Steve Masters

Today, Masters is all grown up and still feels that need for speed. As head of research and development for MSD Ignition of El Paso, Masters has found his niche inventing high-performance ignition systems and accessories used by racecar, motorcycle, jet ski and snowmobile performance enthusiasts everywhere, including the top drivers of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). He has nine U.S. patents and four more pending.

Masters graduated with his associates of applied science degree in electronics technology from NMSU’s Alamogordo campus in 1985, after his former boss and mentor, Harold Scott, convinced him to get his degree. Scott, the owner of Scott Motors in Alamogordo, told Masters that a degree would help further his career. Before working for Scott Motors, Masters completed a three-and-a-half-year enlistment with the U.S. Air Force, which allowed him to use the GI Bill to help pay for school.

It was at the Alamogordo campus that Masters found another mentor – Professor James Nutt, whom he still sees regularly. “I enjoyed all the classes I took from Jim and he was very knowledgeable about the subjects he taught and made those courses seem like some of the easier ones,” Masters says.
After earning his degree, Masters continued to work for Scott Motors until 1991, when he took a job with MSD.

“I came to MSD because of the large research and development potential I saw there,” Masters says. “I knew this company had big potential for marketing whatever products I could design and get to production, and this has proven to be true.”

Masters says he is grateful for all his mentors’ support, so he is now giving back. He was instrumental in obtaining a five-year, $4,000 commitment from MSD to support NMSU’s Mini-Baja design teams. Masters also hopes to offer MSD internships to NMSU students.