The R&D Engineer

As a kid, I always wanted to be an astronaut. I remember reading a book about the Saturn V rocket and Wernher von Braun as early as middle school. Reading about the engineering achievements behind the space program sparked a deep fascination with both physics and engineering. The way these fields came together to solve the monumental challenges of space exploration showed me how theoretical understanding and practical application could work hand in hand. That early interest in rocketry and space exploration ultimately led me to pursue a career in engineering—after earning a bachelor’s degree in physics and bachelor’s and PhD in mechanical engineering—where I found that same excitement in solving complex technical challenges, albeit in different applications.

Today, I’m a principal R&D engineer at MSC Industrial Supply Co., where I lead the Manufacturing Research and Technology team. In this role, I oversee projects that advance machining and manufacturing technology to further the productivity and profitability of manufacturing businesses across North America. This includes everything from building prototypes and frameworks for new digital manufacturing solutions to promoting workforce development and training programs to proliferate manufacturing education.

What I enjoy most about my work is the unique combination of technical problem-solving and real-world impact. Manufacturing sits at the intersection of innovation and practical application—we’re constantly working to improve processes, implement new technologies, and solve complex challenges that directly affect how things are made. This industry gives us the opportunity to see our ideas and solutions materialize into tangible results, whether that’s developing more efficient production methods or creating new manufacturing capabilities.

One of the main challenges in my position is keeping pace with our rapidly evolving field. Manufacturing technologies and processes are continuously advancing, requiring constant adaptation—whether it’s incorporating new technologies into existing systems or addressing emerging workforce skills gaps. While the rapid pace of change can be intimidating, I’ve found that these challenges create valuable opportunities to drive innovation and develop talent within our teams. Each new technological shift presents a chance to improve our processes and help our workforce grow their capabilities.

This is a particularly exciting time to be in manufacturing, as we’re witnessing the convergence of several transformative technologies. Generative AI is opening up new possibilities for optimizing production processes and design workflows, from rapid prototyping to predictive maintenance strategies. Advanced simulation techniques are allowing us to create highly accurate digital twins of manufacturing systems, enabling us to test and refine processes virtually before implementing them on the factory floor. These technologies are fundamentally changing how we approach manufacturing challenges, helping us improve productivity while reducing costs and time to market. I’m especially interested in how these tools can enhance our ability to train and upskill our workforce, creating more adaptive and resilient manufacturing operations. The potential to combine human expertise with AI-assisted decision-making represents a significant leap forward in manufacturing capability.

My advice for students interested in this field is to actively seek out and build relationships with mentors throughout your career journey. Mentorship has been invaluable in my own path. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who provided crucial guidance, not just for career planning and professional pivots but also for navigating life’s broader challenges. What many students might not realize is that there are numerous professionals in our field who are genuinely eager to share their knowledge and experiences. Don’t hesitate to reach out to potential mentors, whether through professional networks, academic institutions, or industry events. These relationships often become a source of support, helping you navigate difficult decisions and providing perspectives that can shape your career trajectory in meaningful ways.