Exploring STEM Skills in Manufacturing at Haas Automation Inc.

In today’s ever-evolving workforce, STEM skills are needed in nearly every role in every industry. The same STEM skills students develop through participation in FIRST^® programs are transferable across multiple fields and career paths, including manufacturing. The manufacturing industry plays a critical role in the production of everyday products, across sectors such as industrial and automotive, to food and electronics.

In celebration of National Manufacturing Week (October 4 – 11, 2024), we asked FIRST alumni and mentors at Haas Automation Inc. how they’re using the STEM skills they acquired through FIRST in their various roles within the manufacturing industry.

Meet James, FIRST Alum & Team Mentor
IT Support Specialist, Haas Automation Inc.

“In my job, I work with other employees and help resolve their technical issues. I also set up hardware for new employees and prepare iPads for our temporary workers. Another main role I have is maintaining the many systems that are already in use to ensure they are running smoothly.”

In addition to the technical skills I have learned from FIRST^® Tech Challenge, I also learned many soft skills in dealing with people and how to communicate about their [technical] issues. These skills have allowed me to work better with these departments so I can better solve the issues they are experiencing.”

STEM SKILLS JAMES USES EVERYDAY:
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork/collaboration

Meet Sam, FIRST Alum
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer – UMC & Turning Centers, Haas Automation Inc.

“I am the principal engineer for all new machine designs in the UMC & Turning Center product lines. My most recent products were the new UMC-400 5th axis mill and ST-40/45 series lathes. I design the overall layout of the machines, the cast structures, subsystem packaging, and enclosures. I determine product technical requirements to meet high level goals, design the techniques to simulate structure static and dynamic responses, and validate designs using an array of dynamics testing equipment.”

“I get to interact with every aspect of the company, from complex conversations with our Software/Electrical Engineers about Motion control theory, to working on the assembly line or in the machine shop solving problems and developing new processes. I am the youngest Senior Engineer ever at Haas, and I firmly believe that wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t participate in FIRST.”

STEM SKILLS SAM USES EVERYDAY:
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
- FEA (Finite Element Analysis)
- Dynamics
- FIRST principals 
- Taking initiative

Meet David, FIRST Team Mentor
IT Infrastructure Manager, Haas Automation Inc.

“As the IT Infrastructure Manager at Haas Automation, I manage a team of IT professionals that help Haas build and support our CNC machines. We have hired several interns from surrounding community colleges, and this includes FIRST alumni! We look for candidates that have experience with FIRST because they have the necessary soft skills such as Gracious Professionalism^® and a multidiscipline approach to problem solving.”  

“Prior to being a manager, I was the principal Network Engineer at Haas, and I helped build our factory network to support over 1,000 tablets and hundreds of other devices. Over the last 17 years, I have helped Haas adapt to the increased demands of information technology and security. Innovation is key to our success, and we thrive on change and continuous improvement.”

STEM SKILLS DAVID USES EVERYDAY:
- Automation using microcontrollers and tiny Linux machines 
- Assisting engineers to bring new features to CNC machines
- Problem solving and continuous improvement

Meet Mark, FIRST Team Mentor
Applications Engineer, Haas Automation Inc.

“My job is to support machinists, designers and engineers in their creation of precision parts made on Haas CNC Milling and Turning equipment. As an Application Engineer, I also use my advanced experience in Machining, CAD/CAM Software, and communications to help Haas customers create the custom, precision parts they need to build the future.”

“I’ve made a career of managing machine shops and helping others achieve their goals. Additionally, I create videos for our community – from professionals to students in a series called ‘Haas Tip-of-the-Day’ hosted on our YouTube channel.”

STEM SKILLS MARK USES EVERYDAY:
- Communication, Teamwork, Critical Thinking. These are Stem skills that  we make use of daily in the making of our training materials; YouTube videos to help Makers succeed when using very technical equipment. 
- CAD/CAM. As a CNC Machinist, I rely on my computer skills to help me move a design from the digital space to the assembly floor. 
- “Algebra, Trigonometry in real life?” Absolutely. Those Math skills we learned in school serve me well as a machinist, as a programmer. 

FIRST is addressing the STEM talent shortage by equipping young people with transferable skills that allow them to be successful in any field they choose, including manufacturing. There are tens of millions of roles within manufacturing in the U.S. alone. These career paths offer professionals opportunities to be part of innovative, cutting-edge technologies critical to local and global communities.

Haas Automation Inc. is part of the Haas Community that includes Haas Motorsports, the Haas Certification Program, and Haas Technical Education Community. The Gene Haas Foundation is a FIRST Strategic Partner and the presenting sponsor of FIRST^® Robotics Competition REEFSCAPE^SM.