At the Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM), the team prides itself on its talented engineers who are pushing the boundaries of manufacturing technology. One such individual is Xavier Jimenez, a Senior Manufacturing Engineer whose journey and expertise are truly inspiring.
Xavier’s fascination with engineering began in middle school. His curiosity about how things worked led him to dismantle and explore various objects, often without reassembling them. This inquisitive nature guided him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Penn State, followed by a Master’s at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and ultimately a PhD at the University of Pittsburgh.
Joining CAM and Missouri Protoplex was a natural step for Xavier, drawn by the opportunity to work with cutting-edge manufacturing technologies in an environment that seamlessly integrates university research with industry applications. “The Protoplex provides the perfect setting to conduct applied research while also supporting workforce development, which is critical for advancing U.S. manufacturing,” he explains.
As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Xavier’s role is multifaceted. He is deeply involved in research and development of advanced manufacturing technologies such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), Powder Blown Directed Energy Deposition (DED), and Friction Stir Welding (FSW). Beyond R&D, he plays a crucial role in developing workforce training programs and has helped with updating undergraduate courses to incorporate these innovative technologies.
Xavier thrives in the collaborative atmosphere at CAM. He loves working with a team that shares excitement for manufacturing and engineering while also being committed to spreading knowledge. He believes that advancing manufacturing in the U.S. requires both cutting-edge research and strong workforce development, from community colleges to universities. Plus, the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art machines every day is a significant perk.
Having recently defended his dissertation, Xavier now enjoys spending his free time with his 3-year-old son and cherishing family moments. This balance between professional and personal life is essential for maintaining his passion and drive.
Looking ahead, Xavier aims to deepen his expertise in additive manufacturing, particularly in powder DED and Friction Stir Additive Deposition, while continuing to expand his knowledge in LPBF and WAAM. He also hopes to inspire more people—from K-12 students to engineers and managers—to adopt additive manufacturing, accelerating its growth and application across industries. During his PhD, Xavier used Wire Arc DED to produce a replacement part for a casting that was no longer available, demonstrating the practical applications of additive manufacturing.
One of the key challenges in advanced manufacturing is integrating all components of the manufacturing ecosystem. Xavier sees significant potential in additive manufacturing, particularly as traditional methods face supply chain challenges and long lead times. He anticipates continued adoption of LPBF and significant progress in standardizing Wire Arc DED.
Xavier encourages aspiring manufacturing engineers to gain as much hands-on experience as possible, whether through machining, welding, or working with power tools. He also recommends touring manufacturing plants and joining student design teams to build practical skills.
Xavier Jimenez’s journey and contributions to CAM and Missouri Protoplex exemplify the innovative spirit and dedication that drive the team. His work not only advances manufacturing technology but also inspires the next generation of engineers. Xavier’s impact is evident in the advancements he has made in additive manufacturing and the inspiration he provides to future engineers, ensuring a bright future for U.S. manufacturing.