Darren Kimmel
Manufacturing Engineering Leader
Cummins, Inc.
Seymour, IN USA
“Everybody you meet impacts your decisions. You learn from the bad just as much as the good.”
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By Roadtrip NationDarren Kimmel
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Was raised on a farm in rural Springville, IN.
Growing up, he was heavily influenced by his grandfather and uncle, who were both very technologically and mechanically savvy.
By sixth grade, he had decided he wanted to be an engineer.
Attended Kettering University in Michigan, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a specialty in automotive design.
While there, he participated in the university’s co-op program with Ford Motor Company, which allowed him to gain work experience while getting his degree.
Was hired on by Ford after graduating—admits he thought that, with his engineering degree, he would be designing cars, but ended up working in manufacturing and operations.
After working there for a few years, he got tired of the harsh winters in Michigan and decided to move back home to Indiana.
He now works for Cummins, Inc. managing the plant and manufacturing engineering teams.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Mechanical Engineering
Kettering University
Mechanical Engineering
Kettering University
Career
Manufacturing Engineering Leader
I manage all aspects of operating a manufacturing plant.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Engineering
Technology
Working with Others
Day to Day
I attend hours of meetings every day in which my team decides the actions which we will take next. These can be from day to day operations, community involvement, or future planning five to ten years from now.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Pursue what you want to do in life. The experiences you have along this path will determine how your career is shaped. Talk to people about what they are doing to figure out what you like.
Recommended Education
My career is related to what I studied. I'd recommend the path I took:
Bachelor
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"You need to go to a college where you can get co-op experience."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
Interviewed By
State of Change
What's next for Indiana
