DeepX is Really Where It All Comes Together for Me: From Engineer to Consultant, Taking on the Construction Automation Challenge: DeepX Project Manager Masayuki Yanagihashi
Introduction
Meet Masayuki Yanagihashi, who joined DeepX after a dynamic career journey spanning major manufacturers, software engineering, and consulting.(We’ll refer to him as “Masa” from here.)
Although he was on a successful consulting path, a single recruitment message led him to DeepX. “DeepX is a rare company where everything I’ve done can come into play,” he says. We spoke with Masa about his career so far and the challenges he’s taken on since joining.
◇Profile
Masayuki Yanagihashi
Project Manager, DeepX Inc.
After graduating from Tokyo Institute of Technology, where he also completed his master’s program. He began his career at a major electronics manufacturer and spent over 10 years as an engineer and consultant at a leading Japanese automobile manufacturer and a consulting firm affiliated with a major audit corporation. His expertise include mechatronics, focusing on developing MEMS-based gyroscopic sensors, inkjet heads, and LiDAR systems, as well as AI systems such as data analysis and anomaly detection systems using machine learning techniques.
Why Did a Consultant with Diverse Experience Chose to Tackle Construction Automation
— Masa, you manage projects with a business perspective as a project manager. Could you start by telling us a bit about your background?
Masa: I majored in materials science at university, where I researched ceramics. My lab focused on piezoelectric materials, which deform under voltage and generate electricity when deformed. Typically, when voltage is applied, materials respond linearly, but this non-linear behavior intrigued me, so I worked on formulating theoretical equations to predict this non-linearity.
— After graduation, I hear you worked at several companies. What roles did you take on?
Masa: My first role was in manufacturing, where I worked on piezoelectric materials for automotive gyrosensors, building on my university research. I later joined an automotive manufacturer, where my focus was on data collection for vehicle improvements and streamlining development. One interesting highlight was setting up an automated inspection system in the factory. Images were analyzed without human input—a breakthrough at the time since deep learning was just emerging, and I had the opportunity to implement it. It was then I realized how transformative this technology could be, sparking my desire to further develop my software and deep learning skills.
— After the automotive industry, you moved to a consulting firm, PwC. Could you tell us about your work there?
Masa: I joined PwC because I wanted to use software to create a real-world impact, inspired by my previous deep learning project. Interestingly, I began as a software engineer, working on image recognition with Python. This led me to backend development using JavaScript and Go, which I learned through sheer dedication!
As a tech lead, I started feeling that I wasn’t maximizing my potential, so I moved to a consultant role. There, I focused on SaaS development and technical strategy, engaging in analytics, desk research, and interviews to provide insights. I also contributed to generative AI projects, including developing PoCs and strategies for AI integration within the organization.
— You’ve had such a broad range of experience so far! Eventually, you joined DeepX through a scout, correct?
Masa: Yes! I’ve always been open to hearing about interesting opportunities. When I heard about DeepX, I was curious, especially knowing of Professor Matsuo from the University of Tokyo and DeepX’s roots. I soon realized that my core expertise—sensor development, creating value from sensors, and project management—could all be applied here. Working with both hardware and software in a single role is very rare, which is why DeepX immediately caught my interest.
— Although DeepX was your first experience at a startup, weren't you concerned about leaving established companies?
Masa: Not at all. I felt that if things didn’t work out, I could always reach out to former colleagues. Instead of being worried, I saw it as a chance to pursue what I wanted to do.
Project Management at a Deep Tech Company
— After joining, you took on the role of project manager. Can you tell us more about your responsibilities?
Masa: My primary role is managing client-facing development projects from the business side, and my responsibilities fall into three main areas.
First, I define project scope, coordinating with both clients and our internal resources to set realistic expectations and outcomes.
The second part involves managing development priorities—making daily adjustments with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure progress aligns with the ultimate goals.
The third part is on-site testing to make sure that our development work goes as expected. The project I’m currently handling requires frequent site visits, sometimes as often as every two weeks, to test our solutions in real-world conditions. Field conditions can vary, so I constantly reevaluate priorities to make sure each test meets our objectives and moves the project forward.
— In your business-side role, in what ways are you get involved in development management?
I’m especially involved in high-level requirements. I work closely with the technical project manager and the engineers to translate goals and possibilities into actionable development plans. DeepX projects integrate control systems, perception, robotics, and simulation, which requires expertise across these areas. Managing it all solo would be challenging, so we approach it collaboratively.
— To discuss these topics, do you think technical understanding is necessary, even from a business-side role?
Masa: Definitely. I think it’s one of the main challenges new members face when they join. But if you have experience in at least one technical area, it makes understanding other fields easier. I’m familiar with perception technology, although it’s not used much in my current project (laughs).
— Managing a project that involves unfamiliar technology sounds tough. How did you handle that?
Masa: For me, it was all about getting up to speed while on the job. If I had waited until I completely understood everything, I wouldn’t have been able to deliver value for a long time. When clients asked questions, I’d consult engineers and stay alongside them during experiments, asking “Why?” whenever issues arose. By my second month, I was facilitating meetings and actively engaging in defining technical requirements, even if I didn’t fully grasp everything. I may have initially slowed things down, but I believe this approach sped up my learning overall. Along the way, whenever I struggled, someone was always there to help. I feel there’s a culture here of supporting anyone who is genuinely trying. I also had great support from a “superman” in our department who’s been with DeepX since its founding and knows everything about the company.
— What past experiences have helped you the most in catching up?
Masa: My project management experience has been a big asset—skills like preparing client reports, planning, negotiating budgets, and overall project management have been incredibly useful, thanks to my consulting background. My software knowledge has also been essential. Conducting experiments requires coding, and while I can’t say I’m perfect at it,,,, my software development experience has definitely come in handy.
While hard skills are important, I think soft skills are even more critical—especially the ability to learn with curiosity and ask questions. By being proactive in learning and building trust with the engineering team, you can quickly establish a relationship where questions flow easily, which accelerates the learning process.
DeepX’s Commitment to “Genba (On-Site Field)” Work
— Let’s talk about job satisfaction. Since joining DeepX, what aspects of your work have you found most meaningful?
Masa: First, there’s a sense of social impact. We hear directly from clients on-site about issues like labor shortages, so it’s easy to understand the purpose behind our development work.
On individual projects, we set milestones, and it’s rewarding when engineers work together to reach those milestones and celebrate our achievements as a team. There are, of course, challenges in my current project, but seeing a massive piece of machinery come to life right in front of me, moving just as we’d planned, and knowing it’s the result of each engineer’s dedication—being there for that moment of success is incredibly fulfilling.
— Since joining, you’ve frequently visited construction sites and communicated extensively with Genba(on-site) personnel.
Masa: Yes, this is my first experience engaging so deeply into "Genba". It’s rare for a software development company to immerse itself so thoroughly in the client’s environment to understand their work.
— Nearly a year has passed since you joined. Have your impressions of the company changed during this time?
Masa: Honestly, I found the company to be more structured than I initially thought. (laughs)
— (laughs) In what ways?
Masa: Before joining, I expected a more individualistic and chaotic environment. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see that development is organized, with systems in place and a focus on thorough documentation. Over the past few months, there have been significant operational improvements.
Additionally, the engineers are highly skilled. They strive to understand the business side and, once plans are set, proactively develop and implement appropriate solutions.
— Are there any cultural aspects that stand out to you?
Masa: Two things come to mind. First, the emphasis on “Genba(on-site)” engagement is truly a core value. Recently, we conducted a week-long experiment under the scorching summer sun, and several software engineers were present on-site. I was genuinely impressed by this commitment. It differentiates us from other companies and is an impressive and very commendable aspect of our culture at DeepX.
Second, our focus on automation as a business is noteworthy. In consulting, the typical approach is to first analyze actual business processes, then reduce inefficiencies, optimize workflows, and finally implement systems in stages. At DeepX, while we do organize processes, from the outset, we approach projects with automation in mind from the outset. From a consulting perspective, this might seem challenging and time-consuming, but it reflects our strong dedication to deep tech and our willingness and dedication to takeing on such challenges.
— How do you find DeepX’s work environment, especially from the perspective of flexibility, given that you have a young child?
Masa: I find it very accommodating. DeepX operates on an output-based work style rather than a time-based one, with a flex system without core hours, which gives me a lot of freedom in managing my time. This flexibility makes it easier to balance work with family commitments. In fact, I’ll be picking up my child from nursery right after this interview!
Looking for people who want to get hands-on with customers!
— What kind of people do you think can thrive at DeepX? Since you’ve worked in various industries before joining DeepX, you likely have a more objective view.
Masa: While hard skills like project management and technical experience are important, I think the most critical factor is soft skills—specifically, whether you value being onsite and can align with a culture that emphasizes presence in the field. For instance, consultants are generally highly skilled, but they often work remotely with a clients’ management team. At DeepX, on the other hand, we place a strong emphasis on going onsite and working directly alongside our customers. I strongly believe those who want hands-on client engagement will really thrive there. I would really love it if people who share this passion and commitment to working in the field to join us at DeepX and help shape the future.
In Conclusion ~Join Us at DeepX to Advance Autonomous Construction Machinery Together~
We are actively seeking new team members to join us on this journey. If you are interested in DeepX and want to be part of our mission, please apply through the link below!