The demand for aerospace engineers is projected to grow 13% through 2031. Meanwhile, companies are under pressure to keep production, maintenance, and innovation on track while facing an industry-wide skilled workforce shortage. Michael Campbell, President of ACD Consulting, a division of Coltala Aerospace, joins us to discuss how ACD Consulting’s Solutions-Based Embedded Engineer program, a model that places engineers directly inside customer teams, is helping ensure faster problem-solving, reduce downtime, and connect operators to ACD’s broader network of data-driven alternate solutions, including reverse engineering, component sourcing, and specialized repair options. The episode highlights the expansion of embedded engineering locations across the U.S., underscoring how this collaborative program is transforming aerospace manufacturing and maintenance.

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In Aerotek’s latest Job Seeker Survey, nearly three-quarters of more than 2,400 respondents said they’re applying to manufacturing jobs, and 64% are optimistic about the industry’s future in North America. We connect with Stanley Johnson, Director of Business Development for Manufacturing and Logistics at Aerotek, to discuss findings from Aerotek’s job seeker survey, including why job seekers are enthusiastic about manufacturing, what factors make manufacturing feel stable and rewarding, and the biggest motivators driving candidates to apply. Additionally, learn why 60% of job seekers feel entry-level jobs require too much experience and how manufacturers can close the gap between expectations and readiness through training, mentorship, and better role definitions. If you’re examining your recruitment and retention strategy heading into 2026, this episode provides insights from the perspective of job candidates.

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You don’t usually hear “franchise model” and “manufacturing” in the same sentence, but Isembard is rewriting that narrative. The company’s plan to build a distributed network of software-driven factories across the U.S. and beyond is backed by full operational support, including machines and tooling, hiring, quality, and an integrated pipeline of customer orders. At the heart of it all is MasonOS, the company’s AI-native operating system that connects quoting, scheduling, supply chain, machining, and quality under one platform. Justin Baucum, General Manager of Isembard, joins us to discuss why Isembard believes franchising can solve longstanding challenges for small workshops. Learn how to become a franchise owner and what’s ahead as the company expands its distributed-factory model.

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During the ASSEMBLY Show in Rosemont, IL, Russ Hughes, product marketing manager at Desoutter Tools, joined ASSEMBLY Audible to discuss his company’s new tightening platform, AXON. Hughes discusses how AXON solves assembly challenges, such as managing diverse tools that require backup controllers onsite, reducing downtime, enabling live data analytics, supporting sustainability goals, and shrinking equipment footprints.

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Cost estimation is becoming smarter, faster, and more predictive thanks to advances in AI, demonstrated by platforms such as Galorath's SEERai, a new agentic AI platform engineered to deliver secure, traceable, and audit-ready cost, schedule, and risk insights for manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and IT programs. In this episode, ASSEMBLY Audible welcomes Charles Orlando, Chief Strategy Officer at Galorath, to discuss how SEER and SEERai work, the gaps in today’s costing tools, and why AI-driven estimation is emerging as a strategic advantage. If you’re exploring digital transformation, AI adoption, or manufacturing software, this conversation is a must-listen.

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Software companies are building a new manufacturing stack that includes four layers: ERP, MES, Connected Worker, and AI. Dan McKiernan, principal product manager with Epicor, joins us at the ASSEMBLY Show to talk about the success that arises when these systems work together in a stack rather than a patchwork of tools.

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Next-generation connectivity is emerging as a powerful solution to meet sustainability goals and enhance operational efficiency. In this episode of ASSEMBLY Audible, we speak with Michael Weller, Global Practice Leader in Manufacturing, Energy, and Utilities at Verizon Business. Did you know, for every million linear feet of copper cabling, manufacturers require significant amounts of energy-intensive infrastructure, often dozens of control closets throughout large facilities. By eliminating this copper-based network design, 5G enables a leaner approach to connectivity. One 5G antenna can replace three to ten Wi-Fi access points, dramatically simplifying plant infrastructure and reducing overall power consumption. Weller shares how private networks are helping manufacturers implement measurable environmental and performance benefits by modernizing network architecture.

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