Generations of Knowledge, Experience, and Dedication

Learn About EWS Institute

Lilia Ortega, IPC Master Instructor, began her electronics career in 1976 with Hughes Electronics in southern Arizona. She later joined Sperry Flight Systems in Phoenix as an Assembly Specialist and helped open a new facility in Albuquerque that became Honeywell Defense Avionics Systems Division, where she rose to Manager of the Short‑Order Design (R&D) shop overseeing 120+ employees.

In 1992, Lilia co‑founded EWS, Inc., supporting Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories and other companies with proof‑of‑concept and R&D projects. In 1999, EWS launched a specialized hands‑on solder training program in partnership with Bernalillo County Economic Development. The company earned multiple IPC Certified Trainer accreditations and began offering weekly IPC certification courses.

In 2018, EWS Institute opened after Lilia was appointed one of only 100 IPC Master IPC Trainers and contributed to developing the IPC Train‑the‑Trainer program. Today, EWS continues both instruction and hands‑on manufacturing for PCB, cable, wire harness, chassis, and electro‑mechanical assemblies. In 2026, Lilia celebrates 50 years in the industry, alongside Michael’s 27 years with EWS.