Engineer Feature: Jack Pilie

A member of Switzer’s team for now four years, process engineer Jack Pilie thrives off of the collaboration and problem-solving involved in the chemical etching process. Pulling from a wealth of experience, Jack offers insights onto the highlights of his work in the manufacturing industry.

What is the most innovative project you’ve worked on?

A while back, Switzer was challenged to manufacture the antenna of a medical device. This project was extremely unique because it pushed all of the boundaries of what Switzer has made in the past. The antenna’s design called for exceptionally thin lines and traces that contradicted manufacturing standards. According to guidelines, material remaining must be at least equal to, if not larger than, material thickness; in this case, the material remaining was less than material thickness.

What is the best part about your job?

The constant need for problem-solving is what excited Jack the most about working as a process engineer at Switzer. Whether it be developing solutions for challenging designs, overcoming issues with machines and processes, or helping a colleague with a concern, Jack enjoys playing a crucial role in the problem-solving process.

What advice do you have for younger generations that are preparing to enter the field of engineering?

“First and foremost, work is nothing like school, especially if you work in manufacturing,” Jack says. He urges young professionals not to forget about engineer jobs within the field of manufacturing. While engineering in general has a vast spectrum of career opportunities, he notices that sometimes forget manufacturing as an exciting and challenging career path.