Spotlight on Innovation: Jacob Cooper, Manufacturing Engineer at Marlin Technologies

At Marlin Technologies, innovation isn’t just about the products—it’s about the people who make them possible. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Jacob Cooper, a Manufacturing Engineer whose role is anything but ordinary.

🚀 A Day in the Life

When asked what a typical day looks like, Jacob laughs: “There is no such thing as a typical day in my position.”

His responsibilities span a wide range:

• Hunting for alternate components when parts go end-of-life or tariffs complicate supply chains
• Updating drawings, creating engineering documentation, and implementing Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) in ERP systems
• Reworking work-in-progress (WIP) and generating efficiency reports to improve throughput on the floor
• Leading Design for Manufacturing meetings to bridge engineering and production, ensuring smoother handoffs between departments
• Participating in CPAR (Corrective and Preventive Action Requests) to drive quality improvements
• Collaborating with the Advancing Leadership Team to streamline workflows and eliminate non-value-add tasks across departments
• Designing fixturing in SolidWorks to aid the build process

It’s a role that demands flexibility, creativity, and a constant eye on both detail and big-picture efficiency.

🤔 Unexpected Realities of Manufacturing Engineering

Jacob’s position didn’t exist before he joined Marlin, which means he’s often charting new territory. “I continually surprise myself at what buckets I get involved in,” he admits. His work touches nearly every aspect of the business, making him a connector between engineering, production, and leadership.

❤️ Why He Loves the Job

For Jacob, the most rewarding moments are simple yet impactful: “Any moment where I can help someone get time back in their day by improving efficiency is a good moment.”

That focus on saving time and streamlining processes reflects his passion for making work easier and more effective for his colleagues.

🔄 Role Swaps? Not for Jacob

When asked if he’d ever swap roles with someone else at Marlin, Jacob is clear: “Every position has its benefits and drawbacks; I don’t want to sit in anyone else’s seat but my own.” His pride in his role—and respect for others’—shows the balance of individuality and teamwork that defines Marlin’s culture.

🎓 The Spark of Engineering

Jacob’s path to engineering started with a practical decision: “MSOE didn’t charge for applications.” That small detail opened the door to a career where curiosity and problem-solving thrive.

🛠️ Hobbies That Help

Outside of work, Jacob tackles projects around the house. “Projects always come with difficulties. Finding out how to solve varying problems lends well to my position.” His hands-on approach at home mirrors the adaptability and problem-solving skills he brings to Marlin every day.

🌟 Closing Thoughts

Jacob Cooper embodies the spirit of Marlin Technologies: resourceful, innovative, and dedicated to improving both processes and people’s workdays. His journey reminds us that engineering isn’t just about machines—it’s about making life easier, one efficiency at a time.