Introduction
Hello, I’m Suhin Kim, a Mechanical Engineering Fellow and co-founder of Upgrade Manufacturing, Inc. I’m originally from South Korea, with a background in mechanical design algorithms and vehicle system development. I enjoy understanding the physical world problems and industrial challenges through mathematical modeling, which eventually led me to pursue a role in the startup company. It’s been a long and unique journey.
I earned my B.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Seoul National University and joined Hyundai Motor Company as a research engineer. In graduate school and at Hyundai, I focused on simulation-based design techniques like topology optimization, mainly for conceptual vehicle system design. However, my research was distant from real-world manufacturing, so I felt I was in the gray area between academia and industry. In particular, I had many difficulties due to a lack of knowledge of manufacturing processes, so I decided to start postdoctoral research to shift my research focus. I left the company and joined MIT to focus on 3D printing and digital manufacturing. It deepened my understanding of the entire engineering process, from conceptual product design to production planning. Also, based on it, I found a way to harness all my skills in product design and mechanical simulations for real-world manufacturing.
During my time at MIT, I was also fortunate to connect with an incredible team. Together, we founded Upgrade Manufacturing, Inc., a company focusing on helping small- and medium-sized manufacturers adopt advanced AI and digital manufacturing technologies. As a co-founder, I now work on designing business models and product concepts, seeing my career paths converge in a new chapter with this startup.
Mechanical Engineer Fellow
career options
Mechanical engineering encompasses a broad range of areas across multiple industries. Regardless of the sector, mechanical engineering roles can generally be categorized as follows:
Mechanical Engineer Fellow
skills
What are the main hard skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
Input-output relationships in a physical system can be represented through mathematical models, such as deformations under external loads and boundary conditions in structural mechanics. Based on my background in mechanics and physics, I build these models for simulations and predict outputs accordingly.
Sometimes, building fully analytical or numerical models is challenging due to limited system information or the complexity of coupled physical processes. In such cases, I analyze experimental datasets directly to create models, select subsequent testing points, and optimize parameters.
I apply appropriate optimization algorithms to each problem, based on my experience. Since no single algorithm fits all engineering problems, selecting the best one for each problem is essential. For example, I use gradient-based topology optimization algorithms for structural conceptual design, bio-inspired approaches for designing tool paths in metal 3D printing, and machine learning techniques for production planning.
What are the main soft skills you use on a daily basis in your current job?
I often need to communicate with audiences who lack a background in mechanical engineering, while sometimes also covering detailed information for in-depth discussions. Before preparing a presentation, I consider who my audience is and try to see things from their perspective. My extensive presentation experience in academia and industry taught me how to design materials/pitches based on the audience's interests.
I believe engineering should always address real, practical problems and resolve industry pain points. However, maintaining this broader perspective can be difficult when tackling small yet complex scientific challenges. I’ve learned that the best way to avoid losing sight of this is to consistently listen to the real concerns of various field experts. I continue to hone my interview skills through customer interviews and meet many stakeholders in the manufacturing industry to collect information.
After presenting my ideas effectively and listening to customers' needs, I look for opportunities that align mutual interests. This approach can lead to win-win partnerships, and I often invite others to create a better partnership structure. My experience in startup business design enables me to practice the required skill for partnership development every day.
Suhin
’s personal path
Tell us about your personal journey in
Mechanical Engineer Fellow
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My first career experience was somewhat like pitching a tech concept to a company. After spending 1-2 years on my initial graduate school research, I reached out to various teams at the R&D center of Hyundai Motor Company to present my research concept and gather feedback on its potential industrial applications. Although it was a challenging and sometimes frustrating process, after 4-5 rounds of discussions over six months, I finally found a team that aligned with my work. The team lead supported my Ph.D. research for four years, and I decided to apply for the company after graduation. Throughout those six months of iterations to find the right collaborative team, I focused on learning and adapting based on the feedback from each meeting.
The process of finding a postdoctoral research position was also challenging. I had no prior experience working internationally, so I tried everything I could to get more chances. I remember reading postdoc job postings to identify recurring keywords, which helped me understand the current trends in the U.S. academic field. Since I was based in Korea and lacked an international network, this approach was invaluable for figuring out the interests of research group leaders. Additionally, I studied materials from government institutions that outlined future research fund keywords or directions. To strengthen my preparations, I also sought feedback from former colleagues and friends who had successfully secured research positions in the U.S. After six months of persistent effort, I finally received an opportunity to join a research group at MIT.
Starting a company with my colleagues was also a lengthy process that included designing the business model and securing investment. However, my previous job-search experiences made me more resilient, even during times of uncertainty about the future.
What would you tell your younger you regarding building your current career?
Waiting for the next step is always difficult. Sometimes, it takes more than a year. I still go through similar processes every day, but now I understand that these things take time. If I could give advice to my younger self, I would say: think big and focus on what you can do now to prepare for the future. By doing so, you'll be ready to seize important opportunities when they come.
Final thoughts & tips
Mechanical engineering spans a wide range of industries, offering numerous job opportunities in both research and industry roles. With the recent advancements in digital transformation and automation, the field's scope has expanded even further. Explore potential opportunities, identify key areas of interest, connect with experts, and listen to their insights; by doing so, you will already be on your way to starting a career in mechanical engineering.
Resources to dig in more
LinkedIn - Manufacturing@MIT
Manufacturing@MIT provides resources to help you gain insight into the future of next-generation manufacturing in the U.S.
Youtube - The Wall Street Journal: How microfactories could be the manufacturing strategy in the future
The video clip presents an intriguing factory concept that could be one of several themes shaping the future of manufacturing. Although the project discussed here is still ongoing and requires validation over several years of operation, it offers engineers insight into how digital and AI technologies can drive innovations in product design and manufacturing.
Youtube - Financial Times Film: Why 3D printing is vital to success of US manufacturing
The video clip introduces recent advancements in the 3D printing industry, with a particular focus on their impact on the future of U.S. manufacturing.
