Matthew Hilgendorf, a graduate of the college’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management program, has received the 2018 Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME).
Since 1980, the SME has recognized manufacturing engineers age 35 or younger who have made exceptional contributions to the industry.
“This award is one of the most prestigious in the manufacturing industry,” Hilgendorf says. “Some of the winners before me are well recognized worldwide.”
The master’s program provides an MBA-style education in the business of engineering. It’s geared toward mid-career engineers ready for leadership positions or toward leaders looking to strengthen their effectiveness. Working professionals can stay in their jobs while earning the degree online, along with a three-day session on the UW-Madison campus each summer.
Hilgendorf credits his rigorous master’s program for teaching him valuable skills and propelling him in his profession. “Since graduating in 2013, I’ve been very fortunate to be sought out for several leadership roles in different organizations,” he says.
Hilgendorf is currently leading an operations transformation as a value stream manager at Atkore International, which manufactures and distributes electrical raceway products.