Elevate Systems Partners with MLC
“We'd go out to dinner... and we'd get in a conversation with the waiter, and the waiter would say that they had just graduated as a mechanical engineer and they were waiting tables. At that point is when we decided, you know what? We need to probably start bringing some people in. They just needed some experience."
Introduction
Over the past decade, Elevate Systems has supported engineering projects across aerospace, defense, manufacturing, product development, reverse engineering, and prototyping. Working across these industries has given the team a unique perspective on a challenge many organizations face today: developing engineers who are prepared to solve real-world problems.
In this discussion with MLC, the Elevate Systems team shares their perspective on engineering workforce development, mentorship, technical growth, and the value of hands-on experience. The conversation explores how organizations can help engineers build practical skills, gain confidence, and continue growing throughout their careers.
The Challenge
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Real-World Engineering
Engineering organizations face increasing pressure to develop talent capable of solving complex technical challenges across aerospace, defense, manufacturing, product development, and other highly specialized industries.
As technologies evolve, many organizations are looking for ways to accelerate engineering development while preparing engineers for real-world responsibilities.
While traditional engineering education provides a strong theoretical foundation, many engineers enter the workforce with limited hands-on experience applying those concepts to real projects.
Developing practical problem-solving skills, technical confidence, and the ability to contribute effectively often requires exposure to real engineering challenges that extend beyond the classroom.
The Solution
Building Engineering Capability Through Experience
Throughout the discussion, the Elevate Systems team emphasized the value of combining mentorship, technical training, and real-world project experience.
Exposure to engineering challenges across aerospace, defense, manufacturing, product development, and reverse engineering helps engineers develop practical problemsolving skills, expand their technical capabilities, and gain the confidence needed to take on increasingly complex work.
The Elevate Systems team also made use of SolidProfessor, included in their MLC Success Plan.
SolidProfessor’s on-demand training platform provides expert-led courses designed to help master essential engineering software.
Implementation
Helping Engineers Reach the Next Level
Elevate Systems helps develop engineering talent through mentorship, technical training, and real-world project experience.
By working with interns, educators, and developing engineers, the company creates opportunities to gain practical experience across aerospace, defense, manufacturing, product development, and reverse engineering applications.
Participants gain exposure to industry-standard tools and technologies, including
SOLIDWORKS, SolidProfessor, Additive Manufacturing, 3D scanning, and prototyping workflows, while working alongside experienced engineers on real projects.
Results
Engineering Growth in Action
Emmanuel Garcia, featured in the video, started as an intern at Elevate Systems and later advanced to a Senior Engineer role.
Today, he supports complex engineering projects, including Department of Defense programs, while helping mentor interns, educators, and developing engineers.
The team also shared the story of a materials engineer who entered the
program with limited SOLIDWORKS experience and, through mentorship
and hands-on project work, ultimately secured a full-time design engineering position at YETI.
These examples demonstrate how real-world experience and mentorship can help engineers build skills, confidence, and successful careers.
