Manny Teran

Manny Teran
CEO

Manny is an award-winning business leader, engineer, and entrepreneur with expertise in the areas of innovation, technology deployment, sales, and marketing. Manny has applied his vast cross market experience to launch hundreds of successful commercialization projects, support the growth of established businesses, and has helped many startups launch their companies to sustainable revenue. Manny has also succeeded in launching and growing technology companies, including Aztera, which he started in 2011 and quickly grew to a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Aztera developed novel technologies across medical device, aerospace, and clean-energy markets.

Manny graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He currently serves on several boards including the University of Arizona College of Engineering Industry Partnership Board and formally at Tech Launch Arizona Advisory Board and UA Alumni Association Advisory Board. Manny has also won a series of awards including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 40 under 40, UA Innovation & Impact Award, Copper Cactus Innovation Award, and the SBDC Success Award.

Steve Zoltowski

Steven Zoltowski
Sales Manager

During his more than 30-year career with IRLabs, Steven has worked with hundreds of customers to take their concept from prototype to completed project. Steve started with the company in 1983 as a machinist after graduating from the University of Arizona. He was the seventh employee hired. He learned the business from the ground up, working in purchasing, customer support, project management, and sales. In 1992, Steve spearheaded the company’s development of the world’s first infrared emission microscope. Since 2009 Steve has been director of sales, where he continues to work with customers in academia and industry.

Chris Foster

Chris Foster
Director of Engineering

Chris has been with IRLabs since 2000. He is an expert in testing, designing, and supporting technologies used for high sensitivity infrared detection including spectrometry, cryogenic engineering and system design, high vacuum system design, and opto-mechanical systems. Chris works closely with customers to develop the project scope, goals, schedule, and deliverables for custom and integrated solutions. He leads a cross-discipline team to design, fabricate and test IR detectors and cryogenic solutions. Chris received his bachelor of science in Physics with a minor in Astronomy from the University of Arizona. As a UArizona Research Assistant, he tested mirror-polishing technologies at the Steward Observatory Mirror Lab and assisted with fullerene experiments.

Jake Roberts

Jake Roberts
Operation Manager

Jake started with IRLabs as a machinist and electronics tech in 2009, designing and implementing test and build procedures for electronics, optics, and mechanical sub-assemblies. Jake has been involved in several successful projects including the redesign of NASA’s IRTF Mid-Infrared Spectrometer and Imager (MIRSI) from a helium-based cryostat to a closed-cycle system. He designed, built, and tested a prototype of an electrical control subsystem for cryogenic, high vacuum, InGaAs, and InSb failure analysis camera systems. As operations manager, Jake brings his attention to detail, extensive working knowledge of machining equipment and understanding of structural and cost analysis, solid model design, and engineering drawings to keep projects on schedule.

Tim Keller
Principal Engineer

Tim Keller joined IRLabs in 2020 as a mechanical engineer. He is experienced in opto-mechanical and cryogenic designs including for scientific instrumentation, interferometer based xy stage design, cryogenic instrumentation, servo motion systems, precision mechanisms, automation tooling, and vibration mitigation and analysis. He has over 15 years of opto-mechanical design experience. Tim received his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Hawaii and is fluent in Japanese.

Cathy Burnes

Cathy Burnes
Business Administration Manager

Cathy started her career with IRLabs more than 25 years ago. She’s integral to efficient operations, managing contracts and export compliance. She created the company’s export compliance program and manages on-going compliance, including licensing through both the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Department of State. Cathy is the company’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Empowered Official and oversees all aspects of ITAR compliance. She handles restricted party screening for all new customers, vendors, contractors, and collaborators. Cathy also manages all aspects of business administration and human resources for IRLabs.