niche area within the industry. As an engineer, I find it very interesting that we are able to develop unique products that are not bound by existing frameworks.
◆Career change from self-employed to company employee
-Why did you decide to leave your self-employed status and join TOMPLA?
At my previous job at a precision machinery manufacturer, I felt that the scope of my discretion was limited due to the company's structure. I wanted to be able to work more freely and based on my own judgment, so I decided to go independent as a sole proprietor.
When I actually tried it, I found that there was a high degree of freedom and it was very rewarding. However, on the other hand, I had to take on not only development but also management, sales, and administrative tasks, all on my own. Although I had a strong desire to improve my development skills, I faced the dilemma of having limited time and energy to devote to improving my skills.
That's when I came across TOMPLA. While working as a contract worker, I felt that "here I can have discretion and focus on my skills." Then I received an offer for a full-time position and decided to join the company.
-Did you have any concerns or doubts about becoming a full-time employee?
To be honest, I was a little worried before joining the company. I was worried that returning to being a company employee would limit my discretion and freedom like before. However, once I actually joined the company, I realized that these fears were completely unfounded.
Just like when I was outsourcing, I was able to use my own judgment to decide how to proceed with development, and I was able to propose improvements myself if necessary. I also talked with the company president, Mr. Fujimoto, about the skills I wanted to develop and the fields I wanted to try.
I feel that my career plan as an engineer is clearer now than when I was self-employed.
◆ The feeling that you are challenging a technical field where no one has the right answer
-What kind of work are you mainly in charge of at the moment?
As an embedded control engineer at TOMPLA, I am involved in drone development from both the hardware and software sides. My first project was to acquire and process information from distance sensors, and my work gradually expanded to include housing design and control software development.
Currently, I often act as a "bridge" between engineers specializing in various fields. For example, I create 3D designs using CAD for the base of the aircraft design, such as the placement of motors and propellers and how electronic parts are incorporated, and then either prototype them using a 3D printer or outsource production. I'm currently involved in fine-tuning and improving the drones that fly under the floor and the "Small Doctor 02," and I'm involved in everything from design to implementation and verification.
In software development, we also improve the control aspects to increase the stability and precision of the aircraft, by writing programs to the control board installed inside the drone and repeatedly checking its operation.
--What are the most technically challenging aspects of developing drone control?
What I find particularly challenging is controlling drones to fly in small spaces. The technology for flying in small indoor spaces is a so-called developing field, with companies all over the world trying out various technical elements. Since it is difficult to equip drones that fly in small spaces with multitasking sensors, it is necessary to select the optimal control sensor for the expected environment. I find the process of repeated trial and error, while also referring to overseas development examples and forums, very rewarding.
I feel like I'm challenging myself in a technical field where no one has the right answer yet, and I find it fascinating that my skills are directly reflected in the drone's performance.
- Are there any areas or technologies you would like to try in the future?
I have built my career mainly in the field of embedded systems, so I would like to continue to deepen my skills in both hardware and software, such as controlling the circuit boards inside drones and developing firmware.
In addition, I have skills in web development and modeling using 3D printers, so I would like to actively challenge myself in those related fields. In particular, I would like to accumulate more knowledge about case design, and I am very much looking forward to the possibility of projects linking with web systems in the future.
What's more, at TOMPLA we often develop custom-made functions to meet the different needs of each customer, and it's interesting that completely different technical challenges arise each time. I'm excited to be in an environment where I can come into contact with unknown technologies and take on new challenges in new fields.
◆ An environment where people can think, propose, and act on their own
--What is the atmosphere like at TOMPLA's development site?
In terms of working style, about half of the time I work remotely and half in the office. I do a lot of work from home, and in particular software development, chassis design, and circuit board connection can all be completed remotely. I don't think there are many drone and hardware development environments that allow for such a remote approach.
We are currently working with partners in remote locations such as Kumamoto, and we communicate primarily online using Slack. We meet on-site when we need to fly the actual aircraft, but apart from that, the appeal of working here is that we can work without being tied down to time or place.
Decisions are made quickly within the company, and engineers often present their proposals directly to Mr. Fujimoto, leading to immediate progress. One of the attractions of working on a development site is the freedom to immediately put ideas into practice.
--What is the appeal of working at TOMPLA?
I think the biggest attraction is being able to take on the challenge of new technological fields where no one has the right answer. Being involved in an area where there are still few examples both in Japan and overseas, such as indoor drones and controlling them in small spaces, is a valuable experience for an engineer.
Moreover, rather than simply following specifications handed down from above, we have an environment where we can think, propose and execute on our own. It's really exciting to get the feeling that your own skills are helping to move the product forward.
-What kind of person would you like to have as an engineer at TOMPLA?
I would like to see people who are excited and interested in taking on challenges in new fields join us. I think this is the perfect environment for people who are willing to take the initiative and tackle issues and technical themes that change every day.
--Finally, please give us a message for those who are considering purchasing.
I think TOMPLA is a great fit for people who enjoy technical challenges. There are a lot of changes, and the tasks we need to do are constantly evolving, but for those who can take a positive approach and act with the determination to "make things better," it's definitely an environment where they can grow.
If you are even slightly interested, please come and hear what they have to say.