Rob Giesen
About Rob Giesen
Rob Giesen is the R&D Director of Global Operations at National Instruments, with over 25 years of experience in R&D and engineering management.
Current Roles at National Instruments
Rob Giesen is currently serving as the R&D Director - Global Operations and Section Manager, International R&D & Global Operations at National Instruments (NI). Based in the Austin, Texas Area, Rob's roles involve overseeing the global research and development operations, ensuring the alignment of international teams, and driving innovation across various projects. His responsibilities include managing multidisciplinary teams, setting strategic directions, and maintaining operational efficiency in a global context.
Professional Background
Rob Giesen has accumulated over 25 years of experience in research and development (R&D) and engineering management. He has held various senior positions at NI, including Senior Manager, International R&D, and Senior R&D Manager - Machine Vision & Imaging. Rob has also worked at Philips Applied Technologies in roles such as R&D Manager - Industrial Vision and Project Manager - Industrial Vision. His career began as a Research Scientist at Radboud University Hospital. These roles have provided him with extensive experience in managing local and international development teams, leading multidisciplinary projects, and improving business and operational processes.
Educational Background
Rob Giesen holds a PhD in Medical Image Processing from Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen. He also earned a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering from Universiteit Twente. This strong educational foundation has been critical in his career, particularly in the fields of R&D and machine vision technologies. His academic expertise supports his professional roles, particularly in the areas of industrial vision and imaging.
Board Memberships and Committee Roles
Rob Giesen has served on the Board of Directors for the Automated Imaging Association from 2006 to 2009. He also chaired the Standards committee during his tenure. Currently, he chairs the Standardization sub-committee focused on defining global machine vision standards in cooperation with European and Japanese vision trade associations. These roles have allowed him to influence and advance industry standards, promoting interoperability and innovation in the machine vision sector.
Key Contributions and Leadership
Throughout his career, Rob Giesen has led multi-disciplinary product development projects that include software, firmware, hardware, and mechanical components. He has developed significant relationships with technology partners, suppliers, and key customers while serving as a liaison between corporate executive management and global R&D organizations. Rob has also defined critical metrics and initiatives that have improved business, development, and operational processes, showcasing his ability to drive strategic improvements and operational excellence in the organizations he has been part of.