Blake Bingen | Toolmaker/CNC Specialist
AGE: 24
YEARS OF SERVICE: 7
What do you do on a day-to-day basis at your job?
As a CNC Specialist, I run the CNC machines and automated CNC cells. I am also responsible for overseeing the automated electrode department, which includes working with the toolmakers to prioritize jobs based on run time and efficiency.
How did you arrive at your current position? What was your professional or career path?
I started as a toolroom intern my senior year of high school and got to see and learn a variety of things in the shop, helping where I could without operating machines. While I was in tech school, I worked part-time running machines at night. After tech school I started my apprenticeship and got to work with toolmakers on new tools, and even built a few tools with the guidance of my leadman. After two years in that role, I wanted to try something different, so I got placed in the automated steel hard cutting cell and received training on the sinker EDM machines. I completed my apprenticeship as a toolmaker and got placed in my current role as the electrode cell manager.
Brian Thimmesch | Lead Quality Technician
YEARS OF SERVICE: 4
What do you do on a day-to-day basis at your job?
As a Lead Quality Technician, I am the Subject Matter Expert for Metrology execution, method best practices, and equipment. I ensure the inspection team has the tools and resources needed to complete their inspections accurately and efficiently. I transfer and maintain machine programs across multiple CMMs and OGPs, troubleshoot and correct problems as they arise, coordinate and manage New Product Introductions and in-process inspection activity. Also, I interact with multiple departments with regards to quality and processes being completed that will impact current and near future production.
How did you arrive at your current position? What was your professional or career path?
I started as a Molding Operator and was quickly promoted to a Quality Inspector and joined the Quality Team. From there, I gained the skills to become a Quality Technician and have recently been promoted to the Lead Quality Technician.