Employee Profile: Jake
Process Engineer

Jake, let’s dive into your role here at Autocam Medical.

Sure! I’m a Process Engineer at the Plymouth, Massachusetts facility. I’ve been here for about two years now, and it feels like time just flew by. When I first joined, I was fresh out of UMass Amherst with a degree in mechanical engineering.

My role covers the entire manufacturing process—from material selection to final product delivery. I get to engage in everything from designing fixtures for precision machining to addressing production challenges.

Being a Process Engineer here means I get to be part of something meaningful. It’s not just about making parts; it’s about contributing to solutions that help people live better lives.

Can you give me a glimpse into what being a Process Engineer entails?

I get to do a lot of different things. My day-to-day includes diving into material science – checking things like tensile strength and ductility to ensure our products meet the rigorous standards required in the medical field. I work closely with technical drawings to ensure our manufacturing processes adhere to specifications. The complexity of the components we manufacture, whether it’s intricate joint implants or specialized cutting tools, keeps me engaged and constantly learning.

Being meticulous about every detail is crucial. Whether I’m verifying specifications or optimizing processes, I know that every adjustment can have significant implications. The high stakes drive me to ensure that our products meet the highest standards, focusing on technical accuracy and reliability. It’s all about delivering high-quality medical solutions that make a real difference.

It sounds like you’re deeply invested in what you do.

It’s kind of personal for me. My family has had a lot of medical procedures—hips, knees, you name it. Seeing how these devices impacted their lives made clear that what I do here has real-world meaning.

It’s not just about machines; it’s about improving lives. When I am home and my grandma asks me about the specifics of a device for a procedure she’s undergoing, it really hits home how important our work is.

How does that personal connection shape your thinking?

It’s huge. Knowing that these parts we make are going into people’s bodies makes me double-check everything. It’s not just about meeting specs—it’s about ensuring everything is perfect so that no one ever faces issues down the line. I always think, “What if this part was for a family member?” It’s motivation and a reminder for me to take extra care and be thorough.

You mentioned you “get to” do a lot of things. Do you think that mindset makes a difference?

Definitely. If you have a passion for detail and a mindset of “I get to” rather than “I have to,” you’ll thrive here. Plus, the environment is so supportive—you get to collaborate with great people and work on projects that truly matter. It turns tasks into opportunities and makes every challenge feel like a chance to grow.

Instead of seeing work as a burden, I see it as a chance to make a difference, and that keeps me motivated.

How does this perspective shape your work?

This perspective changes everything. Instead of just completing tasks, I approach each project with the understanding that it contributes to someone’s recovery and well-being. It motivates me to be thorough and thoughtful in my work, knowing that each part we produce could be crucial in someone’s journey to better health.

The opportunity to be part of this mission is something I deeply appreciate.