Michael Wade Penn
Professional Experience
Background & Expertise
July 2022 - Present
Design Engineer for
Industrial Products, Twin Disc
Seeing an opportunity to better take advantage of my education and skills to help my company, I took on the responsibilities of a design engineer at Twin Disc. As a design engineer, I prepared detailed part drawings, assembly drawings, installation drawings, and technical diagrams. I also developed new designs that not only fulfilled customer needs, but adhered to industry and company standards. Through various projects I have conducted Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using SolidWorks and ANSYS to validate the fit, form, and function of new and existing projects. Through my role as a design engineer, I have supported numerous departments from Sales, Sourcing, Applications, Controls, Service, Manufacturing, and R&D to ensure our customers received quality product in a timely manner. Being the boots-on-the-ground engineer at our Lufkin Facility, I have had the opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills to provide continuous improvement for our operation.
June 2021 - Present
Sales Application Engineer, Twin Disc
My current role as an Application Engineer for Twin Disc provided many opportunities for me to broaden my horizons as a professional. As an Application Engineer, I help solve customers' problems, whether it be finding the best product for their needs, or helping with product support. As the first engineer hired for the newly-operational facility in Lufkin, I had many opportunities to manage and assist projects outside my job description. I managed product relocation projects, along with shop floor support in the form of tooling design and shop layout design.
May 2019 - August 2019
Survey Technician Intern, GLS
During my college career, I decided to take on a summer internship with an engineering firm called Goodwin Lasiter Strong. As a member on their survey team, I was responsible for data collection in the field along with direct collaboration with licensed land surveyors. I learned the practice of taking precise and accurate field measurements, and how to ensure their integrity in challenging environments. Determination served its role in this position, as the stubborn East Texas undergrowth and the relentless summer Sun proved to be challenges that were satisfying to overcome.
