Mikal Norton

12/9/2015
[Contact info]
ENGL 2100
SALT LAKE COMMUNTIY COLLEGE

Mikal Norton
[Address, City, ST ZIP Code] | [Telephone] | [Email]

[Date]
Newlight Industries
2941 Randolph Avenue
Costa Mesa, California 92626 USA

Dear Newlight Industries:

The position I am looking to fill is one as a fellow mechanical engineer to aid in the continued production and
advancement of this company. If no such position is available then I would also gladly accept a position as an Operations
and Maintenance Technician.
In my previous job occupations and volunteer services Ive experience a variety of situations and accumulated many
different skills that will make me a valuable asset. I volunteered two year of service to a non-profit organization in
different areas in Missouri and Kansas, where I went around with a partner visiting various people in their homes or on
the street presenting social help, self-help techniques, and providing manual services. In that time I became very good
with dealing with different people in a kind and considerate manner, built good team work skills, learned to adapt to deal
with difficult situations and problems, learned to use limited resources to achieve my goals, and keep a careful budget. In
my current job at Sams Club as a cart pusher Ive been able to further my skills with dealing with various other people
and dealing with difficult situations and problems. Ive also received some moderate training in the use of heavy
machinery and electrical devices. Overall the greatest skills Ive receive is my focus and dedication to the work given to
me, my willingness to always improve, and my ability to work well with others.
I hope you will consider me as qualified candidate for either the position of a Mechanical Engineer or an Operation and
Maintenance Technician. I am absolutely fascinated with how Newlight Industries successfully created the world
changing process of converting pollutant carbon in the air into useable, biodegradable plastic. With me as part of the
Newlight Industries team I know I will help the company improve in efficiency, productivity, and creativity. If you need to
contact me I respond the best to e-mails, phone calls, or texts.
Thank you so much for taking time from your busy schedule to read this letter.

Sincerely,

Mikal Norton

Table of Contents:
Cover Letter pg. 2
Sample Writings:
-Turning Pollution into AirCarbon Plastic pg.5
-How to Make AirCarbon Plastic pg. 6
-Mechanical Engineers in the Medical Field pg. 7
Resume pg. 17
References pg. 18

TURNING POLLUTION INTO

AIRCARBON PLASTIC
Creating something
solid from just thin air; a notion of science fiction has now
become scientific fact thanks
to the groundbreaking technology and unique process
of Newlight Industries. Based
in Costa Mesa, CA Newlight
Industries is the only company cable of creating AirCarbon plastic from pollution
in the air. The purpose of this
document is to show the significance of this amazing process and to show three major
points:
-What AirCarbon is
-What makes it so unique
-How this process will effect
the future
--------------------------------What is AirCarbon?
AirCarbon is a remarkable plastic that is literally made from thin air, or more
specifically, the carbon found
in thin air. Methane-based
carbon is harvested from major greenhouse gas sources,
such as landfills, farms, power plants and so on, and then
stored. The stored carbon is
then placed into a polymerizing machine that introduces a
undisclosed catalyst into the
carbon which solidifies the
carbon. The solidified carbon
then is formed into pellets,
melted, and finally molded
into a variety of useful plastic
items and parts.

What Makes AirCarbon

Unique?
This amazing plastic is
just as strong and durable as
oil-based plastic, yet AirCarbon has two major advantages over normal plastic. First,
it is infinitely more biodegradable than normal plastic.
Normal plastic can take anywhere from 450 to 1000 years
to decompose, where as AirCarbon plastic takes significantly less time to decompose,
though no specific time period
is given at this time. Second,
its far more cost efficient than
regular plastic. Since methane-carbon is the main ingredient for AirCarbon plastic
there are virtually thousands
of limitless resources that can
be used to produce it. Even
the catalyst that solidifies the
carbon is simple to produce,
though it is a heavily guarded secret. With this cheap and
environmentally saving system AirCarbon is well on its
way to replacing convention
plastics.
How Will AirCarbon Affect
the Future?
With the rate modern technology is progressing
there no telling for sure where
Newlight Industries discoveries will take us. The fact that
a useless substance like greenhouse gases can be

Figure 1 AirCarbon Pellets

converted into useful plastic material shows that barely anything
is becoming impossible these
days. It wont be long before
other environmentally harming substances can be converted
into positive uses. As scientist
continue to discover new ways
to improve our world, while being conscious of it all the same,
the future is looking a great deal
brighter. Pollution turned plastic, thats only the beginning.
ISO Standards
This Aircarbon Process will have
had to be passed through ISO
16620-1:2015, which specificies
the gerneal principles and calculations that have to be gathered
about the amount of biobased
material in plastic. It would
also have to be passed through
ISO 16620-2:2015, which determines the amount of carbon in
plastic material.

How to Make AirCarbon Plastic

Step 1: Fill polymerization

chamber with Methane-carbon

compound.

Step 2: Introduce specialized

catalyst into the Methane-carbon compound to solidify the

carbon with the chamber.

Step 3: Process solidified com-

pound through shaping system

to form small pellets.

Figure 2

Step 4: Melt needed amount

of pellets in whatever mold is

assigned. Molds can vary in
texture, size, weight, appearance,
and application.

Figure 3

Running head: Mechanical Engineers in the Medical Field

Mechanical Engineers in the Medical Field:

The Life and Culture of the Medical Device Mechanical Engineers
Mikal Norton
English 2100
Oct 4th, 2015

Mechanical Engineers in the Medical Field

2
Abstract

This report presents an inside look into the organizational culture of mechanical engineers
working for medical device manufacturing companies. There are many aspects of organizational
culture can affect the type and quality of work mechanical engineers produce in their field.
Mechanical engineering is a broad career field where people work in various, and often
overlapping, professions that develop, test, manufacture, improve, and distribute a wide range of
products, devices, and services that are used all over the world. The engineering profession
focused on in this article is involved with the production and distribution of medical supplies.
This article also shows how much work culture effects how well a mechanical engineer is able to
cope with work. Overall, this reports sole purpose is to educate and inspire myself and those
who are also looking into mechanical engineering themselves.
Keywords: Organization culture, mechanical engineers

Table of Contents:
Introduction

pg.3

Methodology

pg.3-5

Results

pg. 5-6

Discussion of Results

pg.6-9

Recommendations
References

pg.9-10
pg.11

Mechanical Engineers in the Medical Field

Introduction
This report will focus mainly on the organizational culture of mechanical engineers in the
medical field. My purpose in writing this report is to show how mechanical engineering in this
particular area is effected by the organizational culture and explain what makes up the culture.
Mechanical engineers in the medical field have made a great deal of incredible discoveries,
improved many aspects, and helped keep a vast variety of operations running smoothly.
Mechanical engineers have always work side by side with medical researchers and developers;
its through their combined efforts that we have gotten as far in our understanding of medicine
and medical practices as we do now. Through my report I hope to show those who are looking
into mechanical engineering an example of the cultural organization that can be found in medical
jobsites and help them become more confident in joining this career.
Methodology
The methodology I decide to use to help me research the subject of the organizational
culture of medical mechanical engineering is a small, yet direct pool of resources. I first used
some internet resources to learn of medical production facilities that were close by, then I had a
direct interview with Glenn Norton, a Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, and, finally, I had a
tour of one of the close by medical facilities.
Web Resources
I first tried studying the web sites of two of the closest medical production facilities to
me, Merit Medical and Edwards Lifesciences. Both main websites had general culture pages that
you could go to directly on the main web page. Edwards Lifesciences did present an additional

Mechanical Engineers in the Medical Field

page that let you look at comments that specific types of employees had given about their work
environment.
Interview
My father, Glenn Norton, is a Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and he agreed to spare
his time to answer my questions. My father has a Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering
and his job has him constantly in contact with his companys mechanical engineers. This made
him very familiar with his companys engineers and their work styles. I interviewed my father at
a casual setting in my own house, where he answered a majority of my questions.
Facility Tour
After the initial interview, Glenn Norton agreed to give me a follow up interview that
included a tour of the mechanical engineering section of his facility. I asked this so I could
understand what physical elements helped shape a mechanical engineers life at work. It was
after hours, so the tour went relatively quick and unhindered. He showed me all around the
offices of the companys engineers and his own office.
With these three major resources I was able to receive most of the information that I
needed to complete this report, yet there probably was a bit more I could have done for my
research. While the web sources, interviews, and tour gave me a majority of the information I
was looking for, I could have looked more into other facilities other than the ones close by to
study and get in contact with. I could have also looked more into books that present needed
information as well. Still, I had what I needed and now I have the following report to present for
the benefit of others.
Results

Mechanical Engineers in the Medical Field

By request of Glenn Norton, I have decided to leave the chosen company unnamed, for
business reasons, and will simply refer to it as the company. Glenn (personal communication,
Norton, September 21, 2015) told me that the rules that govern most of the companys
movements are set by the same organizations and federal regulators that most other companies
have. The USFDA regulates the work for medical supplies, OSHA regulations are the major
safety rules, and FTC governs their business practices. Despite these rules and regulations, Glenn
said that mechanical engineers are greatly encouraged to use their own creativity to work on the
projects and problems given to them. Glenn emphasized that Their personal view points,
opinions, and efforts are taken into account and valued. Mechanical engineering is meant to use
different peoples minds and skills to find new ways to improve or create in the company.
Glenn (personal communication, Norton, September 21, 2015) went on to explain, As
respectful and professional as this company is, they also find ways to lighten up the day and
make their work more enjoyable. He told me as goals are planned, set, and achieved, rewards
were given to help motivate and inspire employees. Aside from the obvious fact of being able to
keep their job they also give out rewards like bonuses, extra days off, department activities, and
even stock options Glenn (personal communication, Norton, September 21, 2015) was what he
told me when I asked about the rewards. He also told me about some rituals and jokes that are
observed from time to time; one favorite prank involves new executives suddenly finding a large,
framed picture of the companys president hanging on their wall and not knowing what to do
with it. He related to me a favorite ritual that happens when two popular college football teams
play, Two banners with the opposing teams colors are flown on the flagpole, and at the end of
the game the winning teams banner is flown at full mast, while the loser is flown at half-mast.

Mechanical Engineers in the Medical Field

Glenn (personal communication, Norton, September 21, 2015) finished our first
interview by describing how engineers are organized. He tells how engineers can be found
working all over in different parts of the company such as offices, cubicles, conference rooms,
the warehouse, manufacturing rooms (clean rooms), and RND labs. He said it all depends on
what branch of engineering someone is in. Along with mechanical engineers he also lists a few
of the other engineers that the company employs: RND (research and development),
manufacturing, tooling and automation, quality assurance, and quality control (or process
engineering).
At the follow up interview Glenn (personal communication, Norton, September 29, 2015)
showed me around his work area and explained that the cubicles were set up so that specific
engineering groups could work together and easily find the others as needed. He also explained
how each industry has its own language and terminology, and each branch of engineering has
their own writing style; that varies even more for mechanical engineers as they must work and
write in accordance to whatever project or problem they are given at the time. He told me that
the most predominant writing styles that are found are mostly types of technical writing and APA
style reports. After the tour I had all the information I needed to complete my report.
Discussion
I wanted to research engineering jobs that were close by so I figured Edwards
Lifesciences and Merit Medical would be good candidates. The websites gave me a good idea of
what I was looking for, but neither gave me a very detailed look into engineering. It was the
interview with Glenn Norton that provided me with a majority of the information I needed to
complete my report. As I interviewed Glenn Norton, I learned a great deal about mechanical
engineering and many things that were appealing about this career area. It was fascinating to me

Mechanical Engineers in the Medical Field

to learn that most engineers are given a great deal of leniency for personal creativity and
originality. Though they do have to follow set standards and work rules that help to keep them
safe and their work controlled, they also have to use their own creativity and ingenuity to
complete the projects or problems given to them. Looking outside the box, learning to deal with
new situations, and using your imagination are some major draws for me when it comes to
mechanical engineering. Knowing that the company holds high regards for their employees and
listens to them really is an encouraging environment to work in. Glenn told me that despite the
many different factions that are found in the facility, none of the employees are mistreated or
undervalued. I found that equality, consideration, and unity is what keeps a good company
running smoothly and efficiently. By understanding the role of rules, standards, and personal
worth I have come to understand how much these factors create the basis for most cultural
environments.
The idea that this company has rites, pranks, and rituals has given me hope for a career in
an office. Office life never much appealed to me, it always seemed dull and boring. That was
until Glenn related to me how employees and even the companys president like to joke around
and have fun. I found myself thinking that a job in the office doesnt sound that bad if fellow
employees are willing to let loose and have a good laugh every now and then. Though I know its
not always going to be fun and games; the fact that engineers get to participate in fun, socially
building activities definitely has its appeal. Glenn also told me a hilarious story related to a box
of cracker jacks on his office shelf. His boss had his secretary slip a box of crackers jacks into
the offices of every employee that was under a particular executive that told the boss that his
team was a cracked team. Seeing as how Glenn is my father, I can vouch for that statement.

Mechanical Engineers in the Medical Field

Overall, these factors show that humor and small errors can shape the mood, tone, and social
connections that an engineer will encounter in their cultural environments.
It was truly fascinating for me to learn about the many types of engineers that can be
found in a medical company. It wasnt until my interview with Glenn that I realized how general
mechanical engineering was compared to other engineering professions. It seems theres an
engineer for almost everything you can think of; from mechanical to medical to statistics; the list
of engineering professions just goes on and on. What was so amazing to learn about mechanical
engineers was how much this type of engineering profession actually encompasses other types of
engineer professions. Mechanical engineering, as I learned, requires one to be well rounded and
have more than one sets of skills so as to deal with constantly changing situations and new
problems. What I found out was a mechanical engineer can be sent to work at say a power plant
to deal with structural issues and be capable of handling the situation. However, if an engineer
that specializes only in electronics was sent instead, they wouldnt be able to handle that
situation as well. My father has a degree in mechanical engineering, yet his current job has him
working in regulatory affairs. The fact that one is a mechanical engineer can make a huge
difference to ones organizational cultural, as theyre broad field of expertise makes the types of
projects and problems they deal with pretty extensive.
In my final interview I came to understand that being a mechanical engineer wasnt a
solo job. As broad as your field of expertise are, you can only handle so much at a time.
Mechanical engineers depend a lot on the other engineers to help do their part in their field of
expertise so that whatever project or problem they are assigned to will be completed with the
best of results. Thats why Glenn showed me how their offices were organized, to help me
understand that engineers with similar skills and needs can work with each other easily and get

Mechanical Engineers in the Medical Field

their jobs done a lot faster and effectively. The amount of unity amongst engineers makes a huge
impact on the cultural environment of a mechanical engineer.

My Recommendations to You
Mechanical engineering in the medical field is an expanse of many possibilities
that is mainly affected by the organizational culture of the facility. For those who are planning on
becoming a mechanical engineer, but are unsure if its what they really want I have a few
suggestions. First, look into what you enjoy doing the most in life and see if mechanical
engineering encompasses anything you like or are interested in. Mechanical engineering deals
with many fields of expertise. Second, see where your life may go if in mechanical engineering
and prepare a life plan that you feel you could follow; dont rely too heavily on that plan though,
life may give you unexpected opportunities and drawbacks. Third, research jobs at companies
that use mechanical engineers and other types of engineering. This way you can be exposed to
more than one type of work profession and see for yourself if the particular branch youre in is
what you enjoy the most.
The reason why I have written this report is to help those looking into mechanical
engineering to understand what makes a good mechanical engineer and what affects their work
styles. This research into a particular group of engineers has provided an excellent example of
what can be expected in the life of a mechanical engineer. For those who read this report and use
the recommendations Ive mentioned before will most likely find more clarity and desire in
becoming a mechanical engineer. The medical field provides a host of opportunities for
mechanical engineers and is a noble cause to help in, but this is not the only possible choice.
There are thousands of other job sites and companies that can use mechanical engineering.

Mechanical Engineers in the Medical Field

10

Mechanical engineering is a vital profession and all the world has grown to depend on. The
many men and women who provide their skills and life for the benefit of others have done so
much to help the world become what it is today.
Thank you for your interest in mechanical engineering and taking the time to read this
report. I hope this has provided all those who read it with helpful information that they will use.

MIKAL NORTON
[Street Address, City State ZIP Code] | [Email] | [Telephone]

CAREER
OBJECTIVE

SKILLS & ABILITIES

EXPERIENCE

To immediately provide great support, strength, team work, improvement, and work
efficiency to the company.

-Strong -obedient -diligent -hard laborer -eager and quick learner -adaptable -good team
worker -always willing to help others -understanding -easy going -safety conscious
trustworthy

CART PUSHER SAMS CLUB

NOV, 2015-PRESENT

EDUCATION

My main responsibility was to provide and maintain a constant availability of

shopping carts to the members of Sams Club.
I also helped to maintain the neatness of the parking lot, provided aid with the
loading and unloading of items members needed help with, giving support and
relief to other employees, and overall giving my all to ensure members remain
pleased with their visits to Sams Club.

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, TALORSVILLE, UT

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

2014-Present

AWARDS,
ACTIVITIES,
SERVICE

REFERENCES

Volunteered two years of my life (2012-2014) to a non-profit organization in which I

helped to given self-improving methods to various individuals and families. This
volunteer work also required me to give a great deal of other services including:
social support, menial labor, emergency aid, and even house work.
In 2011 I was the leader for a service project. I set up a project where a large group
of volunteers, ranging from teenagers to adults, and I came to a section of newly
cut trail in the Draper Mountains to smooth it out for use. I was able to come into
contact with some officials who provided us with the spot to work and the tools and
training needed to do the job. It went very well and we succeeded in making a very
neat trail for hikers and bikers to use.

EMPLOYEE RECORDS
SAMS CLUB
1-800-367-5690
GREG MEYER, CART PUSHER
SAMS CLUB

Known for 1 year

CASSIDY STEADMEN, NIEGHBOR AND SERVICE LEADER
Known for 6 Years

References

Our Culture. (2015). Merit Medical. Retrieved on September 12, 2015 from
http://www.merit.com/careers/culture.aspx

Our Culture. (2015). Edwards Lifesciences. Retrieved on September 12, 2015 from
http://www.edwards.com/_layouts/Edwards.moss.web.webapp/careerssection/culture.htm

http://www.iso.org/iso/home/search.htm?qt=carbon+based+plastic&sort=rel&type=simple&pu
blished=on

http://images.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fnewlight.com%2Fnewlightimages%2Fair_to_plastic_diagram.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fnewlight.com%2F&h=303&w
=422&tbnid=LX0KElAnwU23BM%3A&docid=YZ1BXhUcFpODM&ei=NhNpVvPqE4GIjwOMyZbYDA&tbm=isch&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=824&page=1&star
t=0&ndsp=15&ved=0ahUKEwjz3Z6LzdDJAhUBxGMKHYykBcsQrQMIHjAA

http://images.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.trendhunterstatic.com%2Fthumbs
%2Faircarbon-by-newlighttechnologies.jpeg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.trendhunter.com%2Ftrends%2Faircarbonby-newlighttechnologies&h=401&w=600&tbnid=rJOPv6L4xfVFIM%3A&docid=ehl1TCQGddJfgM&ei=NhNpV
vPqE4GIjwOMyZbYDA&tbm=isch&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=1686&page=1&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=
0ahUKEwjz3Z6LzdDJAhUBxGMKHYykBcsQrQMILTAF

http://images.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcbsnews1.cbsistatic.com%2Fhub%2Fi
%2Fr%2F2014%2F07%2F30%2Fb3ef2e37-de04-4a72-a2c44d577aed6daa%2Fthumbnail%2F620x350%2Fdb987c38217050f5c792d8341ca7539b%2Faircarb
on-plastic.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fnews%2Fcompany-unlockssecret-to-making-plastic-out-ofair%2F&h=350&w=620&tbnid=mlDaieEoAPOgAM%3A&docid=cssaMPGwy7pT8M&ei=xBNpVsnHMqwjwOE0YuIAw&tbm=isch&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=1181&page=1&start=0&ndsp=16&ved=0a
hUKEwjJ8ILPzdDJAhVK2GMKHYToAjEQrQMIHjAA

http://newlight.com/

http://www.iso.org/iso/home/store/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=63766

http://www.iso.org/iso/home/store/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=63767