S1E36 Developing a Culture of Teamwork | Jeff Kolk

Being an Engineer · 11 Sept 2020 · 44m · Episode 36

What this episode covers

Jeff Kolk, Program Manager at Dynamic Metrology Services, discusses his career journey from automotive interiors at Prints Corporation to managing a metrology lab. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork and integrity, drawing on lessons from his time at Prints and his experience building and racing custom Porsche 911s through his company Coke, LLC. Kolk also details the technical differences between structured light 3D scanning and CT scanning, explaining how Dynamic Metrology Services uses ATOS equipment and is integrating CT technology to provide high-accuracy measurement solutions for automotive, medical, and aerospace clients.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 46m

    233: Manufacturing 101, On-The-Job Training, and Finding Fulfillment in Engineering Featuring Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence

    Steve Ilmrud of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Jeff Van Horn of Industrial Technology Solutions, and Randy Smith, an aerospace CNC programmer, discuss the critical role of industrial metrology in reducing scrap and rework. They highlight how real-time inspection using tools like the Hexagon ATS600 laser tracker and spindle probes allows manufacturers to catch errors during fabrication rather than after, ensuring parts fit correctly in complex assemblies like the Vegas Sphere or NASCAR vehicles. The guests emphasize a paradigm shift toward proactive, on-the-job training where operators use data to verify processes, supported by the 'three Ps' framework of people, parts, and process. They conclude that investing in modern measurement technology and continuous education is essential for maintaining competitiveness and workforce fulfillment in modern manufacturing.

  • OnTrack · 51m

    PCB Metrology Gap: How SCAN Labs Is Automating Microsectioning

    Geoffrey Leeds, founder of SCAN Labs, explains the 'metrology gap' between semiconductor and PCB industries, detailing how his company automates microsectioning to provide high-fidelity data for high-reliability sectors. He describes a serialized grinding and imaging system that produces analyzed IPC coupons every six minutes, generating 3D digital twins and spatial analytics to replace manual, operator-dependent processes. The conversation highlights the labor shortage in skilled metrology, the limitations of non-destructive X-ray inspection, and the potential to feed standardized as-built data back into design tools like Altium and SolidWorks.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 17m

    BONUS: BIG NEWS + 3 Reasons I'm Grateful I Worked at Rockwell Automation

    Chris Luecke, host of Manufacturing Happy Hour, announces his departure from Rockwell Automation after an 11-year career to launch a media and marketing agency in Milwaukee. He highlights his first client, Steamchain, a company providing machine-as-a-service solutions for industrial equipment. Luecke reflects on three key lessons from his time at Rockwell: learning to sell by embracing failure, the value of strong mentorship and management, and the inclusive, collaborative company culture.

  • EMS@C-LEVEL · 8m

    From MBA To COO: Navigating EMS, Mentorship, And A New Leadership Model with Koh Young Europe COO Solin Ahmed

    Solin Ahmed, COO of Koh Young Europe, explains how an MBA holder navigated the technical SMT industry by shadowing 49-year veteran Harold and adopting a leadership model that pairs operations with sales. He details the transition from observing as a 'sponge' to becoming a trusted advisor, and the strategic partnership with Michael Zahn to bridge the gap between market signals and manufacturing capabilities. Ahmed also discusses the renewed energy at Productronica 2025 and the industry's need for mid-career talent ramps to address the 'missing generation' of engineers.

  • The Amp Hour · 1h 06m

    Kismetic Keithley Katowse

    Chris Gammell, formerly of Keithley Instruments, discusses his departure from the test and measurement industry and his move to a new, unnamed company. He and host Dave Jones analyze the impact of Danaher's acquisition of Keithley, Tektronix, and Fluke, noting the industry consolidation and the resulting job losses for engineers. They also explore the technical nuances of high-end test equipment, including the distinction between resolution and accuracy in multimeters, the utility of deep memory in oscilloscopes, and the functionality of Source Measure Units (SMUs).

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by Being an Engineer. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.