Bullen Ultrasonics Launches Junior Engineer Program with Ivy Tech

24-month development program advances Bullen's mission to grow advanced materials machining talent from within

Mar. 24, 2026 at 10:37am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bullen Ultrasonics, a leader in precision machining of advanced ceramics, glass and specialty materials, has announced a new Junior Engineer Program created in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College. The structured 24-month workforce development initiative provides participants with a direct pathway toward an associate degree in engineering or another technical field, combining accredited coursework, onsite labs, structured mentorship and project-based learning tailored to Bullen's high-precision machining environment.

Why it matters

The program reflects Bullen's commitment to developing the next generation of technical talent internally and strengthening the regional advanced manufacturing workforce. By integrating accredited coursework, certified internal instructors, and sustained one-on-one mentorship within a live manufacturing environment, the Junior Engineer Program aims to cultivate technically proficient, analytical and data-driven fabrication engineers from Bullen's existing workforce.

The details

Developed with input from Bullen's technical leadership team and aligned with Ivy Tech's Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Applied Science (AMEAS) programs, the Junior Engineer Program combines academic coursework, onsite labs, structured mentorship and project-based learning tailored to Bullen's high-precision machining environment. Participants are selected from high-potential operators and continue in their roles while dedicating structured time to engineering development. At the heart of the initiative is mentorship, with each participant paired with a Bullen engineer who provides guidance, technical instruction and exposure to real-world engineering challenges.

  • The Junior Engineer Program was announced on March 24, 2026.

The players

Bullen Ultrasonics

A global leader in the precision machining of advanced ceramics, glass and specialty materials using proprietary ultrasonic and laser-based technologies.

Ivy Tech Community College

Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Tim Beatty

CEO of Bullen Ultrasonics.

Brandi Jackson

Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Development at Ivy Tech Community College.

Springer Smith

Ultrasonic technology manager at Bullen Ultrasonics and technical lead for the Junior Engineer Program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Bullen's technology and manufacturing processes require deep technical understanding that can only be developed through sustained learning and hands-on experience. We believe the best way to secure our future is to invest in our people. This program pairs accredited education with real-world mentorship so our employees can grow into engineering leaders within our organization.”

— Tim Beatty, CEO of Bullen Ultrasonics

“This partnership demonstrates how employers and community colleges can collaborate to create meaningful, career-connected education. By aligning accredited coursework with Bullen's operational needs, we are helping employees build skills that translate directly into long-term career advancement while strengthening the regional manufacturing workforce.”

— Brandi Jackson, Vice Chancellor of Workforce and Development at Ivy Tech Community College

“This program grew out of something we were already doing informally. Several operators were curious about engineering careers, so we began meeting regularly to work through real engineering problems together. Over time we realized that by combining mentorship, hands-on project work and formal coursework, we could create a structured pathway that helps people grow into engineering roles while strengthening Bullen's long-term talent pipeline.”

— Springer Smith, Ultrasonic technology manager at Bullen Ultrasonics and technical lead for the Junior Engineer Program

What’s next

The inaugural cohort of the Junior Engineer Program will include up to six Bullen employees, with the first participants starting in the program in the coming months.

The takeaway

By integrating accredited coursework, certified internal instructors, and sustained one-on-one mentorship within a live manufacturing environment, the Junior Engineer Program reinforces Bullen Ultrasonics' belief that long-term innovation depends on continuous learning and internal development of technical talent.