From Intern to Manager: Ryan Speciale’s Career Journey at Adaptec 

At Adaptec Solutions, we are proud to have dedicated employees who have grown with our organization over last several years. Through three acquisitions, our employees embrace every challenge, celebrate every success, innovate with new processes, and continuously play a vital role in shaping Adaptec into the company we are today. Ryan Speciale, our Controls Engineering Manager, began his journey with us in high school as an intern, and has since grown into one of Adaptec’s most esteemed and talented leaders. 

Early Days at ACE 

As a senior at Corning West High School, Ryan was introduced to Automated Cells and Equipment (ACE) through an internship as an applications drafter. With a strong foundation in CAD and design, he worked closely with Mike Lucey, Adaptec’s current Director of Applications Engineering, creating quote drawings for upcoming system builds. 

Education & Co-Op Experience 

 Following high school, Ryan pursued an associate degree in electrical engineering at Alfred State before transferring to RIT to complete his bachelor’s. Through RIT’s co-op program, Ryan returned to ACE as a mechanical drafter, transforming sketches into detailed 3D models and drawings. 

“While in college, Ryan worked with us as a mechanical engineering co-op,” Lucey recalls. “I asked him to update the design of a standard drawer-based product using unfamiliar CAD software. The task was complex, but Ryan quickly picked up the new system and executed the changes perfectly. His work on multi-view representations—essential for showing the product’s functionality—was especially impressive.” 

Climbing the Ranks 

 Before graduating from RIT, Ryan accepted a full-time position as a Robot Engineer, an opportunity he jumped at having thoroughly enjoyed the work. Just a year later, he transitioned to a Controls Engineer. ACE was eventually acquired, rebranding to Adaptec Solutions shortly before Ryan earned the title of Controls Engineering Manager. 

Today, Ryan leads Adaptec’s electrical and controls engineering team. His focus is on driving system designs from a controls perspective, ensuring programs and key components operate as intended. He also prioritizes user-friendly interfaces and long-term system reliability for our customers. 

“Ryan has the unique ability to view an automation project from every angle,” says Mario Trizzino, Automation Sales Engineer. “His experience as a mechanical designer and robot programmer gives him a broader perspective beyond his current focus on electrical design and PLC programming.” 

Mario continues, “He’s incredibly organized and efficient, able to complete in hours what might take others days. And despite his talent, Ryan remains humble, easy to work with, and always ready to solve any technical challenge you throw at him.” 

Looking Ahead

After 17 years with us, Ryan continues to look forward to what’s next. 

“I’ve seen a lot of change and growth,” Ryan shares. “What excites me now is our shift toward self-reflection, putting more focus on improving efficiency and the quality of our solutions. We’re investing more in emulation and virtual testing, which is making real-world testing faster and more effective. It’s rewarding to see us growing smarter, not just bigger.” 

Ryan’s journey from intern to manager is a true testament to the power of opportunity, dedication, and a passion for innovation. We are grateful to have Ryan on our team.