Miguel Gomez

Seeking Innovation Leads to 3D Printing Career  —

Blending computer skills with a passion for learning, Miguel Gomez set out on a path to technological advancements — not knowing what was in store for him.

A California native, Gomez moved to Michigan at the age of 4 and settled with his family in southwest Detroit.

“Throughout my childhood I attended Detroit Public Schools and was always a huge fan of math and science,” Gomez said.”

His enthusiasm for math and science led him to exploring how computers and gaming devices were created.

“I remember when I was a kid I took apart an entire PlayStation gaming unit,” said Gomez. “I was more fascinated with seeing how the system was made than how to play the game.”

At the age of 16, Gomez started taking college courses in IT and started getting one-on-one lessons in computer repair. Gomez started to make a name for himself among family and friends as the go-to computer repairer.

“I would tell my friends and family – call me when you have a computer problem,” Gomez said.

Gomez saw another opportunity to add on to his IT foundation by taking AP courses in math and science as well as enrolling in an electronic robotics and networking program.

“This was the time where I was at a crossroad, trying to figure out if I should follow in my dad’s footsteps by being an auto mechanic,” said Gomez. “But one day at school, I noticed some cool robotic technology and the teacher told me I could learn how to build robots if I enrolled.”

Introduced to electronic robotics by mentor and teacher Collin-John, Gomez was inspired to take his love for technology to the next level. Just after a month into the program, he became a TA (teacher’s assistant).

“Collin-John was an inspiration and helped me excel above my own limitations,” said Gomez. “He pushed me to be a better student and to achieve my goals.”

Gomez graduated with a 4.0 GPA from the program and was a part of the National Technical Honors Society. After graduation, he began working as a leasing manager for a furniture company while looking for a technical position.

A Call from EnvisionTEC

Soon afterward, Gomez got a call from EnvisionTEC.

“I was excited and nervous at the same time,” said Gomez. “I hadn’t heard anything about 3D printing until that day. But I wanted to be a part of the company and its growth.”

At the end of the interview, which included a technical test, Gomez went home not knowing what to expect. But a few days later, EnvisionTEC called.

“It was the call I dreamed about … the call that would launch my career,” said Gomez.

After joining EnvisionTEC, Gomez was dedicated to learning as much as he could about the technology. After a year with the company, he became the lead prototype technician for the 3SP machines. Recently, after three years of working at EnvisionTEC, Gomez has been promoted to 3SP service and applications manager.

“I am glad that I can watch EnvisionTEC grow in the 3D printing field, like I have done with the company,” said Gomez. “I love the technology and the machines. It reminds me when I was younger and wanted to know how things worked inside and out.”

“3D printing technology is it for me. I remember the first thing I 3D printed. I ran home and showed my parents that you can bring things to reality from just a drawing. Now how cool is that!”

A Focus on Customers

In his position as 3SP service and applications manager, Gomez believes that managing the upkeep of the machine is only one part of the job, but caring for the customer is the heart of his position.

“On a daily basis, I work with and stand for the customer,” said Gomez. “When there are any difficulties or a customer needs a new machine installed, I want to make sure that they are happy and get the assistance they need to be successful in implementing the technology.”

Being a part of the EnvisionTEC team for three years has shown Gomez what innovation looks like and how far a company can go when they have a dream.

“I swear we’re not afraid to chase the dream of the customer. We innovate, we resonate and we research and we implement,” said Gomez. “I’m happy I get a chance to be a part of the team as everyone works together to take things to the next level.”

When asked who has motivated him during his tenure at EnvisionTEC, Gomez simply said, “I am very grateful to EnvisionTEC because they gave me the opportunity to learn because they saw my potential.”

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