Editor's Note: Download the audio version below.
Welcome to another episode of Gen Z in Manufacturing, a podcast that asks young people about their journeys in manufacturing, how they intend to influence the industry and what they are looking for from an employer.
For this episode, I welcome Jake Collins, a 30-year-old senior applications engineer for Boston Micro Fabrication, a company that specializes in micro-precision 3D printing.
Collins has a background in materials engineering with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University. He transitioned from nanotechnology research in school to a quality engineering role at commercial water product maker Elkay Manufacturing, where he gained deeper experience in design and engineering.
He then moved into additive manufacturing at BMF, where he has spent nearly five years helping customers apply the company’s 3D printing technology.
In this episode, Collins discusses:
- (1:10) Why Gen Z likes to job hop
- (6:20) Examples of non-traditional mentorship that young workers appreciate
- (10:22) The difference between companies that keep talent and companies that lose it
- (13:40) What the manufacturing workplace will look like when Gen Z is in charge
Please make sure to like and share this episode of Gen Z in Manufacturing. To view previous episodes, visit manufacturing.net. If you are a member of Gen Z and would like to discuss your experience in the manufacturing industry, please get in touch with me, Nolan Beilstein, at [email protected].



















