From intern to senior engineer

By Jenny Yu.  

Learn how hands-on experience propelled this engineer from the beginning steps of his career to eventually creating innovations that are shaping the industry! 

When people enter the roofing industry, it’s often said that they never leave. This is true for Austin Cash, senior new product development engineer for Malco Tools, who found his interest in the industry at an early age. 

“I've always had an interest in how things work,” Austin shared with Karen Edwards in a recent Roofing Road Trips® episode. “I grew up with a father who was always tinkering around the house, and he was a little bit involved in the construction industry. So, that developed that interest in me.” 

Austin went on to study mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth and gained early experience as an intern for Malco’s new products team in between his junior and senior years.  

“The on-the-job experience, especially in our career, is so important,” Austin said. “You can learn so much in the classroom about all the truly technical skills and everything, but once you actually get in and you're working on projects and products, you develop so much faster.” 

Upon graduation, Malco offered Austin a full-time gig, and he’s been with Malco ever since. Eight years later, Austin has grown to become one of Malco’s senior new product development engineers. 

He reflected on his experiences, saying, “It's been great. You're able to take those ideas from that napkin concept sketch, and you can bring it all the way to a product that can make a trade pro’s life easier, more ergonomic, more throughput in their jobs. You're able to truly see the benefit of what you're working on.” 

Because of his on-the-job training and journey through the ranks, Austin has contributed invaluable innovations to the company, including their new TurboShear® Rotary Panel Cutter.  

Listen to the podcast to learn more about Malco’s TurboShear® Rotary Panel Cutter and how Austin and the Malco team work to develop solutions with contractors’ experience front of mind.