Growth from Intern to Founder in Electronics Design

At Genesys, we’ve always believed in investing in the next generation of engineers. For more than 30 years, our culture of mentorship and innovation has helped shape careers and produce leaders in the field of electronics design. One of the best examples of this is the journey of Michael Crapis, who joined us as a student intern in 2017 and went on to found Zeus Design, a company now supporting startups and innovators with design services.

Michael’s story is a testament to the culture we have built at Genesys, and to the importance of nurturing young engineers as they grow into industry leaders. It is also a reminder of the value of maintaining strong professional relationships, even after an engineer’s career path takes them in new directions.

Starting Out as an Intern

Michael first joined Genesys while still studying electrical engineering at UTS. For him, it was the first step into the professional world of electronics design, where ideas move beyond theory and become real, functioning prototypes.

From day one, he was immersed in live projects, working alongside experienced engineers who guided him through the challenges of problem-solving, testing, and delivering reliable designs. It was this environment of collaboration and mentorship that gave him the tools to grow quickly.

Learning in a Culture of Innovation

At Genesys, we’ve always placed innovation at the centre of our work. For Michael, this meant exposure to a wide range of projects across industries, where no two challenges were the same.

Our team encouraged him to think critically, justify design decisions, and adopt a structured approach to problem-solving. These principles of precision, creativity, discipline, and a commitment to high quality engineering practices are core to how we work and continue to shape the engineers who train with us.

From Graduate Engineer to Industry Contributor

After completing his degree, Michael joined Genesys full time. This was where he transitioned from learning to contributing. With increased responsibilities, he began owning parts of projects and engaging directly with clients.

He learned that electronics design is not just technical. It requires understanding the commercial realities of clients, aligning technical decisions with business goals, applying industry best practices and delivering reliable outcomes within time and budget.

The Leap to Founder

By the end of 2022, Michael took the natural next step in his career: founding Zeus Design. His new company now focuses on supporting startups and innovators, particularly those looking to take a proof of concept and turn it into a product ready for manufacture.

What makes us proud at Genesys is not just what Michael has achieved, but that his approach continues to reflect the culture he grew up in here: collaboration, attention to detail, and a commitment to client success.

A Testament to Genesys’ Culture and a Continued Relationship

Michael’s story is one of many examples of how Genesys fosters the growth of engineers who go on to make an impact in the industry. But importantly, the story didn’t end when he founded Zeus. Michael has continued working with Genesys as a contractor, and the professional relationship between our teams remains strong today.

This ongoing connection highlights the mutual respect and shared values between Genesys and Zeus Design. For startups and innovators, it shows the power of collaboration: combining Genesys’ decades of experience with Zeus Design’s agility to deliver the best possible outcomes in electronics design.

Looking Ahead

The journey from Genesys intern to Zeus Design founder is proof that a strong foundation makes all the difference. At Genesys, we are proud to see Michael continue to thrive with Zeus Design, and proud that his success reflects the culture and expertise we’ve cultivated for more than three decades. Just as importantly, we value the continued strong relationship with Michael and his team, which allows both companies to collaborate and support innovators across Australia.