Dylan Elking – The University of Toledo, Dual Major in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Engineering
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT
- Ohio Valley District: $1,000
- PMA Educational Foundation: $500
- Total: $1,500
Dylan Elking, a scholarship recipient from the Ohio Valley District, has developed a strong appreciation for engineering that extends beyond creating designs on paper. He is drawn to the practical side of engineering, where reliability, durability and repairability determine whether a design succeeds in real-world applications. For Dylan, the true measure of success is seeing a machine operate under demanding conditions and knowing it was designed to perform reliably for years to come. He believes repairability should be built into a design from the beginning rather than treated as an afterthought, a philosophy that continues to shape his approach to engineering and manufacturing.
Dylan’s interest in practical engineering and manufacturing began at Tri-Star Career Compact. During his first year, he learned not only how to design electrical circuits but also how to troubleshoot and repair them. This emphasis on understanding how systems fail and how they can be restored to operation provided valuable insight into the importance of maintainable design. In his second year, he expanded his technical knowledge by studying programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and robotics, where reliability and serviceability were consistently emphasized as critical components of successful engineering.
During the summer of his junior and senior years of high school, Dylan began an internship at Nidec Minster. Since then, he has accumulated more than 3,000 hours of experience with the company. What has continued to motivate him is the organization’s commitment to producing equipment that meets exceptionally high standards for reliability and performance. Through his work at Nidec Minster, Dylan has had the opportunity to participate in projects that directly impact manufacturing operations and customer success.
One of his first significant projects involved the company’s Adjust in Motion system. A customer requested the use of a KEYENCE sensor in place of the original design. While making the system function properly was important, Dylan recognized that ensuring it remained easy to service and maintain was equally critical. He helped design a sensor assembly that utilized standard BNC cables, created installation drawings and worked through extensive research and development efforts to modify and recalibrate the sensors while maintaining serviceability. This project provided an early opportunity to see how thoughtful engineering can transform an idea into a practical solution that users can install, maintain and rely on in the field.
The project that had the greatest impact on Dylan’s development involved Nidec Minster’s servo press program. Over a period of more than six months, he contributed to standardizing components, updating engineering drawings and troubleshooting problems that spanned mechanical, electrical and software systems. He frequently worked additional hours on weekends to assist with press assembly, allowing him to see firsthand how engineering decisions affected manufacturing and service teams on the shop floor. These experiences taught him the importance of designing systems that not only function effectively but also simplify assembly, maintenance and repair. His contributions and growing expertise eventually led to opportunities to support the project independently, including covering responsibilities during his mentor’s absence and later completing a press startup on his own.
Looking toward the future, Dylan plans to continue his career with Nidec Minster as an electrical engineer focused on developing equipment that is durable, easy to maintain and capable of supporting efficient manufacturing operations. His accomplishments have already been recognized through honors such as the 20 Under 20 Award and Student of the Year recognition at Tri-Star Career Compact. At the same time, he has maintained strong academic performance while balancing significant professional responsibilities.
Dylan’s combination of technical expertise, practical manufacturing experience and commitment to engineering excellence positions him for continued success in the metalforming industry. His focus on creating reliable and serviceable equipment demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges manufacturers face and a genuine desire to contribute to meaningful solutions.
The Precision Metalforming Association Educational Foundation (PMAEF) proudly congratulates Dylan Elking on being selected as a scholarship recipient. His exceptional hands-on manufacturing experience, commitment to reliability-focused engineering and dedication to the metalforming industry make him highly deserving of this recognition. PMAEF wishes Dylan continued success in his education and future career in engineering and manufacturing.