A Legacy Nearly Half a Century in the Making
When Jack Farden first walked through the doors of INFICON in 1978, the company was a much smaller operation with fewer than 100 employees. That’s precisely what drew him in: the possibilities. Fresh out of college and eager to make an impact, Farden saw opportunity in a growing company driven by science and innovation. What followed was a career that spanned nearly half a century.
Farden joined INFICON as a test technician, intrigued by the technology and energized by the potential to contribute. As he advanced through roles with growing responsibilities, his work became focused on new product development in the areas of residual gas analysis, mass spectrometry, thin film measurement, and chemical identification instruments. As an R&D engineer, Farden’s work helped INFICON become a leader in sensing technologies that enable the most advanced manufacturing and instruments that keep the world safe.
“There have been so many great minds at INFICON; people who took me under their wings and taught me so much early in my career,” he said.
Farden became known for his work ethic, curiosity, positive attitude, expertise, and approachability as a trusted teammate. As the company expanded, brought new technologies to market, entered new markets, and grew organically and through acquisitions, he remained a go-to expert technologist who understood not only the electrical design but the entire system. Farden understood the products’ foundational designs and how they were used, and could be counted on for both the strategic and detailed decisions alike.
A Timeline of Innovation and Achievement
When Farden joined INFICON, the company’s product portfolio comprised the HLD1 leak detector, the 321 crystal monitor, and the newly launched IQ200 mass spectrometer. INFICON had also recently become part of Leybold-Heraeus and moved to its current location in East Syracuse. In 1979, the company launched its first thin film product.
The 1980s brought investments: a facility expansion, a new product division, and key acquisitions. Notable innovations included the FC1000 digital fluoroscopic imaging system and Quadrex 200. The company entered the gas chromatography industry in 1988.
INFICON continued its momentum in the 1990s with additional product launches (IC/4 PLUS, Transpector® RGA product line, D-TEK, and HAPSITE®), strategic mergers and acquisitions (Balzers AG and FabGuard®, respectively), and achievements such as ISO 9001 certification and many more patents.
In 2000, INFICON completed its initial public offering and marked a new era of growth. Throughout the next two decades, the company continued its acquisition strategy to expand its leadership in chemical identification, expand its thin film portfolio, and build a comprehensive portfolio of semi sensors and software solutions. Product innovation remains a key focus, as solutions are adapted to meet customer needs in challenging environments. In 2015, INFICON expanded its East Syracuse production facility, the largest investment in company history.
Farden’s expertise was critical in electrometer design. To this day, INFICON RGAs detect the lowest level signals. He has also played a key role in INFICON’s robust RF technology and advanced signal processing. The RF designs he contributed to are optimized for stability and reliability, ensuring consistent performance in challenging semiconductor applications. His know-how of the intricacies of both RF and electrometer systems set INFICON products apart in enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing noise, which are critical for high-precision applications.
From Startup to Global Leader with a Company of Owners Mindset
Today, INFICON is a global leader of innovative instrumentation, critical sensor technologies, and Smart manufacturing software solutions. Our products are used in some of the most demanding and harshest settings: semi fabs, security, environmental—and even on the moon. Through it all, INFICON has stayed rooted in unique sensing technologies while finding ways to innovate and diversify.
Farden’s instinct about INFICON’s potential was spot-on and he adapted right along with the business.
“When I joined INFICON, it was a small company and that’s what initially drew me to it. Watching it grow kept me interested. As the company grew, I also grew. I’m most proud of feeling that I was part of successful teams that put out good products that I contributed to,” he said.
Farden was part of nearly every chapter of the INFICON story. Beyond the key product development, he helped train newer employees, maintained high standards, and quietly kept things moving forward without ever seeking the spotlight. Those who have worked with him know that behind his humble nature is a deep well of knowledge and commitment.
Honoring a Legacy of Impact
As Farden steps into retirement, we honor his 47 years of service and the steady, positive presence he’s been for so many. His story at INFICON is proof that progress is built not only by innovation, but by dedication.
“Jack personifies so much of what makes INFICON a special place to work,” said Hannah Henley, President of Intelligent Sensor Solutions at INFICON. “He is curious, entrepreneurial, and has an ownership mindset. Jack joined INFICON believing he could make a difference—and he delivered. His legacy sets a powerful example for the next generation of people working at INFICON: embrace curiosity, take risks, chase new opportunities, and be the change you want to see in the team.”
Farden's work helped INFICON become a leader in the sensors and instruments that monitor, control, and enable advanced manufacturing, whether in the cleanroom, lab, or out in the field. His innovations helped define how we capture the invisible, digitize it, and act on it.
To recognize his extraordinary contributions and dedication, INFICON is proud to name Farden an INFICON Fellow. The Fellow title is the highest professional track designation at INFICON, awarded to a select group of experienced employees who have made outstanding technical contributions and demonstrate INFICON values.
“Fellows serve as invaluable mentors at INFICON, and that’s what Jack was to me and so many of our colleagues,” Henley said. “Fellows shape innovation strategy across the organization. Jack’s contributions in precision electrometer design, backed by his technical expert knowledge and growth mindset, are examples of how he set INFICON sensors apart from the competition."
Reflecting on his time at INFICON, Farden said: ”One lesson I think is important to carry forward is the importance of people. Much of the success of INFICON is due to the many brilliant minds I have been fortunate to work with. At INFICON, we are always striving to reach the next level, and that drive is what will shape our future.”
Thank you, Jack, for being part of the INFICON story for 47 years and congratulations on your Fellow appointment. We wish you the very best in your next adventures. Fair winds ahead!