Blaz Montoya
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Process Engineer at McCormick & Company
Describe your potential job duties
As a Process Engineer at McCormick & Company, I’ll be focused on optimizing spray drying operations and supporting broader manufacturing process improvements. My role will involve developing and refining preventive maintenance strategies, implementing Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and autonomous maintenance practices, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to reduce downtime and enhance equipment reliability. I’ll also contribute to project planning, user guide creation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
In what ways did the Polytechnic and/or Purdue help make you uniquely qualified for your new job?
The hands-on labs at Purdue Polytechnic made a huge difference in preparing me for real-world engineering. Working directly with equipment and troubleshooting in lab settings gave me the confidence to handle real-life manufacturing conditions. It wasn’t just theory, we practiced what we learned, which made the transition into industry feel familiar and manageable.
How has the college or someone in the college helped you achieve your goals?
While Purdue gave me the tools, it was really the support from my parents and close friends that kept me moving forward especially during the tougher semesters. I’ve always looked up to visionaries like Steve Jobs and Jony Ive, whose creativity and attention to design continue to inspire how I approach engineering challenges and innovation.
What specific classes helped prepare you for your new job?
Product Design and Specification (MET 102) helped me understand the fundamentals of product development, technical drawings, and manufacturing requirements skills that directly apply to process engineering.
Technical and Service Selling (IET 343) gave me valuable insight into business-to-business communication, customer relationship management, and consultative selling. These skills are crucial when working cross-functionally and presenting process improvements in a manufacturing setting.
If you had a favorite class, project, experience, or professor, what/who was it, and why?
My favorite class was MET 102: Product Design and Specification taught by Paul McPherson. He was like the “Steve Jobs” of Polytechnic Institute; genuine, down-to-earth, and incredibly passionate about design and innovation. More importantly, he truly cared about his students and made a lasting impact on how I approach engineering with both creativity and practicality.
Working directly with equipment and troubleshooting in lab settings gave me the confidence to handle real-life manufacturing conditions. At Purdue Polytechnic, t wasn’t just theory—we practiced what we learned, which made the transition into industry feel familiar and manageable."